Pondoro is a lodge for guests aged 12 and over in the Balule. The rate includes three meals a day, house drinks, morning and evening game drives, and nature walks with armed trackers.
Guests 12 and older
Nature walks with armed trackers
House wines, beers and spirits included
Anti-poaching unit tour available
AccommodationChalets and Suites
OperatorPondoro
Safari styleGuided game drives and walks
Children12 years and up
Traversing areaAbout 12,140 ha of traversingStated as 30,000 acres · source · What's this?
Spa (extra)Pool
Strengths
- Drinks are included in the rate
- Guided bush walks are included
- Close to Hoedspruit airport (≈ 25 km in a straight line)
- Large traversing area: 12,140 ha
- Unfenced with Kruger, so wildlife moves freely
Things to consider
- No children under 12
- Minimum stay of 2 nights
- Among the pricier Balule lodges for your dates
Drawn from the rates, policies and facts on this page for your dates and group, not from reviews.
Rooms
Chalets and Suites. Room photos will appear once the lodge supplies them.
Rates & inclusions
| Period | Dates | Published rate | ≈ EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan – 20 Dec | 1 Jan – 20 Dec | R11,385 | €616 |
| 21 Dec – 4 Jan | 21 Dec – 4 Jan | R12,525 | €678 |
Chalet, per person sharing, minimum 2 nights. Suites from R18,215. Conversions use €1 = R18.47 (OFX mid-market rate; GBP from the Bank of England spot rate, 19 Oct 2026). Highlighted row matches your check-in date.
All meals Included
Guided game drives Included
Guided walks Included
Conservation levyNot included
Airstrip / airport transfersR895 pp each way, 2 guests
Drinks Included
Self-driving guests pay the Balule conservation and road levy at the gate: R450 per person plus R120 per vehicle.
Where to book
Book on Safari.com, or on the lodge's own website if Safari.com doesn't list it.
Published rate for your datesThe booking link shows whether rooms are free for your dates.
Your trip details
Pondoro Game Lodge (Balule, Greater Kruger) Check-in Mon, 16 Nov 2026 · check-out Thu, 19 Nov 2026 · 3 nights 2 adults Nationality: International Room: Chalet
Safari.com doesn't accept dates in a link, so clicking it copies your trip details above, ready to paste into the enquiry form. Prices there can differ from the published rates shown here.
Balule
Balule is part of the Associated Private Nature Reserves on Kruger's western edge, north of Hoedspruit. The perennial Olifants River flows for about 20 km through the middle of the reserve.
Big FiveLionLeopardElephantRhinoCheetahBirdlife
Wildlife listed for the reserve as a whole (source: Wikipedia: Balule Nature Reserve). Sightings are never guaranteed.
Game viewing through the year
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Safari Shortlist's general guide for Greater Kruger. Your check-in month is highlighted. See the month guide
Getting there
National parkPrivate reserveAirportPark gate
Nearest scheduled airportHoedspruit Eastgate (HDS)
Straight-line distance≈ 25 km
TransfersTransfers are extra: from Hoedspruit Eastgate R895 per person each way (for 2 guests).
AccessAbout 40 km from the nearest airport (Hoedspruit Eastgate).
Coordinates-24.1675, 30.9340
ReserveBalule
Policies
Check-in / check-outAsk the lodge
ChildrenNo children under 12.
Cancellation50% forfeited 31+ days before arrival; 75% at 8–30 days; 100% within 7 days.
Websitepondoro.co.za
Sources
Information checked in October 2026. Rates and policies change, so the lodge or booking partner always confirms the final details.
Run this lodge or spotted a mistake? Send a correctionAlso consider
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