Pondoro Game Lodge
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Pondoro Game Lodge

Balule Nature Reserve, Off R40, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Traveller (1339)
Tree suite
Room & Suite (286)
Dining (89)
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About

#1 of 13 lodges in Balule Nature Reserve
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Set on the cool riverine banks of the Olifants River (largest in Kruger) in the 50 000 ha Big 5 Balule Private Game Reserve inside the greater Kruger National Park (traversing 30 000 acres). In this small, exclusive 16-bed lodge ( owner managed ) you will discover the only way to experience the African bush. In addition to luxurious accommodation and the caring attention from trained professionals, our visitors are lavished upon with international fare and humble African hospitality. Meals are an extraordinary culinary experience where Traditional African Cuisine fuse effortlessly with modern European trends. To compliment the food, select any of our fine wines from our extensive wine cellar. Vegetarians are specially catered for. All meals are served on a wooden deck high up in the tree canopy overlooking the Olifants River (weather permitting). We offer 2 daily game drives in open safari cruisers and 1 nature walks.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Free breakfast
Airport transportation
Spa
Baggage storage
Secured parking
Wifi
Hot bath
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Manicure
Massage
Pedicure
Steam room
Concierge
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shops
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
First aid kit
24-hour check-in
Private check-in / check-out
Clothes dryer
Laundry service
Washing machine
Ironing service
Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Coffee / tea maker
Minibar
Bath / shower
Seating area
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans

Location

Balule Nature Reserve, Off R40, Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
Getting there
Hoedspruit Airport
25.4 km
See all flights
Phalaborwa Airport
33.8 km
See all flights
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles1,088 reviews
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Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Pondoro Game Lodge is highly regarded for its impeccable service and personalized touches, as guests frequently commend the staff's friendliness and attentiveness. The lodge's harmonious blend of African designs and modern comforts creates a tranquil atmosphere that, alongside its prime location, significantly enriches the wildlife and game drive experiences. While the rooms earn praise for their spaciousness and tasteful decor, they come with a premium price tag that travelers note. The cleanliness and detailed housekeeping further contribute to the lodge's appeal, as do the luxurious amenities and dining options that round out the exquisite stay.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Serene
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
World-class

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Traveller rating
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  • 30
  • 11
  • 4
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Detailed Reviews
Kayla Lourens wrote a review Feb 2024
Stellenbosch, South Africa
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Pondoro Game Lodge is set on the banks of the Olifants River in Balule Private Game Reserve inside the greater Kruger National Park.

The lodge is family-owned by Lize and Robbie and offers only 8 rooms, ensuring exclusivity and personalized service for every guest.

They provide exceptional service, delicious food, and breathtaking natural surroundings. It Is the best way to experience the African bush.

The lodge really felt intimate, and the staff made me feel at home as soon as I arrived. The staff had genuine smiles that lit up the whole room.

I stayed in the “Buffalo” Suite, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The suite had a thatched roof, beautiful décor, and best of all, sweeping views of the Olifant’s River and surrounding wild. The owners perfectly blended African furnishings and modern amenities to create a comfortable and memorable stay.

The suite did not have any fencing, so you are completely in nature. We were offered handmade bracelets as a welcome gift, they were made by their housekeeper Sindile (what a sweet touch). We were also gifted a lovely bottle of red wine upon arrival. The suite was spacious, and the king bed had the perfect view. The bathroom had a big open shower and a bathtub which also boasted views of the outdoors. On the outside deck there was a shower, and the main feature, the rock bathtub overlooking the river.

The deck was the perfect place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the surrounding nature. Every day I saw elephants bathing in the river, and monkeys swinging from the trees. The hippos also made sure I knew they were there with their loud noises coming from the river.

The meals were brilliant, offering international cuisine with a South African touch. The lodge’s extensive wine list has won international awards, and their staff will recommend the best wines for each meal. I particularly liked the Stellenzicht Shiraz.

For breakfast each morning, I had their signature iced coffee, some seasonal fruit and the eggs benedict. The breakfast is a la carte and has a great variety of hot and cold dishes.

For lunch they offered a set menu which changed daily, and in addition to that, they offered a ‘high tea’ station with drinks and snacks to enjoy after the main lunch meal.

