Pondoro Game Lodge

Pondoro is set on the banks of the Olifants River inside the Big 5 Balule Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Morning and evening game drives are done in open game drive vehicles, and regular Big 5 sightings (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) are encountered during game drives. Game drives traverse an area of 10.000 hectares (24 700 acres) and strict vehicle limits at sightings ensure the exclusivity of your game viewing experience.

Because the lodge is situated on a river, hippos and crocodiles are also regularly seen during bushwalks.

Between game drives, nature walks and peaceful afternoon naps, enjoy a dip in the sparkling rock pool, a spot of sun bathing or browse through the library. The Pondoro bar is the ideal spot to quench your thirst and grab a snack.

The Serenity Spa offers an escape to a place of sophistication and indulgence. 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.

The lodge has 3 standard chalets overlooking the Olifants River. Each standard chalet has been beautifully decorated with an African theme, and all have en-suite bathrooms (with a shower overlooking the river), air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a wooden deck.

For guests looking for the ultimate luxury, there are 5 spacious suites, which are all air-conditioned and architecturally designed, offering modern comforts in an ancient setting. Each suite has a private wooden deck, a lounge area and an outside shower for those who are adventurous at heart.

There is also a Treehouse hide where you can spend the night under the starry African skies. This is a unique opportunity that will add an unforgettable experience to your safari as you look out for any nocturnal visitors to the waterhole or listen to the sounds of the African bush as you lay in bed.

Rates Include

Three meals daily; tea/coffee; mineral water; soft drinks; house wines; selection of spirits; daily morning and evening game drives; and nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers are included. IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a R265 per person and a R110 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash or card at the entrance gate (subject to change).

Children Policy

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Adult rates apply.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children over the age of 12 are permitted on nature walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join a nature walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Guest Rating: 4.9 / 5.0 based on 7 ratings

Directions For Drivers

From Hazyview: Follow the R40 towards Klaserie and Hoedspruit. After approximately 17 km from Hoedspruit, look for the thatched gate on the right hand side of the road which is the entrance to the Balule Nature Reserve - Olifants West Gate, then sign in at the gate. For self-drive visitors, there is a R265 per person Conservation Fee and a R110 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change).

Follow the gravel road for 9 km. Turn left at the Pondoro sign, and follow this road for 6 km. Turn right at the T-junction and follow the road for a further 1 km to Pondoro.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. 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.

From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport: From the airport, turn right out of the airport and then turn right onto the R40 towards Hoedspruit, and follow the directions as above.

From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing.

Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn left onto the R40 Phalaborwa/Mica road, and continue along this road until you see the thatched gate on the right hand side of the road which is the entrance to the Balule Nature Reserve - Olifants West Gate. Follow the directions as above.

From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park, and continue along the R531. Turn right onto the R40, and follow the directions as above.

PLEASE NOTE : On some signposts/maps, Belfast MAY also be referred to eMakhazeni.

General Information For Guests

All suites are air conditioned and has a private wooden deck with jacuzzi, lounge area, and an outside shower.

All chalets have en-suite bathrooms (with a shower and bath overlooking the river), lounge area, air conditioning, mosquito nets and a wooden deck.

The activities offered at the lodge include early morning/evening game drives, nature walks and bird watching.

All game drives are done in open-top Safari Cruisers. Strict vehicle limits at sightings (no more than 2 vehicles per sighting) ensure the exclusivity of your game viewing experience. Off-road driving on most areas enables the best possible view of any exceptional sighting and the rangers are constantly in touch with each other to keep track of animal movements. Each vehicle seats only 6 guests.

The nature walks are more of an informative walk for just over or less than an hour. It is an opportunity to learn more about the environment, trees, plants and wildlife.

The Serenity Spa offers a wide range of Southern African spa and face treatments. There is also a glass covered steam room, and an open spa bath. Massages can also be done also in your room.

All meals are served on a wooden deck high up in the tree canopy overlooking the Olifants River.

Tours of the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching unit (additional cost) are also available. Done every Wednesday and Saturday guests will leave the lodge at 12:00 and return at approximately 15:00. The tour will give guests the chance to meet some of the Black Mambas, be given a short tour of the Ops room and a presentation showing a range of poaching artefacts. A question and answer section will be done at the end. Their Headquarters are based inside Balule Nature Reserve and guests will travel by open game viewer.

The Treehouse Experience is booked in conjunction with accommodation at the lodge (additional cost on request and pre-booking is essential. You will pack a stay-over bag with the essentials, leaving the rest of your belongings safe back at the lodge. Your adventure will begin after dinner with a late night drive to the hide. The treehouse hide have been securely constructed above the ground, where the animals remain at a safe and comfortable distance. Your field guide will drive you to the treehouse hide and provide a full orientation, before departing. However, they will stay on call via two-way radio, should you need assistance, until the following day when you are collected in time for your morning safari.

All credit cards are accepted.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children over the age of 12 are permitted on nature walks. The final decision on whether a guest can join a nature walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

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If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.