Name: Pondoro Game Lodge
Address: Balule Private Nature Reserve, Balule Nature Reserve, ZA

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2026

Kelly

Favorite game lodge in SA.
Loved being by the river!

6/10

Pleasant

10 Nov 2025

Sarah

A beautiful room and location but the experience was disappointing, considering the reputation and the cost.

We often felt the staff was not listening to us, and did not feel as taken care of as we would have liked considering the promise of luxury. Food delivered to the room took over an hour and was cold. The re was no hot water for the outdoor tub and shower.
The game drives felt repetitive, seeing the same areas again and again. Overall, not worth the enormous cost.

On the plus side, we do recognize that the staff came to our aid when our rental car had a flat tire on the way in!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Sep 2025

JAMES

We had the most incredible experience at Pondoro Game Lodge. From the moment we arrived, everything was absolutely phenomenal. The staff made us feel so welcome and cared for, going above and beyond to make every detail perfect. Our suite was stunning—luxurious, private, and designed with so much attention to comfort and beauty.

The game drives were unforgettable. Our guide (Dewalt) and tracker (Andrès) were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, and thanks to them we were able to witness breathtaking wildlife moments that we’ll never forget. The food was exceptional—every meal was a treat, beautifully prepared and served with warmth.

What truly stood out was the atmosphere of the lodge: intimate, peaceful, and filled with genuine hospitality. Pondoro exceeded our expectations in every way, and we left with memories we’ll treasure for a lifetime. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2025

Verified traveler

Amazing game drives at luxury lodge

Great lodge and kind staff with fantastic location in private reserve in greater Kruger with highly experienced guides and trackers which are key to having amazing game drives every day, while not being overly disruptive to the animals.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2025

Verified traveler

First Class!

The Pondoro experience is first class from beginning to end! The location is stunning and we watched hippo, crocs, giraffe, elephants and all sorts from our room. The games drives led by the wonderful Shadlack and Dion were breathtaking, with the big 5 and all manner of wildlife seen on multiple occasions. They also hosted a river walk which showed us how they look for tracks and gave a very different perspective to the hippos and crocs! All the staff at the lodge are fantastic, there is a warm welcome every day and a real personal touch with attention to details that makes each day special. The food is exceptional and would definitely recommend the lunchtime picnic if you get the opportunity.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Apr 2025

Anthony

10/10 recommend staying here. My husband’s and I stayed her for our honeymoon and had the most amazing time. The staff was incredible and super accommodating! The food was delicious, the safari guides were so knowledgeable and kept us so safe! I know we both will remember this experience for the rest of our lives. We will definitely be back for many years to come! Thank you Pondoro for the most amazing experience! We appreciate you!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2025

Maryada

Beyond Exceptional.
All the staff go beyond to make you feel welcome and special.
Chef makes gourmet meals every time and she is very good.
One of the best experiences we had ever.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2025

Lindsay

The perfect safari

Absolutely amazing. We stayed at Pondoro in January in the beautiful Tree Suite with the most incredible views of the river. Every member of the staff was so friendly and hospitable. Our daily game drives exceeded all our expectations with the most experienced guides. The vegetation this time of year was so green and gorgeous. From sun up to sun down we were so well fed by the talented team of chefs. It was all such a dream. I hope we have the chance to return again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Sep 2024

Verified traveler

Amazing stay!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Sep 2024

BEN

This place is first rate! The lodgings were excellent. The food was the best that we had in 5 stops in Africa. The staff was great, as were the game guides. And along a beautiful view of the Oliphant River, with all sorts of animals seen there!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2024

Anthony

We came here for our honeymoon. What an amazing experience we had. We had 2 game drives per day with fantastic guides/spotters. The food was top tier - nearly Michelin star level; I had the eggs benedict every single morning. They arranged the most romantic evening dinner in their wine cellar for us. This is probably the best place I have ever stayed.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jan 2024

Maddison

Just incredible

The most amazing boutique luxury destination in the Balule game reserve (part of Greater Kruger). For an all inclusive hotel I didn’t have high hopes for the food however it surpassed all my expectations and was incredible, including catering for vegetarians.

