​User Reviews – Balule NR

Sort By: Date Most Helpful Rating 21-30 of 31 Reviews
Remco Verkoeijen   –  
Netherlands NL
Visited: September 2017 Reviewed: Oct 6, 2017

Email Remco Verkoeijen  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Overall rating
4/5

Because of the drought, wildlife is a little bit less than Kruger, but the bush vibe is great because of the small unpaved roads. It felt very private as there were only a few operators in that area. It is a very nice addition to the day in Kruger as you're allowed in all day and night.

Rajendran   –  
India IN
Visited: July 2017 Reviewed: Sep 5, 2017

Email Rajendran  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

The review below is the personal opinion of Rajendran and not that of SafariBookings.
Execpt antelopes and giraffies nothing much
Overall rating
3/5

The accomodation at baluleni safary lodge was excellant.the staff were very curteous and accomodative .

Barbara Urias   –  
Spain ES
Visited: July 2017 Reviewed: Aug 29, 2017

Email Barbara Urias  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Overall rating
5/5

because of the marvellous bush walks and outdoor sleeping.

Raffaella   –  
Italy IT
Visited: August 2016 Reviewed: Nov 28, 2016

Email Raffaella  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

The review below is the personal opinion of Raffaella and not that of SafariBookings.
Overall rating
3/5

Yuo can't drive around by yourself and you always need a guided safari.

JoshBakerPhotography   –  
Australia AU
Visited: April 2016 Reviewed: Sep 24, 2016

Email JoshBakerPhotography

Overall rating
5/5

A great place to stay, amazing team of guides and hospitality staff. Great Safaris at night and during the day. Plenty to see and do. Well organised and centred around your satisfaction. 100% recommended. The sunset safari with a sundowner was a highlight. An amazing amount of wildlife. All of the staff were great, very welcoming and extremely knowledgable about the wildlife and reserve itself.

Kanikoski   –  
United States US
Visited: April 2016 Reviewed: Aug 2, 2016

Email Kanikoski  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Overall rating
5/5

As far as our game sightings at Balule were concerned, the elephants topped the bill. We had some very close, very powerful experiences with the beautiful animals on the reserve.

Beenie Photography   –  
United States US
Visited: June 2015 Reviewed: Nov 30, 2015

Email Beenie Photography  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Overall rating
4/5

This was the lesser of our two stays. The overall density of wildlife was less in Balule than in Sabi Sands. That being said, we actually had our best sighting of our trip during our final drive at Gomo Gomo. A mother leopard and her cub walked right out in front of the vehicle, not more than 10 meters away.

Kelly Guenther   –  
United States US
Visited: August 2015 Reviewed: Sep 23, 2015

Email Kelly Guenther  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Dry But Beautiful
Overall rating
4/5

This reserve abuts Kruger National Park. It's fairly barren in August before the September rains come but filled with wildlife. A railroad runs thru the reserve, but what's surprising is how wild animals accommodate that (and the damage elephants can cause to man-made structures). There was no need for a jacket since it was dry… didn't even get that cold on the night safaris. Also has the Olifant River running thru it giving a great perspective on wildlife around watering holes and the river.

Soma   –  
Switzerland CH
Visited: August 2015 Reviewed: Aug 30, 2015

Email Soma  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Luxury among the Widerness
Overall rating
5/5

We stayed at the Pondoro Game Lodge in Balule Nature Reserve for a couple of days - and we can absolutely recommend it.

A typical day at Pondoro used to start at 6 am in the morning with the morning safari drive. Safaris were on a open jeep with a guide / driver and a tracker. Our guide and tracker (Rulani and Andries) were absolutely wonderful. Rulani always gave us a brief description of the animals we sighted - which was very helpful for us city people. Both were very friendly and absolutely motivated to provide us the best safari experience. We still remember the time when Andries went out on foot in search of lions, and after half an hour we saw a family of lions heading our way with Andries following them calmly with a stick in hand. We managed to see not only the Big 5, but also zebras, giraffes, hippos, etc.

Robbie and Lize maintain the lodge as a family home and you are always made to feel very welcome. Returning from the morning safari (around 9 am), there is a luscious breakfast waiting for you. It is indeed an exhilarating experience having breakfast out in the open, with the sound of a stream flowing nearby, where different animals often drop by for a drink. After breakfast, you are free to relax, roam around a bit and explore. The cottages are beautifully designed with modern amenities such as air conditioners, fully equipped bathrooms; and a bit of wilderness such as showers and a jacuzzi out in the open. So you might be taking a shower when an elephant decides to drop by for a visit :)

For a more detailed review, please refer to our blog: http://travel-pics-tips.blogspot.ch/2015/08/south-african-wilderness.html

Rob Severin   –  
South Africa ZA
Visited: September 2011 Reviewed: Apr 16, 2012

Email Rob Severin  |  35-50 years of age

Overall rating
5/5

Part of the Great Kruger National Park

Average User Rating

  • 4.4/5
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star 18
  • 4 star 8
  • 3 star 4
  • 2 star 0
  • 1 star 1
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