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.
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.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, German
Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Bar / lounge
Boating
Hiking
Airport transportation
Facial treatments
Valet parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Shallow end in pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Horseback riding
Shuttle bus service
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Massage
Neck massage
24-hour security
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Seating area
Coffee / tea maker
Minibar
Extra long beds
Bath / shower
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Landmark view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Location
N’Kaya Road, Plot 13, Grietjie Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park 1390 South Africa
My stay at Baluleni Safari Lodge was one of the best things I did during my "Tour of South Africa" trip! I just happened to stumble upon their lodge when doing some research for my trip, and I am so glad I did! Evert and Elke were both so kind and accommodating, and they went above and beyond to work with me and my extremely tight travel schedule. I stayed in a chalet, and it was perfect and included many thoughtful touches like a stocked refrigerator and complimentary tea, coffee, and cookies. The guides were great for the game rides, and I felt like I really got to know everyone with our family-style meals prepared by a great chef. I highly recommend staying at Baluleni - I will certainly be staying again on my next trip to South Africa!
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Date of stay: January 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Choose a chalet - includes an A/C unit as well as a veranda with outdoor seating
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.
Response from Phalaborwa, Owner at Baluleni Safari Lodge (PTY) Ltd
Responded 25 Jan 2020
Dear Caridrice, We are the ones to thank you for visiting our lodge! All of us enjoyed your company and it is a pity it was so short. We are looking forward to have you for a longer period with us. We wish you a great year ahead! From The Baluleni Team!
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Elke and Evert were amazing and very hospitable. Elke went the extra mile to make our stay memorable. Jaap is very knowledgeable and professional in his work guiding us through the Safari outings. just like an Eagle Scout. The meals cooked by Tumello were great and he pays attention to the details. House keeping was very good. We definitely recommend this place.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep 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.
Response from Phalaborwa, Owner at Baluleni Safari Lodge (PTY) Ltd
Responded 28 Jan 2020
Dear Rodf907, Thank you for visiting Baluleni and for the kind words in your review - it is appreciated. It was a pleasure for the Baluleni team to have you here and to be able to look after you. You were such wonderful guests and we are looking forward to welcome you again at Baluleni in the future. From The Baluleni Team!
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These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
Even during the booking process, I was impressed by the time that the lodge operators (Heike and Andreas) took to answer my questions, so that I could look forward to the trip without any concerns. The day before we arrived, the lodge actively asked us what time we would arrive so that we could be scheduled for lunch or the afternoon safari. This is not a given either - most accommodations only offer check-in after lunch. When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the staff (some of whom spoke German) and the guests' situation was addressed individually. In our case, we were actually too late for the afternoon safari, but it was organized at short notice that we could take part straight away and all formalities were taken care of afterwards. The lodge itself has no walls or fences, so we were able to observe animals several times between the buildings during meals or in the middle of the day - including a fully grown bull elephant that was feeding in the middle of the buildings one evening. Meals were served in the morning and at lunchtime on the open terrace at the main building and in the evening in the sheltered boma, inside of which a campfire was burning and tables and seating had been set up. The food was excellent. In the morning, for example, you were given freshly prepared egg dishes. At lunchtime there was a sufficient meal that did not overtax the body for the afternoon safari. In the evening, a three-course menu was served in the boma, which was previously presented by the chef. Our room was a good size, so the two of us felt very comfortable. All windows had mosquito nets, and the four-poster bed also had a dense mosquito net all around, which did not disturb us at all when we slept. The bathroom was modern with a walk-in shower with a glass partition and an additional outdoor shower that was protected from wild animals by a brick wall. The highlight remains the safari trips (3 hours each), which were carried out in open off-road vehicles in the morning (6:00 a.m.) and in the afternoon (4:00 p.m.). The trained safari guides explained a lot during the trips and gave us some great animal moments. We were able to see lions up close, among other things. As the comment field is limited, all I can say is that we can highly recommend the accommodation to everyone!!!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep 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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were guests at the lodge in early September 2024. Already through the first contacts with the owners of Lodge Andreas and Heike we realized that the two love South Africa and just want to pass this on to their guests. The two of them advised us in detail and individually in advance and the costs were also always stated transparently.
