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. 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. The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is 131 km away. Hoedspruit Airport is a 60-minute drive from the camp.

Couples particularly 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)

Free private parking available on-site


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
1 extra-large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
1 extra-large double bed
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Property practices

This property has told us they implemented certain practices across some or all of these categories: waste, water, energy and greenhouse gases, destination and community, and nature.
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:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Joseph
    United States United 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...
  • Farah
    Turkey Turkey
    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...
  • Edoardo
    United Kingdom United 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...

Property surroundings

Restaurants
1 restaurant on site

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

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

Most popular facilities
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Airport shuttle
  • Fitness centre
  • Free WiFi
  • Spa and wellness centre
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
Bathroom
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Slippers
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Bathrobe
  • Hairdryer
  • Bath
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Wardrobe or closet
View
  • River view
  • View
Outdoors
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
  • 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
  • Seating Area
  • Desk
Food & Drink
  • Fruits
  • Wine/champagne
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Bar
  • Minibar
  • Restaurant
Internet
WiFi is available in the rooms and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
  • Accessible parking
Reception services
  • Invoice provided
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Concierge service
  • Express check-in/check-out
Entertainment and 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
  • Safety deposit box
General
  • Shuttle service
    Additional charge
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • 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
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
Wellness
  • 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
  • Massage
    Additional charge
  • Spa and wellness centre
    Additional charge
  • Fitness centre
Languages spoken
  • English

House rules

Pondoro Game Lodge takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in

From 13:00 to 17:00

Check-out

From 08:00 to 11:00

 

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

Children and beds

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.

Age restriction

No age restriction for check-in. (Only children 12 and older are allowed)

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Mastercard Visa Diners Club American Express Cash is not accepted Pondoro Game Lodge accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print
Need-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

  • 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.

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

  • Check-in at Pondoro Game Lodge is from 13:00, and check-out is until 11:00.

  • Pondoro Game Lodge has 1 restaurant:

    • Restaurant #1

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Room options at Pondoro Game Lodge include:

    • Suite
    • Chalet

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