The game drives were incredible and a shout out to Anton and Selby who found us every animal. The small touches like break with coffee/drinks and snacks in the game drives makes it a personalised experience.

The rooms have so much space and the beds are incredibly comfortable. The schedule for the days is the same for consistency. We loved meeting other couples and loved that the game drives were with the same driver/spotter and couples for the duration, it really allows you to form great bonds with other people there. Breakfast at the big dining table is also a nice touch. Could not recommend Pondoro more, they truly create the most unique experience and have thought of everything.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2023

candace

This was our bucket list dream trip and Pondoro made that happen. Pondoro facilities and staff are amazing. Attention to detail is one of the many things that stand out. We were in the Tree suite. So cool! Game drives we amazing. Sully and Dion, our guide and tracker worked so hard to find us all and the big 5. If you are reading this and contemplating a stay at Pondoro. Just do it.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2023

James

A dream come true

The hospitality was top notch. Armand, Johanna, Lize and the staff were absolutely amazing and attentive. The room (Buffalo Suite) was beautifully decorated and had a perfect view. We saw giraffes, elephants, antelope, babboons from our window. Very romantic setting. We also enjoy the early morning and evening game drives qnd were able to see the Big 5 the first day thanks to Ru and Andrei. We hope to visit again!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Dec 2022

ali

I have traveled to many countries in the world. This hotel was the best hotel that I have ever stayed. Everyone was so friendly. They went out of their way to make our trip memorable. I definitely recommend staying in this hotel. I have never written review in past. This is the first review that I am writing.
I recommend this hotel to all of my friends.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2019

Laura

The perfect place for safari

We were highly impressed with Pondoro, both for accommodation and quality of game viewing. Our tracker and guide we’re exceptional. We regularly saw the big 5 (and so many leopards, which we’ve struggled to see else where) and a whole range of additional animals from hippos in the river outside the room to a family of porcupines. Our guide always seemed to manage to get us to the viewing before other cars and positioned us perfectly for photos. It was incredible. The accommodation is fantastic, we were upgraded to Earth, a larger suite with a jacuzzi where we watched hippos from (magical). The room had a lounge area, a huge bed, roll top bath and a indoor and outdoor shower. More than you could possibly need! Service was outstanding, everyone was so friendly and helpful and seemed really happy to talk about the animals you’ve seen (even though they must hear about this everyday!). Their passion was great! Finally I’ll just say that the food and wine was superb - we eat constantly, there is so much tasty food! And they set up beautiful special dinners for you. It’s something I’ll remember for a long time. We were very sad to leave and hope to return. Thanks again to all the wonderful staff that made our stay so special!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2018

Anonymous

Amazing in every good way

This place is pretty special. It's located in a private reserve that is joined to Kruger National Park and it's on a river. Sitting on our balcony we saw hippos, giraffes, warthogs, monkeys, different types of antelope, and crocodiles. They have included morning and evening drives drive each day where we saw pretty much everything. The staff is great, very professional but also very friendly. Do at least 4 nights so that you have time to do several drives, a couple walks, a picnic in the tree hide, and still have some time to relax in the lovely room. The only complaint I have is that they really give you a lot of great food and I think I over ate. I guess that's my fault for not being more disciplined.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2018

Rachel

Luxury and adventure

Pondoro Lodge is a place to remember. The rooms are private and romantic, with views over the river. We loved watching the hippos from the deck at breakfast time. The safari drives were outstanding. We saw so many incredible animals, including a chameleon.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2017

Verified traveler

Safari experience

Great ranger, guide, accommodations, and service/food - the complete package.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2017

Verified traveler

Magic

The staff was great. the suite was amazing. the wild game viewing was phenomenal. It is hard to look imagine a better African Safari experience anywhere regardless of cost. This was everything we dreamed it might be and more.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2016