We have booked the lodge's newest chalet, the Bushveld Chalet. The chalet is at the end of the lodge and you have a great view of the open country from the veranda. You can watch elephants, giraffes, antelopes, etc. from there and watch them visit the lodge as the lodge is not fenced. The chalet is equipped with air conditioning, refrigerator, coffee machine with capsules, separate bathroom with 2 sinks, bathtub, and outdoor shower.
The price for the overnight stay includes an excellent breakfast, which you choose from different variants the night before, a lunch and a 3-course evening menu. Dinner is served at the Buma for all guests around the campfire. With cool drinks, you can review the day once again.
Game drives (game drives) are also included in the price. In the early morning and late afternoon you have the opportunity to explore the Grietje National Park with the experienced and super nice tour guides in jeeps and to experience animals very close in the wild.
Thanks to Andreas and Heike’s super advance information, we have booked an extensive excursion program:
River cruise on the Olifant River, helicopter tour, panoramic tour to the third largest Canon in the world, the Blynd River Canyon, Village Tour (country and people), day trip Kruger National Park!
Excursions were conducted by the lodge tour guides or by partner companies. To describe the excursions here would be beyond the scope! All we can say is: Every trip was worth EVERY penny.
Our conclusion: Those who want to experience safaris and South Africa are in good hands with Andreas and Heike and at the lodge!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Automatically translated
Date of stay: September 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep 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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Staff were very friendly and helpful. Christina was an amazing host. She went out of her way to make our trip memorable. We had a great time on our game drives with her and she was an excellent guide. The River walk that Jan and Christina took us on was very interesting and informative. My kids enjoyed it a lot. It was lovely to hang out by the pool during the day. My only complaint/suggestion is that they need to put a bigger fridge in the self catering unit. The fridge in there is too small to fit food and drinks etc. Would definitely return for a visit again.
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Date of stay: April 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Tents are very spacious. The front cottages have river views.
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.
Response from Baluleni Safari Lodge, Owner at Baluleni Safari Lodge (PTY) Ltd
Responded 16 Apr 2021
Thank you very much Heather it was awesome to accommodate all of you here in Baluleni and it would be lovely to do so again. ​ We appreciate your feedback in regards to the fridge. Thank you very much, that is indeed something I need to look into. Stay safe, healthy and happy. With kind regards Christina & Baluleni Safari Team
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Recently we have visited Baluleni Safari Lodge and had the most incredible experience. The location right on the Olifant River with free roaming elephants, Hippos, crocodiles, impala, giraffes, Water buck, amazing bird life and many other animals. You can hear the Lion's from your challet. One of the most surprising part that was the service that we received from Christina (Manager) and her team Nomsa (best chef) and Anniki and other. We have been spoiled to rotten! The food was outstanding and delicious!!! Knowledgeable of Christina and her ranger Jan was great and they took us to several game drives. Also the location of the Safari lodge is 20km away from the Phalaborwa gate which is also great opportunity to get into Kruger park and drive. Although this lodge is directly connected with the Kruger park and part of the Greater Kruger.
We have had an outstanding time there and will definitely go back!!
Thank you all again for a memorable weekend.!
