Pondoro Game Lodge
Balule Nature Reserve, off R40, 1380 Balule Game Reserve, South Africa – Excellent location - show map
Pondoro Game Lodge
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Genius discounts at this property are subject to book dates, stay dates and other available deals.
Experience world-class service at Pondoro Game Lodge
Pondoro is set on the banks of the Olifants River inside the 50 000 ha Balule Private Game Reserve inside the Greater Kruger National Park (Game drive traverse 30 000 acres). Pondoro has three architecturally designed chalets overlooking the Olifants River. Each chalet has been beautifully decorated with an African theme. All chalets have en-suite bathrooms (with a shower and bath overlooking the river), lounge area, air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a wooden deck. All our suites are air-conditioned and architecturally designed offering modern comforts in an ancient setting. Each suite is provided with a private wooden deck, Jacuzzi, lounge area and an outside shower for those who are adventurous at heart. A fusion of traditional African and modern European cuisine can be enjoyed on the wooden deck overlooking the river. Guests can taste fine wine from Pondoro’s extensive wine cellar or grab a snack at the bar. Meals and drinks included. Revitalize your mind, body and soul with classic spa treatments which range from a glass covered steam room, a spa bath under the wide African sky to a massage in the privacy of your room or visit our fitness centre. Morning and evening safari drives on open-topped Land Rovers, bird-watching and nature walks are included. Experienced guides will not only use their knowledge and bushcraft to try and show you the Big Five and other plains game, but they will do their best to paint memories of an Africa that will never fade away. A nature walk with an armed guide would add the thrill of encountering animals on foot.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.9 for a two-person trip.
Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Fitness centre
- Spa and wellness centre
- Free WiFi
- Room service
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Bar
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Guests who stayed here loved
- JenniferUnited Kingdom“The room was brilliant and the hot tub overlooking the river was amazing, so nice chilling there in the day. The staff were fantastic, so personable and friendly. The room service was immaculate and they wrote us lovely messages and had lots of...”
- LucaItaly“The best experience I had so far. Difficult to replicate. The lodge is amazing, the staff is incredible and the games are unbelievable. Thanks to our guides for everything. It’s been a dream.”
- BernadetteAustralia“We stayed in the Earth suite which has the bath outside and inside. The suite is beautiful, spacious and comfortable. The quality of the food is very good. The place is run very strategically so there is no space for consumption outside their...”
- LuciaSpain“I liked everything, the game drives , the resort , the food. It is luxurious and down to earth at same time . We saw the big five several times and much more (including a pack of baby wild dogs). We were very sad to leave”
- JosephUnited States“Safari tours were led by knowledgeable guides who were sure to expose us to the numerous herds of everything you would hope to see from leopards feasting to lions chasing down game and rhinos looking tough and elephants and giraffes enjoying their...”
- FarahTurkey“We were thrilled to be at Pondoro, I would describe it as exceptional and exclusive , "Must" once in a life time experience. The lodge itself is top notch, the staff are very experienced especially the game drivers, and the management spares no...”
- EdoardoUnited Kingdom“Literally everything, from the staff, to the place. the care for details... everything was perfect And if you can, ask for Sully as your Ranger, he knows everything about the animal of the reserve and he'll make every effort to show them to...”
- ClaireUnited States“Stunning property in unforgettable location. Romantic, rustic, warm and welcoming, great attention to detail, fantastic staff who regularly went above and beyond to make our stay memorable. Food was great! We saw lots of wildlife including the big...”
- JoppeSweden“our experience was topnotch. Very friendly staff, great food and drinks and of course an incredible safari experience. We received everything we wanted in overflow and the staff did their absolute best to make our stay romantic and unique,”
- MarthaBrazil“The lodge is fabulous: the food is brilliant, the service is amazingly friendly, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, the massage at the spa is spectacular, the location is great, and the activities are very well organized. All is perfect.”
Property questions and answersBrowse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the propertyThe property usually replies within a few days
Hi, are the game drives included? we just booked suite2 for next year :)
Thank you for the booking. Yes the game drives are included. Kind regards, AnnchenAnswered on 21 June 2021Do you have shuttle service from OR Tambo International Airport
Yes, we do at an extra cost. It is a 6 hour transfer. Closest Airport to us is Hoedspruit Airport and we can also organise a transfer from it at an ex..Answered on 10 September 2022Hi, we are looking to stay for 3 nights in Dec 2023 please can you confirm how many game drives would be included? do you also offer boat safari?