Ian

Great base for Northern Kruger

Very good , friendly , food good and varied . Trackers and guides on safrai game drives excellent. They founf lions lepards and even achettah in the most remote places .all credit to them

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2016

daniela

Friendly staff, beautiful hotel

In Pondoro the staff makes you feel at home. They are soo friendly and helpful. The owners are there too and make sure your stay is perfect. The food is delicious and they always present it very creatively. The rooms are very pretty. Our ranger and tracker were excellent at finding all the animals. We saw lions and leopards 3 days in a row, you really get very close to the animals. We save the big 5 many times. I would definitely recommend this hotel. They really go out of their way to make you happy. One night they organized a surprise candlelight dinner at the river bank which was wonderful.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Oct 2015

Stephen

Best week of travel in my life. Simply superb.

Where do I start...!
Best week of travel in my life...
Everything about this place is exceptional. Right in the heart of the Balule private game reserve on the banks of the Olifants river nestled amongst the trees.
I was in the Buffalo suite, right up the end, and it was simply amazing to say the least, huge and beautifully appointed.
All the staff, Janni, Tania, Lillian and all the other staff are superb. They really make you feel at home. Liza and Robbie where only there a few nights of my stay as they where off collecting yet another well deserved hotel award.
Rul and Andres are a top notch Tracker / Ranger combo and pull out all the stops to get you up close and personal to all the animals and are so knowledgable about all the wildlife and nature in the area, and do it with a cheeky sense of humor. They really made the whole experience special.
The food is top notch, dining room staff are great and the dining deck is superb, just watch your muffins at breakfast as the Vervet monkeys love them if you leave them unattended. We got surprised on two of the nights by amazing dinner set up down by the river which blew me away. They really know how to make the experience special. Great wine and beer list too.
If I could rate it more than 5/5 I would. Can't wait to come back again soon.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2015

Verified traveler

Couldn't wish for better...

From the first contact from our transport from airport, to our sad goodbye, this was an unforgettable experience. Perfect location on the Oliphant River, where we could watch elephants from our chalet (and restaurant). Game drives were fun, interesting and a highlight of our whole trip to S.A. This lodge provides it all - friendly, professional service, comfort, great food, and best of all the opportunity to see and experience magnificent wildlife.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Sep 2015

Verified traveler

We can't stop talking about pondoro!

Exceeded every expectation we had - they were already high. Personal touches mixed with impeccable service, beautiful rooms and an overall excellent safari experience. I have stayed in other lodges and can say nothing comes close to Pondoro.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2015

Leah

Perfect! Amazing experience!

Absolutely fantastic place! The owners and staff go over and above to ensure you are taken care of from the moment you arrive. Eric and Ramson were our ranger/tracker team for the game drives and we couldn't have asked for better. They were so nice and really concentrated on ensuring we saw all that we could. The early mornings are rough but what you see when you are out makes it all worth it.
We booked the suite and highly recommend the extra money for your stay. Huge room with a large balcony looking over the river. You will need to be escorted to and from the main lodge but this is due to the fact that they keep the area free for the animals to get to the river. Better for the animals and better for your viewing. We were able to spend the afternoons watching elephants, impalas, etc just outside our room. Unbelievable experience. The chalets are smaller and within the fenced grounds of the hotel so no escorts needed but the privacy of the suites are well worth it!
Should also note the food - Delicious!!! You will not go hungry!
Great staff, beautiful grounds - We didn't want to leave!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Dec 2014

Sandra

Absolutely perfect lodge!!

The Pondoro Lodge was perfect! Great service, great rooms, delicious food! I'm usually very picky with hotels and I absolutely loved this one! The game rides are also great. Highly recommend it. Don't bother going anywhere else.

