Places to stayBalule Game Reserve
Pondoro Game Lodge
Lodg, 5-starBalule Nature Reserve, off R40, Balule Game Reserve, South AfricaShow on map
Exceptional
One of our highest-scored stays, according to its guests.
9.8195Reviews- Check-in from 1:00 PMCheck-out by 11:00 AM.
- Superb locationGuests rate the location 9.2 out of 10, at Balule Nature Reserve, off R40.
- Free parkingThe property states parking on site is free for guests.
Luxurious Chalets with River Views
Pondoro offers three architecturally designed chalets overlooking the Olifants River, each beautifully decorated with an African theme. Enjoy en-suite bathrooms with river views, lounge areas, air-conditioning, and wooden decks for a serene stay.
Fine Dining and Wine Experience
Indulge in a fusion of traditional African and modern European cuisine on the wooden deck with river views. Explore Pondoro’s extensive wine cellar and grab a snack at the bar, all included in your stay for a culinary delight.
What this place offers
- Fitness facilities
- WiFi available
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Free Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Fitness center
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
Rooms
9.8
Exceptional
Rated 9.8 out of 10 by 195 guests who stayed here.
- Cleanliness9.9
- Service10.0
- Location9.2
- Rooms9.9
- Amenities9.7
- Value10.0
- Food & drink10.0
Guests mention
Exceptional guides, trackers and driversIncredible food and presentationLuxurious rooms with river views and terrace bubble bathPrivate game drives and excellent wildlife sightings (Big Five)Welcoming staff and owner presenceVery clean property
DonatoItalyWe will be back!
Exceptional staff, both rangers and hospitality. They made us feel really special.
The views from the suites and restaurant are fantastic.
You can see elephants and hippos from the rooms.
The tours in the bush showed…
JulietaArgentinaMega recomendado
La experiencia más premium que viví.
Atendido por sus dueños ❤️
Comida 10 puntos. Habitación Tree de primer nivel. La calidad del servicio, en cada detalle.
Safari: muy bueno. Son 3 al día (2 en auto 1 caminando)…
KarineFranceSéjour exceptionnel et de grande qualité pour la découverte d un premier safari en famille
Tout était parfait
Personnel à notre disposition à la moindre demande
Excellente cuisine
Les guides (Sully et Eckeson) sont exceptionnels
FilippoItalyMi è piaciuto tutto, dal safari della mattina alla cena.
Lo staff sempre sorridente e molto disponibile.
Cibo, pulizia e servizi ottimi.
Nulla
LorraineAustraliaIt was amazing
It was beautiful, the views, the decor, our room, they were all exquisite. The food was amazing and all the staff were friendly and friendly exceptional.
Nothing about the property. Only one piece of feedback would be…
DawnUnited StatesSuper luxurious and incredible food.
Luxurious stay with incredible food. The drivers were exceptional, better than our drivers in Sabi Sands. Incredible service and very clean.
The only thing I can think of is that it was harder to find the animals because…
Reviews are written by guests who booked through our supplier and stayed, shown as written and in their own language. Category scores are the supplier’s reading of recent reviews, updated August 2026.
Where you’ll be
Balule Nature Reserve, off R40, Balule Game Reserve, South Africa
Guests rate the location 9.2 out of 10 — superb.
Things to know
Cancellation
Each room shows its own terms before you pay.
Most rates can be cancelled free until a date shown on the room.
Non-refundable rates are marked as such.
House rules
Check-in from 1:00 PM until 05:00 PM
Check-out by 11:00 AM
Children welcome
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No pets
Free parking on site
Non-smoking rooms available
Payment & property
Paid when you book, not at the desk.
Rates include the taxes and fees we can read.
The property may take a card at check-in for incidentals.
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Please note that guests are required to pay an entrance fee per car for the Balule Nature Reserve when arriving at the Olifants West gate. Prices vary according to type of vehicle.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation. A deposit may be required at the property.
What we’d check for you here
- That the step-free room is actually free on your dates, and whether it is a roll-in shower or a bath, which the listing never says.
- Whether there is room for a pickup, a trailer or a van, not just a car.
- Whether breakfast is in the rate or added at checkout, and what time it runs.
- Whether the rate moves for your dates, and what it includes.
- What the property actually charges at the desk on top of the rate.
Questions about Pondoro Game Lodge
What time is check-in and check-out at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Check-in is from 1:00 PM. Check-out is by 11:00 AM. If you're arriving late, tell us and we'll ask the property to hold the room.
Does Pondoro Game Lodge allow pets?
No — the property states that pets are not allowed.
Is there parking at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Yes — the property states that parking on site is free. Whether a space can be reserved in advance varies, so we check it against your dates.
Does Pondoro Game Lodge have a pool?
Yes — a pool is listed among the property's facilities. Seasonal closures are common, so we'll confirm it's open for your dates.
Is breakfast included at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Breakfast is offered at the property. Whether it's included depends on the rate — the board type is shown on each room once you put your dates in.
Does Pondoro Game Lodge have Wi-Fi?
Yes — internet access is listed among the property's facilities.
Does Pondoro Game Lodge have wheelchair accessible rooms?
The property lists step-free or accessible facilities. That flag is the one least able to settle the question: a hotel can carry it and still have a step at the entrance, or a bath rather than a roll-in shower, and it does not say whether the accessible room is free on your dates. Tell us what you need and we'll ask the property directly rather than reading you the flag.
How do I book Pondoro Game Lodge?
Put your dates in above and book online, or call (888) 789-8585 and we'll do it for you — including things a booking form can't handle, like a block of rooms, a monthly rate or an invoice for your employer.
Where is Pondoro Game Lodge?
Balule Nature Reserve, off R40, Balule Game Reserve.
Other places we book in Balule Game Reserve
Nothing to do with the booking above. The same market, priced the same way, for if this one is not it.