Hi, thank you for the question. You will get and evening safari on day of check-in. Next day a morning and evening safari as well as the next day and ..Answered on 19 April 2023We are looking to book between 30th nov and 4th dec. One of our group arrives Jo berg 16.40 on 1st. Please advise cost of car transfer.
Perfect. Please note about the special that we are running only today and tomorrow on the suites. The transfer will be R7810 one way and includes the ..Answered on 5 November 2022We are a group of 4. My son lands late in Jo berg at 17.00 Is there evening flight to hoidspruit if not and he drives, can he get access after 10pm
In general we would not recommend tourists to drive by themselves late at night. It is a 6 hour drive. If he wants he must rather take the Polokwane /..Answered on 5 November 2022We are looking to book between 30th nov and 4th dec. One of our group arrives Jo berg 16.40 on 1st. Please advise cost of car transfer. Thanks
Thank you for the message. It is R7810 for the transfer and includes R220 per person conservation fees as well as the gate entrance fees. Remember our..Answered on 5 November 2022- Still looking?
Property surroundings
Restaurants1 restaurant on site
- Restaurant #1
- CuisineAfrican • European • South African
- Open forBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner • High tea
- AmbianceRomantic
- Dietary optionsHalal • Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
Facilities of Pondoro Game LodgeGreat facilities! Review score, 9.8
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Fitness centre
- Spa and wellness centre
- Free WiFi
- Room service
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Bar
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
- Bath
- Shower
- Wardrobe or closet
- River view
- View
- Outdoor fireplace
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Sun terrace
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden
- Electric kettle
- Clothes rack
- Tour or class about local cultureAdditional charge
- Walking tours
- Game drives
- Seating Area
- Desk
- Fruits
- Wine/champagne
- Special diet menus (on request)
- Bar
- Minibar
- Restaurant
- Accessible parking
- Invoice provided
- Private check-in/check-out
- Concierge service
- Express check-in/check-out
- Board games/puzzles
- Board games/puzzles
- Daily housekeeping
- LaundryAdditional charge
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
- 24-hour security
- Safety deposit box
- Shuttle serviceAdditional charge
- Shared lounge/TV area
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Mosquito net
- Wake-up service
- Private entrance
- Heating
- Fan
- Airport shuttleAdditional charge
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Open all year
- Pool/beach towels
- Pool bar
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Fitness
- Full body massage
- Hand massage
- Head massage
- Couples massage
- Foot massage
- Neck massage
- Back massage
- Spa/wellness packages
- Steam room
- Spa facilities
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Open-air bath
- Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- MassageAdditional charge
- Spa and wellness centreAdditional charge
- Fitness centre
- English
House rulesPondoro Game Lodge takes special requests - add in the next step!
Child policies
Children older than 12 years are welcome.
To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.
Cot and extra bed policies
Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.
The fine printNeed-to-know information for guests at this property
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 Pondoro Game Lodge in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.
In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.
FAQs about Pondoro Game Lodge
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Pondoro Game Lodge offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):
- Spa and wellness centre
- Fitness centre
- Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- Massage
- Swimming Pool
- Tour or class about local culture
- Full body massage
- Game drives
- Spa facilities
- Walking tours
- Fitness
- Open-air bath
- Steam room
- Spa/wellness packages
- Back massage
- Neck massage
- Foot massage
- Couples massage
- Head massage
- Hand massage
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Room options at Pondoro Game Lodge include:
- Suite
- Chalet
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Yes, there is a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Pondoro Game Lodge on this page.
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Check-in at Pondoro Game Lodge is from 13:00, and check-out is until 11:00.
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Pondoro Game Lodge has 1 restaurant:
- Restaurant #1
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The prices at Pondoro Game Lodge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.
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Pondoro Game Lodge is 2.1 miles from the centre of Balule Game Reserve. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.
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Guests staying at Pondoro Game Lodge can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 9.2).
Breakfast option(s) include:
- Continental
- Full English/Irish
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Buffet
- Breakfast to go
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Yes, this hotel has a pool. Find out the details about the pool and other facilities on this page.