8/10

Excellent

06 Dec 2025

Pascal Gérard

Pourquoi je ne mets pas la note de 5/5?
Tout dabord, abordons les aspects négatives.
Lorsque l'on vend du rêve, il faut que tout soit parfait pour faire un grand WOUAW. Malheureusement, nous sommes arrivés pendant la rénovation du lodge et de nombreux debris et travaux divers ont fait que nous passions tous les jours devant des ouvriers, des debris et autres détritus.
Pas une seule fois, les responsables du lodge, présents tous les jours sur le site, ne sont venus s'excuser du désagrément.
Notre lodge était vieillissant et avait réellement besoin dune rénovation d'urgence.
Heureusement que tout le reste etait plus que parfait et là, cela équivaut à un 5 etoiles+++.
Le personnel est d'une gentillesse, d'une compétence, d'un dévouement et d'un professionnalisme que j'ai rarement vu lors de tous mes déplacements.
Un immense merci à Yvonne, Adolight, Dewald, Andreis, Gift, America pour leur joie de vivre communicatif et leur disponibilité.
Un delicieux merci aux 2 chefs de cuisine, Parcy et Johanna, qui se sont pliées en quatre pour satisfaire tous nos exigences culinaires que ce soit au dejeuner ou au diner.
Enfin, je remercie toutes les autres personnes présentes dont j'ai oublié leurs prénoms.
Nous reviendrons certainement lorsque le lodge sera entièrement rénové afin de participer une nouvelle fois à notre expérience sud-africaine.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Nov 2025

Verified traveler

Un petit paradis, tout était parfait! 5* plus. Les petites attentions, le personnel intentionné, les repas et surtout les safaris. Seul petit point négatif , les safaris pourraient être écourtés d’une heure, 3 heures plutôt que 4 mais c’est un petit détail surtout que nous y allons pour cette raison.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2025

PALOMA LYNETTE

Excelente

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2020

Jürgen

Eine außergewöhnliche Safari Lodge

Das Prädikat \"ausgezeichnet\" ist fast zu wenig im Vergleich mit anderen Lodges.
Lodge-Besitzer und das gesamte Team tun alles, um für den Gast ein außergewöhnliches Urlaubserlebnis zu gestalten.
Danke an Liz, die Ranger Ray und Rud mit ihren Trackern, die erlesene Küche und das gesamte Service-Personal.
Wir bekamen ein Upgrade und waren im Chalet \"Rock\" bestens untergebracht. Das Essen war sehr abwechslungsreich und geschmackvoll serviert - für Senioren eher zu viel; Mittags hätte ein Salat gereicht.
Bei den Game Drives haben wir unter anderen viele Elefanten gesehen, auch ein Rudel von ca. 20 Löwen streifte um das Safari-Fahrzeug. Ganz zum Schluss klappten auch die intensiven Bemühungen der Tracker und Ranger mit einem freien Blick auf einen im Baum hockenden Leoparden das Big-Five-Erlebnis in 3 Tagen komplett zu machen.

Herzlichen Dank dem Pondoro-Team für drei unvergesslich schöne Tage

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

20 Nov 2019

Arthur V

Amazing Game Lodge

That was my best safari experience. Since the first contact with the Game Lodge, all was extremely professional and friendly. We booked a transfer from Hoedspruit airport that worked perfectly. The room was unforgetable, huge, beaultiful, comfortable, with river view and from the balcony we could see a lot of animals. All the meals were delicious, everything included. The staff is so friendly. I will miss this place forever.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2019

LARISSA

Experiência inesquecível!

O Pondoro e sua equipe me proporcionaram uma das melhores experiências da minha vida. O lodge é incrível e fica localizado à margem de um rio, o que te permite ver animais ao longo do dia, como os Hipopótamos que moram lá e elefantes e girafas que sempre aparecem. São apenas 8 chalés, o que deixa todo atendimento muito íntimo. Foi a equipe de hotelaria mais incrível que eu já vi e uma gastronomia impecável. Sam, nosso ranger e Dion, nosso tracker, fizeram dos nossos safáris uma experiência inesquecível, uma verdadeira aventura em busca dos Big 5. Falando em Big 5, tivemos a sorte de vê-los 2 vezes e uma delas foi no mesmo game Drive. Se você ainda está em dúvida entre ficar ou não no Pondoro, simplesmente vá. Espero voltar um dia para poder ficar pelo menos 3 noites. Fiquei apenas 2 e voltei com um gostinho de quero mais! :)

Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2018

Augusto

Experiência extraordinária !

