​User Reviews – Balule NR

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Georgina   –  
Mexico MX
Visited: January 2023 Reviewed: Jan 27, 2023

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

It was the best trip ever !!!!
Overall rating
5/5

I was traveling solo from Mexico and I book for Balule Private Game Reserve and Ilana was so nice with me sending all info via what’s she is so nice, she have me all tips i needed for the safari, thanks so much! Balule game reserve is an amazing place to stay, all the staff is amazing humans with so much knowledge about their gob and make me feel safe and at home ! Miss you guy ! Food was delicious, the tent was incredible and the bed was amazing, I felt so connected to nature and animales, it was one of the top moments in my life thanks to you !!!
Georgina from Mexico

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

Ian Matthews   –  
Australia AU
Visited: January 2024 Reviewed: Feb 25, 2024

Email Ian Matthews  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Overall rating
5/5

So peaceful and serene. We saw plenty of animals in a short space of time. Really excited to be there.

Wojciech Koziołek   –  
Poland PL
Visited: May 2023 Reviewed: May 21, 2023

Email Wojciech Koziołek  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Overall rating
5/5

Amazing lion sightings (very cloes to the car!), we saw pride of lions a couple of times. Lots of rhinos (we saw 6 of them in one day!!), in general great safari destination,

Sarah Hulett   –  
United States US
Visited: February 2023 Reviewed: Mar 16, 2023

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

Overall rating
5/5

So much fun!!!

Terri   –  
United Kingdom UK
Visited: September 2022 Reviewed: Oct 17, 2022

Email Terri  |  50-65 years of age  |  Experience level: over 5 safaris

Overall rating
5/5

Because it was small we were able to see so many animals and the guides alerted others so that everyone could have a chance to see them. We also went on a bush walk and saw loads of hippo. And on the bush braii a hyena sat by the fire. Fabulous thank you

Kirsten   –  
Netherlands NL
Visited: September 2022 Reviewed: Oct 17, 2022

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

Overall rating
5/5

Smaller more quiet reserve. Better observation of animals.

Derick   –  
Australia AU
Visited: January 2019 Reviewed: Jan 26, 2019

Email Derick  |  65+ years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Overall rating
5/5

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

Leslie Kuhlmann   –  
United States US
Visited: November 2018 Reviewed: Nov 29, 2018

Email Leslie Kuhlmann  |  35-50 years of age  |  Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Overall rating
5/5

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.

Jacqueline H.   –  
United States US
Visited: September 2018 Reviewed: Nov 7, 2018

Email Jacqueline H.  |  20-35 years of age  |  Experience level: first safari

Overall rating
5/5

Perfection. Everything was perfect.

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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