Luxury hotels in Balule Game Reserve

Hey! When I travel I love to stay at luxurious hotels - especially the kind of places that offer over the top extras and really spoil their guests with great service, nice spas, awesome restaurants and beautiful views. What more can you want? To save some time, I've put together this list of my favourite 5-star hotels and resorts in Balule Game Reserve. I hope you will like it!

• 1 Pondoro Game Lodge Balule Game Reserve, South Africa

  

  Lodge. Pondoro is set on the banks of the Olifants River inside the 50 000 ha Balule Private Game Reserve inside the greater Kruger National Park. 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), lounge area, air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a wooden deck. All our suites are air-conditioned and architecturally designed offering modern comforts in an ancient setting. Each suite is provided with a private wooden deck, Jacuzzi, lounge area and an outside shower for those who are adventurous at heart. A fusion of traditional African and modern European cuisine can be enjoyed on the wooden deck overlooking the river. Guests can taste fine wine from Pondoro’s extensive wine cellar or grab a snack at the bar. Meals and drinks included. Revitalize your mind, body and soul with classic spa treatments which range from a glass covered steam room, a spa bath under the wide African sky to a massage in the privacy of your room or visit our fitness centre. Morning and evening safari drives on open-topped Land Rovers, bird-watching and nature walks are included. Experienced guides will not only use their knowledge and bushcraft to try and show you the Big Five and other plains game, 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. The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is 131 km away. Hoedspruit Airport is a 60-minute drive from the camp. Show full description Guest review score 9.9

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• 2 Sangasava Safari Lodge Balule Game Reserve, South Africa

  

  Lodge. Private 5-Star upmarket self-catering safari lodge inside the 'Big-5' Kruger Park (KNP) Nature Reserve, on the banks of the Olifants River. Four double bedrooms en suite, sofa beds, for 8 adults & 4 kids. Booking is for 2 nights minimum. No price up to a 2 year old. Large terrace with pool. Lounge and open kitchen. Fireplace for barbecues in garden. Entertainment area at the riverfront, 300m from house. No other guests, one party at a time. No loud music is allowed in the game reserve. Serviced by 2 staff, mobile and WiFi connection. 1 hour to Kruger Park gates. Game drives/bush walks: R550/650 pp. Newly renovated lodge, fitted with top-end furniture and appliances. Staffed 24-hours a day. High quality beds, linen and bathrooms. Large entertainment deck with pool, overlooking an open field towards the Olifants River. House and garden fenced with an electric wire for protection against wildlife. Separate fenced patio at the river front, 300m from the lodge, with fireplace, shallow pool to sit in while watching the animal and bird life in and around the river. The Balule Parson gate to the game reserve is at the R40 road, just north of the Tzaneen turn-off (R526): open between 05:00 and 19:30. NOTE: It is not possible to get to the lodge if arriving late (make sure you arrive before 7pm)! Entrance gate will be notified ahead of guest arrival. Guest numbers cannot exceed the number in the booking, to enter the game reserve. Please note gate entrance fee is currently (2022) R200.00 per vehicle, plus R100-300 pp, once per visit, payable in cash at the gate. Inside the game reserve, follow the directions on road plinths towards Parson No 20 (Sangasava). The Balule Parson gate to the game reserve is at the R40 road, just north of the Tzaneen turn-off (R526): open between 05:00 and 19:30 - Parsons (not Parson)The game reserve road is possible to negotiate with a standard car, but a SUV with higher ground clearance much better. 4x4 not needed. All guests will need to sign an Indemnity Form on arrival. Firewood provided for the evening barbecue. Kruger Park is a Malaria risk area, bring anti-mosquito spray and long sleeve trousers and shirts for dawn and sunset. Consult your doctors regarding anti-malaria medication. Show full description Guest review score 9.1

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• 3 Ezulwini Game Lodges Balule Game Reserve, South Africa

  

  Lodge. Ezulwini Lodges offer modern accommodation with private bathroom facilities in the picturesque Balule Private Nature Reserve. Rates include 2 game drives per day. Surrounded by lush flora and fauna, Ezulwini Lodges are standard chalets and ultra-luxury suites. Rooms are offered in Ezulwini Lodges’ 2nd property, the Ezulwini River Lodge. River Lodge’s suites overlook Olifants River and have a private bathroom. At Ezulwini Lodges, guests can enjoy an English breakfast and as well as traditional game-based dishes. Show full description Guest review score 8.5

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I try my best to keep this guide up to date and I last refreshed it in November 2022. Did I miss a luxury hotel that should be on this list? Send me an email and let me know!