Absolutamente tudo é perfeito neste hotel! Localização super charmosa debruçado sobre um rio onde se vê Hipopotamus, atendimento impecável, acomodações charmosas e confortáveis, serviço all inclusive de primeira e safáris emocisonantes, tendo visto os big 5 duas vezes!! Recomendo e voltaria 😉

Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2018

Alonir

Perfeição

Foi tudo perfeito. Atendimento dos funcionários, limpeza, pontualidade, comida deliciosa.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2018

Alexander

Wunderbarer Aufenthalt, sehr empfehlenswert!

Hatte einen tollen Aufenthalt in der Pondoro Game Lodge. Der Blick vom Zimmer auf den Olifants River ist wunderschön und auf den Safarifahrten hat man sehr gute Chancen den Big Five zu begegnen. Die Mitarbeitenden sind alle sehr freundlich und kümmern sich toll um die Gäste.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jan 2018

Patricia

Impecável

O Pondoro merece um review bem explicado. O lugar é maravilhoso, quarto perfeitamente limpo e espaçoso. Sem contar a estrutura impecável, o Pondoro surpreende mesmo por conta da equipe que não é deste mundo. O hotel é pequeno, todos sabem os nomes dos hóspedes – no segundo dia já conheciam nossas preferencias e não mediram esforços para ir muito além das “responsabilidades” para nos surpreender. Ficamos por 3 noites em nossa lua de mel e gostaria de poder voltar a cada dois meses. A equipe nos surpreendeu com um jantar maravilhoso na beira do rio, outro jantar maravilhoso no wine cellar, além de outros mimos e cuidados durante toda nossa estadia – tivemos a sensação de que estavam todos ali celebrando nosso casamento conosco – todos trabalhando para uma estadia romântica e deliciosa. O hotel ganhou o premio de hotel mais romântico da Africa do Sul e eles certamente mereceram! Toda a equipe foi extremamente gentl e nos fez sentir em casa, nos recebendo calorosamente na volta de cada game. Julius (ranger) e Ransom (tracker) estavam super focados em encontrar os animais – e encontraram. A equipe de cozinha é surreal: comida impecável, menu alterado diariamente, a la carte. Digno de um restaurant premiado. As garçonetes (Ivonne, Kohmatsu e Cornatia) sempre alegres, sorridentes e queridas, cuidaram de nós com tanto carinho. O hotel conseguiu unir uma estrutura física maravilhosa com uma equipe impecável – e assim conseguiram fazer do Pondoro um hotel inesquecível!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Dec 2017

Verified traveler

Beste Lodge von Afrika mit total lieben Menschen

Besser geht nicht !!! Absolut top - wie im Paradies.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2017

EVALDO

EXPERIENCIA DE VIDA

MARAVILHOSO, STAFF , TRACK E RANGER , NAO MEDIAM ESFORCO PARA TE ATENDER,BANGALO COM ACOMODACOES EXOTICAS COM MUITO CONFORTO,VISTA DA VARANDA PARA A MATA E O RIO, REFEICOES EXCELENTES, SAFARI EFETUADO NAS HORAS DETERMINADAS E CONDUZIDAS POR ERICK E MARK COMPETENTES E SEMPRE DETERMINADOS A MOSTRAR AS FERAS BEM DE PERTO ,UM JANTAR COM SHOW EM FRENTE AO RIO COM FOGUEIRA, MUITO PROFISSIONALISMO E ATENDIMENTO PERFEITO.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2017

