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Pondoro Game Lodge - Your Stay in Balule Game Reserve, Limpopo
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up to 10% cheaper
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Key details
About the Hotel
Balule Nature Reserve, Off R40, Balule Game Reserve,
-
Near nature reserves
Perfect
9.8
9.9
/10
5.0
5.0
/5
Loved by Pondoro Game Lodge guests
exclusive game drives
luxury chalets
river views
delicious food
amazing staff
"The room was brilliant and the hot tub overlooking the river was amazing, so nice chilling there in the day."
Jennifer from United Kingdom
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"The suite was very comfortable, with Aircon which we used in the evenings to heat."
Bernice from South Africa
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"Our rooms were clean, comfortable, and luxurious."
MissR67 from Canada
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"The food was one of the best we experienced during our two weeks (including our stay in Cape Town too)!"
Kate W from South Africa
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"The game drives were outstanding."
Sandra from Canada
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Exclusive safari lodge on the banks of the Olifants River - Pondoro Game Lodge
Rooms & Suites
Pondoro Game Lodge offers three architecturally designed chalets overlooking the Olifants River. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom with a shower and bath that face the river, a lounge area, air-conditioning, and mosquito nets. Every suite is provided with a private wooden deck, a Jacuzzi, an outside shower, and views of the river from the room.
Dining
Guests enjoy a fusion of traditional African and modern European cuisine served on the wooden deck overlooking the river. The lodge has an extensive wine cellar with fine wines available at meals, and a bar for snacks and drinks. All meals and drinks are included in the stay.
Wellness & Facilities
The spa offers treatments including a glass covered steam room, a spa bath under the open sky, and massages in the privacy of your room. A fitness centre is available for exercise, and the outdoor swimming pool with a pool bar is open all year. Guests also have access to a hot tub, sun loungers, and spa/wellness packages.
Safari & Wildlife
Morning and evening safari drives on open-topped Land Rovers are included, traversing 30,000 acres inside Balule Private Game Reserve. Experienced guides lead bird-watching excursions and nature walks on foot with an armed guide. Guests can also participate in walking tours and classes about local culture.
Location & Exclusivity
Pondoro is set on the banks of the Olifants River inside the 50,000 ha Balule Private Game Reserve, which is part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The lodge has only three architecturally designed chalets, ensuring a small number of guests at a time. Concierge service, private check-in/check-out, and airport shuttles are available.
Highlights
Location: On the banks of the Olifants River inside Balule Private Game Reserve
Rooms: Three architecturally designed chalets with private decks and Jacuzzis
Dining: Fusion cuisine with extensive wine cellar, all meals and drinks included
Wellness: Glass covered steam room, spa bath, massages, fitness centre
Safari: Open-topped Land Rover game drives, nature walks with armed guide
Activities: Bird-watching, walking tours, local culture classes
“The genuine warmth of the staff here creates an immediate sense of belonging, setting the stage for truly exceptional wildlife encounters led by remarkably adept guides. Mornings begin with the quiet anticipation of the bush, transitioning into accommodations that feel both luxuriously appointed and deeply connected to the riverine landscape, where animal sightings are a constant, delightful presence. This is a place where thoughtful service and the wild converge, leaving one with a profound appreciation for both.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Zalimpopo
Select your room type
Pondoro Game Lodge offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Chalet 1
2 persons
75 m²
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Chalet 3
2 persons
75 m²
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Chalet 2
2 persons
75 m²
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Pondoro Game Lodge offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.7/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Parking
Safe deposit box
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Fireplace
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Poolside snack bar
Picnic area/ Tables
Special diet menus
Children
Board games
Spa & Leisure
Outdoor swimming pool
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Steam room
Jacuzzi
Back massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Foot massage
Open-air bath
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
AM/FM alarm clock
Show more
Dining Onsite
At Pondoro Game Lodge, onsite dining captivates with an array of flavors that celebrates African heritage and European influences. Experience meals prepared with care, from romantic candlelit dinners beneath the African stars to delightful high tea, creating a truly immersive culinary experience infused with the beauty of nature.
Restaurant #1
African and European
Ambiance
Set against a backdrop of the wild African night, the intimate atmosphere of the restaurant offers a romantic dining experience, complete with candlelight and the sounds of nature.
Key Offerings
Indulge in a range of meal types, including Halal, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, and Dairy-free options. Enjoy a memorable candlelit dinner in the wild, complemented by unique offerings like Gin & Tonic sundowners following exhilarating game drives.
Reservation
Reservations are recommended to ensure an exquisite dining experience.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and High Tea available; hours vary.
Location
Balule Nature Reserve, Off R40, Balule Game Reserve,
Explore Balule Game Reserve
Activities Near Pondoro Game Lodge
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Ndhique Waterhole
10-minute drive
Ndhique Waterhole is a vital wildlife area for viewing game. Ideal for photography and observing wildlife up close.
Game Drives
10-minute drive
Guided game drives offer exhilarating wildlife sightings. Book in advance to ensure your spot with local operators.
Nature Walks
10-minute drive
Relaxing guided nature walks immerse you in the local flora and fauna. Perfect for bird-watchers and wellness seekers.
Buffalo Pub
15-minute drive
Local cuisine in a warm atmosphere. Specializes in game meat dishes, great views of the bushveld, and family-friendly options.
La Fera Restaurant
25-minute drive
A fine dining experience featuring seasonal ingredients and an extensive wine list. Reservations recommended for evening dining.
Mopani Bar
20-minute drive
Vibrant atmosphere with live music on weekends. Family-friendly and perfect for enjoying local drinks and snacks.
Local Cultural Events
30-minute drive
Annual cultural festivals showcase local art and music. Check local listings for dates and family-friendly activities.
Getting around
City Centre
Balule Game Reserve 54 min · 35.9 km
Airports
Air Force Base Hoedspruit (HDS) 86 min · 56.9 km
Hendrik Van Eck (PHW) 86 min · 57.1 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 13:00-17:00
Check-out
from 08:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the villa rooms for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Pondoro Game Lodge serves a full breakfast for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
8
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Pondoro Game Lodge from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 182 verified reviews
9.8 /10
Perfect
98 %
Recommend
Breakfast
9.1/10
Cleanliness
9.9/10
Comfort
9.7/10
Facilities
9.7/10
Free WiFi
9.5/10
Location
9.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
10.0/10
Staff
9.8/10
Value for money
9.4/10
Pros
Knowledgeable guides
Personalized service
Really good food
River views
Cons
Disruptive game drives
Guest reviews
based on 159 reviews
9.8/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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