Balule Rest Camp

Close to the Olifants River, Balule is actually a satellite unit of Olifants Camp, and is situated only 11 km away.

Accommodation is in basic huts that can sleep up to 3. There is no electricity in this camp, and lanterns are used at night. The huts do not have their own toilets or showers, but there are ample and clean communal facilities.

It is a very popular camp if you really want to 'get back to basics'.

Rates Include

Accommodation only basis. PLEASE NOTE: The daily Conservation Fee is NOT included - this is payable at the Park gate on arrival.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request.

Directions For Drivers

If you are entering the Park for the first time, the best gate to enter through is the Phalaborwa Gate. If you are driving to the camp from within the Park, please use the 'South African National Parks Visitors Guide to the Kruger National Park' which contains detailed road maps.

From Hazyview: Take the R40 from Hazyview towards Bushbuckridge. Go through Bushbuckridge, Klaserie, Hoedspruit and Mica. Just past Mica, continue on the R40 towards Phalaborwa, and the Phalaborwa Gate will be signposted from here. Once inside the Park, follow the signs to the camp through the Park. Balule is 85 km away from the gate. Allow about 3 hours for the drive to the camp, however if you want to enjoy the game viewing possibilities give yourself more time.

From Eastgate Airport/Hoedspruit: Take the R40 towards Bushbuckridge, and follow the directions as above.

From the Nelspruit/Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport: Follow the airport signs toward the exit. At the T-junction/stop street, turn right onto the R538 and follow the signs to White River. Continue for approximately 10 km, until you reach White River. Continue straight out of White River on the R40 towards Hazyview. After approximately 45 km, you will go down a steep hill towards a T-junction. Turn left at the T-junction towards Hazyview, and follow the directions as above.

From Johannesburg: Option 1 - take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni and then follow N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni, Machadodorp (Toll Plaza), Waterval Boven and continue towards Nelspruit. On entering Nelspruit, turn left onto the R40 to White River (Witrivier). When you reach White River, follow the R40/Hazyview signs and the directions as above.

Option 2 - take the N1 northwards to Pretoria. Stay on the N1 until Pietersburg, and then take the R71 which leads to Phalaborwa.

Once inside the Park, do not get out of your car until you reach the camp. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

PLEASE NOTE: The Kruger National Park prohibits the use of roads within the Park before the gates are open and once the gates are closed, therefore guests need to plan their arrival and departure times carefully. You cannot arrange to leave the Park before the gates are open, and you must ensure that you arrive at the entrance gate with sufficient time to drive through the Park to reach your destination by the time the gate closes, otherwise you may not be permitted to enter.

January/February: Open 05:30, Close 18:30 March: Open 05:30, Close 18:00 April: Open 06:00; Close 18:00 May/June/July: Open 06:00, Close 17:30 August/September: Open 06:00, Close 18:00 October: Open 05:30, Close 18:00 November/December: Open 05:30, Close 18:30

Please note that the maximum speed limit in the Park is 50 km/h for tar roads and 40 km/h for gravel roads.

General Information For Guests

All units are serviced by cleaning staff on a daily basis. Bedding is supplied.

The Huts have communal ablution facilities. They have no windows - only vents. There are no cooking utensils, crockery or cutlery, but a communal kitchen with scullery and gas stoves is available. Limited space is available in a communal freezer.

Balule Camp is managed from Olifants Camp. Guests are required to report to Olifants or Satara Rest Camps for check-in.

There is no electricity in the camp, however lanterns are provided. There is a communal kitchen with scullery and gas stoves, and a communal freezer. One ablution block is provided. There are no shop, restaurant or ATM facilities available.

Guided game walks and game drives can be arranged with Olifants Rest Camp - rates available on request.