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Pondoro Game Lodge
From dining and accommodation to wildlife sightings, Pondoro Game Lodge offers an extraordinary five-star experience. Set in a private concession in the Greater Kruger Park, Pondoro promises exclusive game viewing and a tranquil setting to rejuvenate body, mind, and soul. Communal spaces are tucked among greenery along the Olifants River allowing you to enjoy a full immersion into the natural surroundings in luxury. Here, you can savour a fusion of traditional
African flavours and modern European trends on the expansive dining deck while viewing animals drinking from the riverbanks. Guests can relax in the indoor or outdoor lounge areas, enjoy being pampered at the on-site spa, stay fit in the fitness room, and cool down at the lodge pool cocooned by lush greenery. The award-winning lodge features five suites and three chalets each individually decorated in a contemporary style, merging outdoor elements and rustic materials with modern comforts and opulence. An unforgettable overnight experience can be booked in the Treehouse Hide which overlooks a spot-lit waterhole in the middle of the bush.
Game drives in open-top safari cruisers are led by expert guides traversing an area of 10 000 hectares. The area has strict vehicle limits to ensure that your safari is exclusive, uncrowded, and that you get the best photo opportunities. Unlike public viewing areas, rangers here can venture off- road which allows for some close-up wildlife sightings. The area is known for regular Big 5 sightings among a variety of other wildlife and birdlife species. As one of the few private lodges in South Africa situated on the Olifants River, guests also frequently spot hippos and crocodiles. For an even closer encounter in nature, take a guided walking safari with a ranger.
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
- Wine cellar
- Open-air dinning
- Spa & Gym
- Viewing deck
- Bar & lounges
- Treehouse Hide Experience
- Waterhole
Highlights:
- The lodge is situated on the banks of the Olifants River, one of South Africa’s largest perennial rivers.
- An excellent value for money 5-star lodge offering in the Kruger.
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3 chalets and 5 luxury suites, each with private viewing decks overlooking the river.
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Luxury suites additionally feature spacious lounge areas and outdoor jacuzzis.
- Unique activities include a hide overlooking a waterhole and a treehouse sleepout experience.
- Outstanding cuisine where traditional African flavors blend seamlessly with modern European influences.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
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 Pondoro Game Lodge, daily flights operate from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit: 60 minutes.
- Flight time from Cape Town to Hoedspruit: 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Road transfers from Hoedspruit to Pondoro Game Lodge take 90 minutes.
Special offers:
- Enjoy one free night with our PAY 3 STAY 4 offers.
- Enquire for seasonal dates for special offer.
Child Policy:
- Pondoro Game Lodge welcomes children over 12 years.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bush walks, all meals, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, 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 31 December 2025
Accommodation Options
Each luxury chalet overlooks the Olifants River from a private viewing deck as well as from the en- suite shower and bathtub. Two of the chalets have an outdoor bathtub while the other features an alfresco shower and indoor tub.
Refer to T&C's above
Price R 10,350 per person, per night
Each luxurious suite features a private viewing deck and jacuzzi with river views. Interiors are a magnificent haven of comfort with a lounge area, luxurious beds draped in mosquito netting, and an en-suite featuring a bathtub, indoor and outdoor shower.
Refer to T&C's above
Price R 16,410 per person, per night
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