Pondoro Game Lodge

Pondoro Game Lodge is situated on the banks of the Olifants River inside the 50,000-hectare Balule Nature Reserve. The lodge has been operating as a commercial establishment for the past 22 years. It is located in an area without fences, allowing animals to move freely between the Balule Nature Reserve and the Kruger National Park.

The lodge offers luxury suites, all of which are air-conditioned and feature modern amenities, private wooden decks, lounge areas, Jacuzzis, and outdoor showers. Additionally, there are three luxury chalets overlooking the Olifants River, each with an African theme, en-suite bathrooms with river views, air-conditioning, mosquito nets, and wooden decks. The lodge does not accommodate children under the age of 12.

Meals at the lodge are an extraordinary culinary experience, fusing traditional African cuisine with modern European trends. Guests can select wines from an extensive wine cellar. Meals are served on a wooden deck high in the tree canopy, overlooking the Olifants River. A bush dinner is offered to guests staying for a third night. The lodge caters to vegetarians.

Regular sightings of the Big 5 animals (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard) are reported, and there has been a reintroduction of African wild dogs in the Pondoro traversing area. Morning and evening game drives are conducted in open vehicles by experienced guides with more than five years of experience. The lodge has traversing rights over an area of 10,000 hectares, with a network of more than 350 km of bush roads accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles.

The Serenity Spa at Pondoro Game Lodge offers an indulgent escape from the wild, with elegant decor and cascading waterfalls creating a relaxing ambiance. Strict vehicle limits at sightings ensure an exclusive game viewing experience.

One of the luxurious suites at the lodge offers complete privacy and a romantic setting. It features a painting of a buffalo by the owner, Lize, and includes air-conditioning, modern comforts, a private patio, lounge area, outdoor shower, and a Jacuzzi built into the wooden deck facing the river.