Pondoro Game Lodge
Kruger National Park 1380 South Africa
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Prices above are provided by partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and do not include all taxes and fees. Please see our partners for full details.
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About
#2 of 18 in Balule Nature Reserve
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Travellers' Choice
Set on the cool riverine banks of the Olifants River (largest in Kruger) in the 40 000 ha Big 5 Balule Private Game Reserve inside the greater Kruger National Park, Pondoro offers its visitors comfort, sophistication, elegance and a canvas on which to create a truly unforgettable African safari.In this small, very exclusive 16-bed lodge ( owner managed ) you will discover the only way to experience the African bush. In addition to luxurious accommodation and the caring attention from trained professionals, our visitors are lavished upon with international fare and humble African hospitality.Meals are an extraordinary culinary experience where Traditional African Cuisine fuse effortlessly with modern European trends.To compliment the food, select any of our fine wines from our extensive wine cellar. Vegetarians are specially catered for. All meals are served on a wooden deck high up in the tree canopy overlooking the Olifants River (weather permitting).Between game drives in open safari cruisers, nature walks and peaceful afternoon naps, enjoy a dip in the sparkling rock pool, a spot of sun bathing or browse through the library. The Pondoro bar is the ideal spot to quench your thirst and grab a snack.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Airport transportation
Spa
Baggage storage
Secured parking
Wifi
Hot bath
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Special diet menus
Full body massage
Massage
Concierge
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Coffee / tea maker
Minibar
Bath / shower
Seating area
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
968Reviews27Q+A100Room tips
Reviews
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The lodge has beautifully furnished rooms. The staff was very friendly and courteous, the food was extremely delicious. We are already looking forward to the next time! Thanks to all for this great Time!
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Date of stay: June 2022
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Helpful
Pondoro Game Lodge was an extraordinary place to stay. Our cabin was wonderfully decorated and was clean and comfortable. The food was delicious and artfully presented. The staff, never intrusive, was always friendly and helpful. This trip was a celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary, and the staff made this anniversary extra special. Our guide and tracker were spectacular at their jobs, always amazing us by finding animals and sights for us to see. Overall, it was an extraordinary experience.
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Date of stay: May 2022
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We absolutely loved our Pondoro experience! The property is beautiful, unique & extremely well cared for. Our ranger and tracker were exceptional -- so knowledgable, fantastic hosts and teachers. We hoped for, but didn't really expect to see the wide array and sheer number of animals so close up. Every staff member we interacted with was welcoming, expert, professional and went out of their way to insure our delight with a genuine smile. Clearly the Pondoro team puts a lot of thought and effort into the experience they deliver. We felt so well cared for.
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Date of stay: May 2022
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Lovely setting by the river, loved eating out on the deck. Our game drives were phenomenal! We learned so much about the ecology of the area and saw so many amazing animals. The staff took great care of us.
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Date of stay: May 2022
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+1
What can I say, I don’t think you could beat this lodge and staff. The food and presentation beats anything we have had before. As a couple the evening dinners couldn’t be more romantic. The staff are amazing, our driver and tracker Eric and Sam, well their skills are second to none. Sam’s off road driving was quite adrenaline fuelled at times. We were lucky enough to see all the animals you could wish for, leopards, lions, elephants, wild dogs, hyena, giraffe, warthogs, buffalo, baboon, zebra even chameleons. There are bush babies in the trees above the swimming pool We stayed in the Buffalo room, stunning room and gorgeous view of the river. We would both be back in a heartbeat, we loved it 😍
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled
Helpful
Pondoro Game Lodge looks like it's straight out of a movie set. The outdoor dining area is gorgeous and overlooks a rushing river full of wildlife. The staff is extremely friendly and are always willing to chat and pour you drinks! The rooms are also gorgeous with 2 tubs and 2 showers - 1 indoor and 1 outdoor. I would definitely recommend this lodge for your luxury vacation!
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Date of stay: May 2022
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Incredible luxury Safari experience intimate resort on the River with animals galore the staff makes you feel like family (Licia,Marias and arrmaund), the food is amazing, the accommodations are unique luxurious,and gorgeous - sindi was great, Lilly’s spa treatments was one of the best I have ever had. The highlight was our 2x daily Safari hosted by Rul and Andres. Saw the big 5 and more can’t wait to come back. I wish I could give them more stars.
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Date of stay: May 2022
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It was an incredible experience to join with the friendly staff at pondoro all the adventures on the game drives (special thanks to Sam and Eric), the delicious food, the perfect room maid service, the great picnic at the waterhole and the lovely massage by Lilly. 💯 % recommended!
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Date of stay: April 2022
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This game reserve is on the edge of Kruger with the Oliphants river running next to the property. On site hippos in the river. Game drives fantastic - all big 5 seen. Lions with 11 cubs plus female expecting another litter - so wonderful to get so close and experience a family relaxed (parents including dad) and cubs playing. Lots of elephant of all sizes. Hospitality at the lodge cannot be faulted - couldn’t do enough for us. Accommodation spacious and very comfortable. Friendly staff. Memories will stay for ever.
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled
Helpful
If I could give this lodge a 10 I would! Absolutely unbelievable service. Small, private lodge with service catered to your needs. I have an allergy and they made special food just for me. Food was incredible and they are constantly feeding you. Everyone was amazing. The game drives were off the chart! I can’t recommend enough. We will be back!
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled
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PRICE RANGE
US$612 - US$1 112 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
pondoro game hotel balule private game reserve
LOCATION
South AfricaKruger National ParkBalule Nature Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Pondoro Game Lodge
What are some of the property amenities at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a mosquito net.
What food & drink options are available at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Does Pondoro Game Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Pondoro Game Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Pondoro Game Lodge?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Pondoro Game Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
Does Pondoro Game Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.