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Response from Baluleni Safari Lodge, Owner at Baluleni Safari Lodge (PTY) Ltd
Responded 16 Apr 2021
Thank you so much for the beautiful words. It was our pleasure to accommodate you here in Baluleni. I am looking forward welcoming you here in Baluleni in future again. I wish you all the best and stay safe, healthy and happy. With kind regards Christina & Baluleni Safari Team
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OpThe lodge has been amazingly revamped and has a modern yet cozy African Safari Lodge feeling. The boma is inviting, so is the pool and the in-and outside breakfast and dining area. What sets Baluleni apart though is the affordability without missing anything you want to experience on a safari lodge: morning and evening game drives (all big fives there) straight from the lodge with experienced guides, paired with boat trips on the nearby river if you wish. The owners, Heike and Andreas offer a variety of packages and make sure you will be in for a treat. As the lodge caters for only 16pax in total, the atmosphere is very intimate, yet highly professional. We will definitely come again! Amazing value for money!!
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
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.
Response from Baluleni Safari Lodge, Inhaber at Baluleni Safari Lodge (PTY) Ltd
Responded 12 Jul 2023
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the revamped Baluleni Safari Lodge with its modern yet cozy African safari lodge ambiance. It brings us great joy to know that you found our facilities, such as the inviting boma, the pool, and the indoor and outdoor dining areas, appealing. We put a lot of effort into creating a welcoming atmosphere where you can feel at home. As the owners of the lodge, we provide a variety of packages and strive to make your stay a treat. It is our priority to ensure that you have a fantastic time during your visit. Once again, thank you for your outstanding review and for appreciating what we have to offer. We look forward to welcoming you back to Baluleni Safari Lodge in the near future. Warmest bush greetings from Andreas, Heike, Ella, and the entire team at Baluleni Safari Lodge
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We thoroughly enjoyed our 6-night stay in the Baluleni Safari Lodge. The staff and service we received were excellent. The ranger we had Jan was extremely knowledgeable and helpful and could not do enough to make our game drives and stay enjoyable. The meals were excellent as well as being around the Boma at night being served chef-cooked three-course dinners. Our chalet was comfortable and game wandered past us frequently.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep 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.
Response from Baluleni Safari Lodge, Inhaber at Baluleni Safari Lodge (PTY) Ltd
Responded 20 Jan 2022
Thank you for taking the time to write down your impressions of Baluleni. We all in Baluleni love our job especially when our guests are happy - that's what we live for. Best regards - your Baluleni team
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My wife and I traveled with my brother and sister in law for our first ever safari. On arrival we were very impressed with the great location and our two lodges. This place is where you will experience the real natural world, the wildlife can roam through your camp, but don’t worry as most keep their distance from your accommodation..but be aware of the monkeys who like to see what’s going on….lovely to have a cuppa on your veranda and watch the wildlife. The food was just perfect, all extremely good quality and great variety….(highly recommended). With a great breakfast, superb lunch and a very tasty evening meal we could not fault the dining arrangements. We ate around a camp fire a couple of times, which had a real special feel, a good time to chat and catch up with other guests and the owners.
The owners were lovely and very hospitable, they ensured ourselves and all other guests were well looked after. Ella, the owners dog and mascot, was well behaved, she was lovely and friendly.
Our morning and late afternoon safaris were fascinating,….what would we see? Our guides had great knowledge on the area, the wildlife and the plants, and they did not disappoint with Elephants, Lions, Zebras, Giraffes and so many others….even Porcupines! … fantastic memories made and many photos taken
Baluleni Safari Lodge, was really great, all the staff, the food, the location, it is not a five star hotel with onsite spa facilities, this is a great safari lodge situated in the greater Kruger National park. If you want a flash hotel, perhaps a safari lodge is not for you.
I don’t do many reviews, I’ve traveled and holidayed around the globe a fair amount, but this wildlife experience was up there with the best and so so memorable.
If I could give more than five stars, I would…..go treat yourselves and make those memories.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â The owners were very welcoming, so if you have any requests please ask
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.
