Balule Nature Reserve

Luxury among the Widerness

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

Your own private Kruger Park!

We stayed for 3 nights and did one gamedrive. The setting of Amukela lodge is very nice, and good value for money. Meals were good, atmosphere relaxed and personal. The waterholes were visited by impala, jackal, vervet monkeys, civet, elephants (2 big ones) and in the evening we heard the lions! Owner/managed with friendly and helpful staff.

Hunting atrocities at Balule

Please be aware that Balule not only offers hunting, but has been involved in a number of controversies, including the killing of a young elephant by two (apparently drunk) tourists - 13 shots, 15 minutes of crying torture for the animal:

https://conservationaction.co.za/media-articles/young-balule-elephant-shot-13-times-before-horrified-visitors/
https://africageographic.com/stories/illegal-collared-elephant-hunt-greater-kruger-warden-convicted/
https://twnews.us/us-news/this-l-a-hunter-killed-an-elephant-now-he-s-a-peta-target-in-bid-to-end-trophy-hunting

Didn't get to see the Big 5, but did see many lions, elephants and buffalo. Missed out on the leopard and the rhinoceros. Amazingly didn't see a single giraffe.

We saw the big 5 within 2 outings amongst the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery.

Along with the larger animals like lion, elephant and rhino, our guide had an intimate knowledge of the bush. He was able to share tons of information about the trees, birds, rocks etc. which was a perfect compliment to seeing the larger animals in their habitat.

Perfection. Everything was perfect.

Saw lots of wildlife, the bush walk was great. The guides were very informative.

We saw the big five and much more.

We were able to see all the Big 5 and many more besides. Close for a day trip to Kruger. Handy to a small town and other places to visit. Comfortable accommodation