For our first night we had dinner on the riverbank, with sounds of hippos in the background. It was quite a scary experience, but the staff made it so much fun.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven B wrote a review May 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed for 4 nights at Pondoro and it was just fabulous. The lodge itself is gorgeous and the interior design blends in beautifully with the incredible location overlooking the river. The “Tree” suite was everything we could have dreamed of with so much space, beautifully appointed, an outdoor tub, with soaking tub and double shower inside. The food was delicious and the service excellent. Every member of the team went out of their way to make us feel absolutely spoilt especially JD, Joanna, Armand, Ivonne, Mpume, Trinity and Lily to name a few. We treated ourselves to a massage and Lily was amazing. She not only has great technique but also has what I would call “healing hands”. Now onto the game viewing which was sensational. Not only did we see the “Big 5” but we were lucky enough to see a black rhino exhibiting typical behavior. In more than 20 years of doing safaris I have only ever seen a black rhino once before and it was running away into thick bush. We splurged on paying extra for a private vehicle which was fabulous however the lodge has a 6 person maximum limit per vehicle which is prefect as there are 3 rows of seats and couples each get their own row. Some lodges that we have been to overload their vehicles and it is cramped. Not at Pondoro where you get a premium experience from the time you make your reservation until you depart. Annchen, who takes care of reservations is absolutely amazing and went above and beyond for us to take care of all our special requests. Over the years I have been to numerous “And Beyond” properties in southern Africa and I can tell you that Pondoro is right up there. And at much less than you would pay at one of their lodges. The owners Robbie and Lize are “hands on” and this makes a big difference with the attention to detail and service levels you receive. I cannot recommend Pondoro enough and would return in a heartbeat. It really was truly exceptional!
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Date of stay: April 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
LKWH wrote a review Dec 2023
Singapore, Singapore
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We enjoyed our stay and the overall service exceeded all our expectations. The staffs were exceptionally attentive and we were surprised with the great effort put into making our room for our honeymoon. We joined a bush walk along a river near the game lodge, getting close to the nature and pick up knowledge of plants and animals. The picnic on a tree house allowed us to enjoy a nice lunch out in the wilderness, and experienced nature with well packed food in a basket.
The game drives were exceptionally incredible, as we probably had the best guide and tracker during our stay. Saw the Big Five in our third game drive and many other interesting animals including some of the Ugly Five and Small Five.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zeynep E wrote a review June 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We couldn’t have been happier with our stay at Pondoro. Everyone exceeded our expectations in ensuring we had a fantastic time. From the attentive housekeeping and welcoming reception to the knowledgeable guides and helpful kitchen staff, every encounter was marked by friendliness and efficiency. The game drives were truly exceptional, offering unforgettable wildlife experiences. We extend our special thanks to Eric, Rhul, Lize, JD, Annchen, Patricia, and Sindile for making us feel at home. We are already looking forward to returning and creating more wonderful memories at Pondoro!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonny C wrote a review Oct 2024
Isle of Man, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I don't even know where to start, just simply the most amazing stay for our delayed honeymoon. You almost have to pinch yourself to remind yourself you are on safari. The location of the lodge means you get the most out of your game drives with the 445am wake up call, but the rangers and trackers are just so knowledgeable and passionate. The lodge is out of this world, but waking up from an afternoon nap to find a herd of elephants grazing below our balcony is something I will never forget. Thanks to everyone, especially our housemaid Agnes for looking after us so well. We will be back!
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Date of stay: October 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VeganDadMe wrote a review July 2023
Houston, Texas
5.0 of 5 bubbles
During our unforgettable 3-night stay at Pondoro Lodge, we were picked up from the airport by Lize, the Lodge Manager, setting the tone for an exceptional experience from the very beginning.

From the moment we arrived, Joanna’s warm hospitality and attention to detail made us feel right at home.

Emilio, our safari guide, and Anton, the ranger, proved to be the ultimate team in creating outstanding safaris, ensuring we encountered the magnificent big five.

As vegan and vegetarian, we were delighted by the delectable, specially tailored meals that catered to our dietary preferences.

The Tree suite surpassed all expectations, and its spaciousness and exquisite design allowed us to enjoy breathtaking views of the hippos in the river right outside our room.

The entire team’s warm welcome and dedication to our enjoyment made Pondoro Lodge one of the best experiences we’ve ever had.

We cannot recommend this magical place enough for an extraordinary safari retreat.

You can stop now if you are googling for the best safari lodge ever. Congratulations, you just found it.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe T wrote a review Mar 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Pondoro is amazing. I rarely write reviews as most places are about what I expect, but I feel compelled to write about this place. Everything was absolutely incredible. The staff is amazing, the food is delicious, the game drives were exceptional.

We saw all the big 5 multiples times, and went there in July. We also saw so much more then the big 5. The information provided from trackers was very interesting.

