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Balule Private Game Reserve
Balule Nature Reserve, often overshadowed by its more renowned counterparts, is swiftly garnering recognition as a premier destination within the Kruger National Park’s constellation of private reserves. Encompassing a vast expanse of 40,000 hectares, it occupies a prime position on the western fringes of the Greater Kruger area, adjacent to the Kapama Game Reserve, Timbavati Game Reserve, and the iconic Kruger Park itself.
With no fences between Balule and neighboring reserves, wildlife freely roams the area. Renowned for its high density of wildlife populations, Balule is home to over 70 mammal species and 220 bird varieties. The perennial Olifants River, a lifeline coursing through the reserve, serves as a focal point for wildlife congregations. Balule’s ecological diversity is a testament to its location within the subtropical lowveld. The rich tapestry of habitats supports an impressive array of flora, boasting an astonishing 336 documented tree species. Among them, iconic species such as baobabs, fever trees, knobthorns, marulas, and mopanes adorn the landscape, adding to its scenic splendour.
Despite offering fewer accommodation options, its lodges provide an authentic safari experience with a focus on intimacy. Activities like game drives, night safaris, and walking tours offer immersive encounters with nature. With a deliberate focus on maintaining a low guest density, strict regulations ensure an uncrowded and intimate atmosphere.
Wildlife:
- High concentration of Big 5 with large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as large lion prides.
- Other wildlife include but are not limited to the hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, African wild dog, hyaena, warthog and many other cat and antelope species.
- Large antelope herds support the populations of predators in the reserve.
- Over 500 bird species have been recorded in the region. Many can be seen in the reserve.
Game Drives:
- Game drives take place twice a day in the early mornings and afternoons for a duration of 3-4 hours.
- Game drives are led by an experienced guide and tracker team.
- Vehicles are allowed to go off road to track and follow the wildlife.
- Strict traverse rules are in place and vehicle numbers are limited in each reserve. A maximum of two vehicles are allowed at any sighting.
- Night drives and guided bushwalks are permitted.
Activities & facilities:
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Open-air traditional African Boma
- Spa & Gym
- Large viewing deck
- Bar & lounges
Highlights:
- 40 000 hectares in size.
- No fences which allows free movement of wildlife between the reserves.
- Perennial Olifants River is a prominent landmark attracting wildlife.
- Increasing animal count, particular lions, since the fences were removed in 1995.
- Exceptional outdoor dining experiences.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
- Renowned for close up Big-5 sightings.
Location:
- Located in the western region of the Greater Kruger and borders the Kruger National Park, as well as Klaserie, Makalali and Kapama Game reserves.
- The Kruger National Park is almost 2 million hectares and lies in the north-eastern corner of South Africa in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
Getting there:
- Hoedspruit (HDS) is the closet commercial airport to the Balule, daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit or private airstrip: 60 minutes.
- Flight time from Cape Town to Skukuza: 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Road transfers from Hoedspruit to Balule take 60 – 120 minutes lodge depending.
Special offers:
- Enjoy one free night with our PAY 3 STAY 4 offers.
- Honeymoon offers include 50% off one partners accommodation, plus extras.
- South African resident rates are bookable 30 days prior to arrival date only.
Child Policy:
- Pioneer Camp welcomes children over years
- Children under 6 years can be accommodated if the camp is booked for exclusive use
- Children 6 – 11 years pay 50% of adult rate
Inclusions & Exclusions:
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bush walks, all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages, and private airstrip transfers.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, commercial airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Rates:
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below
- Rates are charged per person, per night
- Single supplement of 50% applicable
- Rates displayed are valid until 15 December 2024
Seasons:
- Peak season: 20 December – 03 January
- High season: 04 January – 19 December
Packages:
Cape Town and safari packages are designed by our on-trend team of travel experts. Packages include flights, transfers, accommodation, and full board safari experience. View packages or enquire via the contact form on the page below.
Are you a SA Resident?
SA resident rates available at Kapama Game Reserve during certain periods.
SA Resident Specials
Sausage Tree Safari Camp
Sausage Tree Safari Camp | Balule Private Game Reserve
+8 Years
Now R 6,800 per person per night
USE PROMO CODE SDS438 IN BOOKING FORM
Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge
Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge | Balule Private Game Reserve
All Ages
Now R 6,200 per person per night
USE PROMO CODE SDS438 IN BOOKING FORM
Pondoro Game Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge | Balule Private Game Reserve
+12 Years
Now R 9,585 per person per night
USE PROMO CODE SDS438 IN BOOKING FORM
Balule Lodges
Sausage Tree Safari Camp
Sausage Tree Safari Camp | Balule Private Game Reserve
+8 Years
Now R 6,800 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge
Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge | Balule Private Game Reserve
All Ages
Now R 6,200 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Pondoro Game Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge | Balule Private Game Reserve
+12 Years
Now R 9,585 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Kruger Packages
-
9 Nights Kruger National Park, Cape Town & Winelands
Post Link9 Nights / 10 Days
From R 56,000 to R 69,500 per person
Includes internal flights, transfers, accommodation…
Southern Camp at Kapama ticks all the boxes and offers an exceptional 5-star safari experience. Stay at a boutique hotel along the Atlantic coastline in Cape Town and then enjoy the Stellenbosch wine region…
Days: 10premium -
7 Nights Kruger National Park Experience
Post Link7 Nights / 8 Days
From R 83,500 to R 88,000 per person
Includes internal flights, transfers, accommodation…
Experience two 5-star private game reserves in the Kruger National Park. Kapama River Lodge and Siviti Safari Lodge are a perfect combination, and are located in prime locations for Big-5 game viewing…
Days: 8premium -
14 Nights Kruger National Park Holiday Packages
Post Link14 Nights / 15 Days
From R 56,200 to R 366,000 per person
Includes internal flights, transfers, accommodation…
Experience two 5-star private game reserves in the Kruger National Park. Kapama River Lodge and Siviti Safari Lodge are a perfect combination, and are located in prime locations for Big-5 game viewing…
Days: 15premium
Best-price guarantee
Enquire at Balule Game Reserve