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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 private 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 center. 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 in particular like the location – they rated it 9.9 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.9)

Breakfast Info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Buffet, Breakfast to go

Free Private Parking Available On Site


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Availability

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Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.9
Facilities
9.8
Cleanliness
9.8
Comfort
9.8
Value for money
9.4
Location
9.9
Free Wifi
10
High score for Balule Game Reserve
Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Michelle
    United States of America United States of America
    Everything about this lodge was amazing! The location itself is magical, but the staff at the lodge were fantastic and extremely friendly. Big thank you to JD and Patricia who helped us so much during our stay and to our incredible guide (Dewald)...
  • Esmeralda
    Ireland Ireland
    Absolutely everything, since the moment we arrived we were in paradise. The place is spotless, the staff is extremely friendly and everything is thought to perfection. Thanks to Patricia, Ivonne and Solly, they made our honeymoon a dream!
  • Katherine
    United States of America United States of America
    The property was beautiful, very clean and nicely decorated. You can view many of the animals from your room or the restaurant deck. Amazing river views.
  • Maggie
    United States of America United States of America
    If you're planning a safari in Kruger, look no further, this is THE place to stay. First of all, the staff, are absolutely exceptional. Our tracker was Eric and our guide was Rul, this is a dynamic duo, they made our first safari unforgettable, it...
  • Gregory
    United States of America United States of America
    Great staff, excellent service. Location is spectacular and safaris were great
  • James
    United States of America United States of America
    Staff was amazing! We thoroughly enjoyed our safari drives with Raul. Food was delicious!
  • Augusto
    Brazil Brazil
    Exceptional experience. Top-notch service, where every staff member attended to us with great attention and joy. Luxury restaurant. The spa is definitely worth visiting. The room was spacious, comfortable, super clean, and with an incredible view...
  • Kristen
    United States of America United States of America
    Every single person working here went above and beyond!!!
  • Don
    United States of America United States of America
    The staff was OUTSTANDING. They were on top of all our requests and the guide and tracker did an outstanding job as well I cant say enough about our stay. I highly recommend this place. .
  • Tina
    Aruba Aruba
    Pondoro was the most amazing experience we had. We loved everything about it. Special shout out to Patricia who laughed us thru all the meals and all other staff including the cleaning service putting little notes in our room. The ranger Emilio...

Property questions and answers
Browse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the property
The 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, Annchen
    Answered on 21 June 2021
  • Do 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 2022
  • Hi, 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 2023
  • We 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 2022
  • We 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 2022
  • We 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
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Area info

Restaurants
1 Restaurant On Site

  • Restaurant #1
    • Cuisine
      African • European • South African
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • High tea
    • Ambience
      Romantic
    • Dietary options
      Halal • Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free

Amenities of Pondoro Game Lodge
Great facilities! Review score, 9.8

Most popular amenities
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Airport shuttle
  • Free parking
  • Fitness center
  • Room service
  • Free Wifi
  • Spa
  • Bar
Bathroom
  • Towels
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Slippers
  • Private Bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Bathrobe
  • Hairdryer
  • Bathtub
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Wardrobe or closet
View
  • River view
  • View
Outdoors
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun deck
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Electric kettle
Room Amenities
  • Clothes rack
Activities
  • Tour or class about local culture
    Additional charge
  • Walking tours
  • Game drives
Living Area
  • Sitting area
  • Desk
Food & Drink
  • Fruit
  • Wine/Champagne
  • Special diet meals (on request)
  • Bar
  • Minibar
  • Restaurant
Internet
Wifi is available in the rooms and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Accessible parking
Front Desk Services
  • Invoice provided
  • Private check-in/out
  • Concierge
  • Express check-in/out
Entertainment & Family Services
  • Board games/Puzzles
  • Board games/puzzles
Cleaning Services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry
    Additional charge
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • 24-hour security
  • Safe
General
  • Shuttle service
    Additional charge
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Smoke-free property
  • Mosquito net
  • Wake-up service
  • Private entrance
  • Heating
  • Fan
  • Airport shuttle
    Additional charge
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
Accessibility
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
Outdoor swimming pool
Free!
  • Open all year
  • Pool/Beach towels
  • Pool bar
  • Beach chairs/Loungers
Spa
  • Fitness
  • Full-body massage
  • Hand massage
  • Head massage
  • Couples' massage
  • Foot massage
  • Neck massage
  • Back massage
  • Spa/Wellness packages
  • Steam room
  • Spa facilities
  • Beach chairs/Loungers
  • Open-air bath
  • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
  • Massage
    Additional charge
  • Spa
    Additional charge
  • Fitness center
Languages Spoken
  • English

House rules
Pondoro Game Lodge takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in
From 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out
From 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancelation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Children & Beds

Child policies

Children over 12 are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

No age restriction
There's no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Cards accepted at this property
American ExpressVisaMastercardDiners ClubCash is not accepted

The fine print
Must-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 of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

FAQs about Pondoro Game Lodge

  • Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

  • Pondoro Game Lodge is 2.1 miles from the center of Balule Game Reserve. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • The prices at Pondoro Game Lodge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

  • 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
  • Pondoro Game Lodge offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

    • Spa
    • Fitness center
    • 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
  • Yes, there's a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Pondoro Game Lodge on this page.

  • Room options at Pondoro Game Lodge include:

    • Suite
    • Chalet
  • Pondoro Game Lodge has 1 restaurant:

    • Restaurant #1
  • Check-in at Pondoro Game Lodge is from 1:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.