The small details from different dinner settings, notes from the staff who do the rooms, the service at any time of day sets this place apart.

My only complaint is we said this would be a once in a lifetime trip when we booked (we are from Canada) and 6 months later we already want to go back.

Thank you everyone who works at Pondoro for making our Honeymoon the absolute best and exceeding our expectations. We still follow closely on Instagram.

Joe + Karlene
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Date of stay: July 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M6418GKdjb wrote a review Jan 2022
Chicago, Illinois
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We had an amazing three nights with the Pondoro team. First, hats off to the staff for the first class treatment of our family during our stay. Lecia and the entire team welcomed us from our arrival and took amazing care of us throughout our stay. The meals were five star quality (and never lacking in quantity) as were the cocktails and wine. KG took amazing care of us at all meals, and Staci did an amazing job making up our room every morning and evening with personal messages left at our bedside. We were treated to an amazing special dinner on our last evening at Pondoro, an early Christmas feast in the wine cellar at Pondoro that was superbly prepared and executed. The game drives each morning and evening were incredible. Thanks to our ranger Rul and guide Andries, we were treated to close up views of elephants, elephant herds, white rhinos, black rhinos (including a young black rhino and his mother), a lion pride on the move in the evening, hippos, Kudu, Impala, water buffalo, zebra, giraffes and other species in the greater Krueger bush. It was a Christmas to remember thanks to the owners and employees of Pondoro.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erica P wrote a review Aug 2022
South Holland Province, The Netherlands
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We stayed in Pondoro for 4 days, we felt very welcome here. It was unforgettable! We had 2 lodges next to each other, and had a private channel on the walkie-talkie so the kids could always contact us if necessary. The lodges had everything we needed (and more!), beautiful views from the terras and jacuzzi on the Olifants river, were we saw giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and elephants! Also at night there was a lot of wildlife around the lodge. We enjoyed the excellent food, from breakfast and lunch till dinner and the little sweets at our lodge at night. We also had a bush dinner with great singing and dancing by the staff in a romantic setting near the river. While we were eating, the hyenas walked behind us..
We did the bush walk and had a picnic at the waterhole. Unfortunately there was no wildlife during that time, but we just enjoyed the birds and silence and lovely food!
The safaris with sunset coffee/tea/chocolate and sundowners were great. In the car there were blankets, jugs, binoculars, and a bottle of water for everyone. Our ranger Rul and tracker Andries did their best to let us really feel and enjoy Balule Game Reserve at his best. We saw a lot of wild animals during the safaris, even the leopard and wild dogs. We will never forget this experience at Pondoro!!
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Date of stay: August 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana V wrote a review July 2024
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Pondoro never fails to be absolutely perfect. From the owners, who are usually a visible presence to the fantastic staff members, our time was made memorable. The fact that this was our 6th visit should speak volumes! The location, the accommodation, the food, the game drives, the staff all make for the best bush and safari experience one can have
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Answer from african_momma7
Los Angeles, California54 contributions6 helpful votes
I didn't use the laundry service
Answer from judithm805
West Chester, Pennsylvania24 contributions12 helpful votes
All arrangements were made through Pondoro or their safari agent, we were extremely satisfied.
Answer from RobbieWildlife
45 contributions
There is no difference between February or March. Furthest chalet is Hardekool and furthest suite is Water or Buffalo.
Trail284976 wrote a tip July 2024
Toronto, Canada12 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Game drives may run longer than you are used to (4 or 4.5 hours not uncommon) - be flexible Take the Black Mambas tour Take a bush walk Lodge charges for laundry"
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Bernhard H wrote a tip May 2024
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Do the bush walks as the guide has time to explain you also very interesting stuff about the plants and small animals."
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Lynette M wrote a tip Feb 2024
2 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Book - you really won't be disappointed"
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6littlejoe wrote a tip Jan 2024
Houston, TX5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"BOOK IT!!!! "
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Colin Rodnick wrote a tip Dec 2023
10 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Fly into Hoedspruit. Easy transportation to and from offer through the hotel. Also, stay longer than you think you wont regret it."
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Balule Nature Reserve area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$1,535 - AU$1,778 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
pondoro game hotel balule private game reserve
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkBalule Nature Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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PONDORO GAME LODGE - 2025 Prices & Reviews (South Africa/Kruger National Park) - Photos of Lodge - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Pondoro Game Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a mosquito net.
What food & drink options are available at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Does Pondoro Game Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Pondoro Game Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Yes, laundry service and a clothes dryer are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Pondoro Game Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
Does Pondoro Game Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.
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