Carla

Exclusividade e atendimento perfeito

Encantada com o atendimento impecável e simpatia dos funcionários. Ranger Sam e tracker Erici, recepção da Michelle, Raymond e Lili foram muito atenciosos e fizeram a nossa estadia ser perfeita. Destaque também para a comida de alto padrão.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Apr 2017

Florian & Cass

Incredible Safari Experience

We spend 4 days beginning of January here. The headline says it all - overall an incredible lodge that adds to a great location if you are looking for a safari experience that is both more safari than zoo and at the same time a oasis of tranquillity when you are not out \"hunting\" wild animals with your camera. The staff is extraordinary attentive and is 24/7 busy trying to attend to every guest's needs. This includes your drivers and trackers who even in rainy conditions never let up to find those precious yet more often than not well hidden animals for you. It was a truly safari, not zoo like experience.

The suites (we stayed in the Buffalo suite) are fantastic and definitely worth to upgrade to. With your own room and patio you can sit in you outside hot-top while watching nearby elephants coming to the river for their own bathing time.

At this point a big thank you to everyone at Petrolo, from drivers to cooks for at this point for making our vacation an unforgettable memory.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2017

Clovis Antonio

Recomendo!

Experiencia muito boa! Toda a atenção da equipe foi maravilhosa! Recomendo a todos!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2017

Antonio C O

Uma experiência....Perfeito.

Se você procura uma viagem perfeita....o Pondoro é a melhor escolha. Tudo é muito charmoso e de bom gosto, e é considerado que você está ali para curtir a natureza do lugar. Muita luz natural, janelões com vista para o rio até no banheiro... Serviço do hotel é muito atencioso com uma informalidade na medida para você se sentir como se estivesse em casa, tudo feito especialmente para você. Os Safaris organizados pelo hotel possui profissionais experientes e toda a região do game drive é dividida com poucos lodges o que lhe garante uma experiência única!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2017

FABIANE

Excepcional

Excelente hospedagem, local privilegiado e otimo atendimento.Perfeito.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Oct 2016

Erich

Fantastische Lodge für Game Drives

Pondoro liegt direkt am Olifants River, das alleine ist schon sensationell: Direkter Blick auf den Fluss, Flusspferde, Impalas, manchmal Elefanten. Die Angestellten sind alle sehr nett, man fühlt sich wie in einer Familie. OK, es geht etwas langsamer zu als in Deutschland, aber das ist im Urlaub genau richtig. Wir waren im Bungalow \"Water\" mit dem Balkon zum Fluss - sagenhaft! Das Essen ist prima, sehr abwechslungsreich und mit genügend Auswahl für Fleisch-, Fisch- oder Pflanzenesser. Auch bei den Weinen ist für jeden definitiv etwas dabei. Frühstück ist sehr umfangreich, was auch gut ist, nach dem morgendlichen Game Drive (05:30, ca. 3 Stunden) hat man auch Hunger.
Unser Bungalow war wirklich prima, sehr großzügig und (der Name ist Programm) mit einem sensationellen Badezimmer. Überhaupt sind die Bungalows alle unterschiedlich eingerichtet, nicht immer jedermanns Geschmack, aber es ist für jeden etwas dabei.
Die Game Drives dauern im Regelfall ca. 3 Stunden (05:30 morgens und 16:00 nachmittags). Aber was heisst schon \"Regelfall\": Wenn 4 Löwen gerade einen Büffel zerfleischen oder 15 Elefanten auf der Strasse stehen, dauert es halt ein wenig länger. Die Guides sind wirklich prima, zu Beginn etwas zurückhaltend, aber sehr freundlich und kundig. Insbesondere Rul und Andries haben einen mehr als englischen Humor!
Für Honoeymooners werden ganz besondere Dinge geboten: Romatisches Dinner im Weinkeller, Kerzenbeleuchtung im Appartment, etc. Alles in allem: einfach FANTASTISCH!