Response from Baluleni Safari Lodge, Inhaber at Baluleni Safari Lodge (PTY) Ltd
Responded 28 Nov 2023
What an amazing adventure, Mark! It's truly heartwarming to hear that your first safari experience left such a lasting impression. Thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us! The wildlife encounters around the lodge sound captivating. There's something truly special about being in the midst of nature and having animals roam through the camp. It's wonderful that you enjoyed observing them from your veranda while sipping on a cup of tea. We're thrilled that you found the dining experience perfect, with a variety of high-quality meals. The campfire gatherings, fostering connections with fellow guests and us, truly make for unforgettable evenings. Ella, our lovely mascot, holds a special place here. Her friendly presence adds to the warmth of the lodge. Your safari experiences, filled with elephants, lions, zebras, and even porcupines, are the kind of memories that last a lifetime. We're glad our guides were able to provide you with such insightful and enriching experiences. Thank you for acknowledging that Baluleni is a genuine safari lodge within the Greater Kruger National Park. Your appreciation for the authenticity of the experience means a lot to us. Your review and heartfelt words mean the world to us. It was a pleasure being part of your incredible journey, and we'd be thrilled to welcome you back for more unforgettable moments in the future. Warm regards, Heike & Andreas & your Baluleni Lodge Team
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Rian and Carla welcomed us on arrival,helped unpack our luggage which was then whisked to our rooms by the team.
The fully catered option is great, with simple, tasty meals fit for the bush.
We arranged a couple of bush walks led by Jan from lionseye.org. Very knowledgeable and patient, Jan leads a slow, informative walk. This is not a marathon. We are then met at the Olifants River lookout point by Rian with drinks and snacks. Highly recommended.
The local game drives can uncover lion, elephant, hippo, hyena, etc. We also opted for a half day Kruger drive with a packed breakfast.
Rian and Carla had a delicious birthday cake baked, and set up on the pool deck where we celebrated.
The best rooms are the ones on the edge of the camp facing the river. They had Nespresso machines, which is important for me since I love coffee.
The camp is unfenced, so game roam through. Rian found a sneaky hyena next to the kitchen on the last night, obviously wanting to get in on the action.
Dinners were served in the fenced off boma next to the bonfire.
A great experience had by all. Well - recommended.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip 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.
Response from Baluleni Safari Lodge, Owner at Baluleni Safari Lodge (PTY) Ltd
Responded 23 Jul 2022
Dear davidIR2225IM Thank you for leaving this detailed review of your stay with us, We are very happy to hear that you had a great time and some great sightings with us at Baluleni. Carla, Riaan and the Baluleni Team
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Balule Nature Reserve, South Africa46 contributions
Balulenl Safari Lodge offers 3 hour's open vehicle safaris inside the greater Kruger National Park for free of charge. All entrance- and conservation fees are paid by Baluleni Safari Lodge.
For a full day trip in an open safari vehicle to the public sector of the Kruger National Park we charge R2700.00 per person, packed breakfast/lunch , entrance fee included.
For a full day trip to the Panorama Route with God's Window, Blyde River Canyon we charge R2700.00 per person, acked brakfast/lunch included.
Balule Nature Reserve, South Africa46 contributions
Dear Shrini C,
Thanks for your mail. Luckily you could manage in the end and my wife, Elke, could help you yesterday with your booking at Baluleni.
Kind regards
Evert
Baluleni Safari Lodge
Balule Nature Reserve, South Africa46 contributions
Good morning Pierre and Felicity, Thank you for your question. Elke has forwarded you the directions on 15 May 2017.
Looking forward to welcome you.
Evert van Eeden
Baluleni Safari Lodge (Pty) Ltd
Balule Nature Reserve, South Africa46 contributions
Dear Karen,
We are located in the 50 000ha Balule Reserve
The lodge has no fences
We are located on the Olifants River and also have a waterhole
We offer safaris in Balule and in the public sector of the Kruger National Park.
We offer Bushwalks
Please check our safari packages on the website
Regards
Evert
There are more places to choose from in the Grietjie Nature Reserve area.
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 6,747 - RÂ 8,274 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkGrietjie Nature Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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