Pondoro Game Lodge

Overview

Location: South Africa–>Balule Nature Reserve–>Kruger National Park
Accommodation Type: Lodge
Comfort Level: Luxury

Good For: Couple/Romantic, Family, Solo |

Set on the cool riverine banks of the Olifants River in the 40 000ha Balule Private Nature Reserve inside the greater Kruger National Park, Pondoro game lodge offers its visitors comfort, sophistication, elegance and a canvas on which to create a truly unforgettable African safari.

A safari to Africa is about intimacy, tranquility and the romance of a bygone era. This small, exclusive 16-bed game lodge fits the mould perfectly with 8 chalets spread out along the largest perennial river in Kruger National Park.

A morning and evening safari every day in open safaricruisers in search of the Big 5 ( lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo ) and other plains game are conducted by expert rangers and trackers and promise an unforgettable safari. The vehicles in the huge concession area are limited and with only 2 allowed at a sighting exclusivity is ensured. Meals are a extraordinary culinary experience where traditional African cuisine fuse effortlessly with modern European trends. Select any of the our fine wines from an award winning wine cellar to compliment the food. All meals are served on a wooden deck high up in the tree canopy overlooking the Olifants river.

Accommodation

Suites
At Pondoro you are invited to indulge in the ultimate luxury when selecting anyone of our 5 suites during your stay.

All suites are air-conditioned and architecturally designed offering modern comforts in an ancient setting. Each suite is provided with a private patio, lounge area and an outside shower for those who are adventurous at heart.

At Pondoro you are invited to indulge in the ultimate luxury when selecting anyone of the 5 suites during your stay.

A new addition to all the suites is a rock pool style Jacuzzi built into the wooden deck in front of the suites facing the river. They are all completely private and compliment the romantic setting at Pondoro. Imagine enjoying a glass of port after dinner in the privacy of your own Jacuzzi while being serenaded to by a symphony of bush sounds.

Chalets
Pondoro has three architecturally designed chalets overlooking the Olifants River.

Each chalet has been beautifully decorated with an African theme. All chalets have en-suite bathrooms (with a shower and bath overlooking the river), air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a wooden deck.

Wildlife

Game Drives and Bush Walks

Imagine a lion’s pre-dawn roar as the only sound accompanying your early morning wake-up call. As the first rays of the sun melts the African night away, you will find yourself on a open-topped Land Rover tracking down amongst others, five of the animals African hunters feared the most.

Experienced guides will not only use all their vast knowledge and bush craft to try and show you the notorious Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) and other plains game such as zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, but they will do their best to paint memories of an Africa that will never fade away.

A nature walk with an armed guide would add the thrill of encountering animals on foot.

Let your guide page with you through nature’s book and explain to you the meaning of various tracks and why tracking is seen as the origin of science

Your evening drive will be interrupted by sundowners and a sunset out of a Hemingway novel. Thereafter the spotlight might follow grey ghosts as they move silently through the night, bringing back memories of a time when we were the prey and they were the undisputed rulers of the night.

More Info

Children 
• Children 12yrs and older are welcome at Pondoro Game Lodge.

Directions

Pondoro Game Lodge lies in Balule Private Nature Reserve on the border of the famed Kruger National Park in South Africa.

A comfortable 5 hour’s drive from Johannesburg International Airport, the well maintained provincial and regional road infrastructure in South Africa provides easy access for private vehicles. Transfers for guests accessing the area by air through nearby Phalaborwa, Eastgate (Hoedspruit) and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airports will be facilitated by Pondoro Game Lodge.