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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.
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.

Sausage Tree Safari Camp
Balule Private Game Reserve
Now $ 456 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Sausage Tree Safari Camp is an intimate tented camp near a wildlife-frequented waterhole. It offers 4 luxury tents and 1 suite, each with a private deck and stunning bush views.
Ages 8 years and older

Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge
Balule Private Game Reserve
Now $ 408 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge is an authentic retreat with beautiful gardens overlooking the reserve. Accommodation is offered in charming rondavels, including 2-bedroom family units.
All ages are welcome

Pondoro Game Lodge
Balule Private Game Reserve
Now $ 621 per person per night
Includes 2 daily game drives, meals, beverages…
Pondoro Game Lodge, on the Olifants River, offers 3 chalets and 5 luxury suites with private decks. Unique experiences include a waterhole hide and treehouse sleepout.
Ages 12 years and older
Best-price guarantee
Enquire at Balule Game Reserve