Oliphant West Gate, off R40, 1371 Balule Game Reserve, South Africa
#5 of 13 hotels in Balule Game Reserve
Guests' ChoiceBased on 20 hotel reviews
9.7Cleanliness
9.8
Comfort
9.9
Location
9.9
Facilities
9.5
Staff
10.0
Value for money
9.6
Free WiFi
8.8
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Showing 1 – 20
Reviewed: 30 April 2024
Mohit
United KingdomNothing at all!
Carol and Nigel have a stunning game lodge. We had an incredible time over four nights. They have included a number of little touches that elevate your stay and experience and have created a lodge of quiet luxury, that is embedded within the bush. You can see animals from your balcony! Our guide, Given, was phenomenal. He has an incredible knowledge of animals and birds and is such a fun guide. He has so much to teach and was amazing at finding and tracking animals. We saw the Big Five, but importantly, saw so much more beyond that. The lodge staff really value conserving the nature and animals around, and truly respect the animals. It was truly an unforgettable experience in the bush. The front of house staff, Crescent, Glorify and Veronica were incredible. They were so kind, thoughtful and personable. They made us feel so welcome and at home. The food was also amazing - we were blown away by the variety and quality of the food. An unforgettable five days and an experience of a lifetime.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 19 February 2024
Lucinda
United KingdomExceptional service and fantastic food. We are family of two adults and two children and we had the most wonderful stay at Greenfire 🥰
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 22 September 2023
Nicole
United KingdomNothing!
Our experience of Greenfire game lodge was nothing short of exceptional. The welcome we received when we arrived was warm and welcoming and immediately we felt at home. The Lodge is located down a beautiful track within big five territory and you self drive down 10km to a meeting point where you are collected before the real off-roading begins! The access in is stunning and set the scene for a beautiful stay. The rooms are right on the river bed with expansive views, huge comfortable bed and are beautifully finished. The view overlooking the river bed was stunning and we were lucky to see Elephants and Buffalo using the riverbed from our balcony. The customer service at the lodge was second to none - when we arrived we had packed for warm weather but an unseasonably cold front with high winds greeted us for day 1 and the owners lent us coats and windbreakers for the whole stay to keep us warm on the drives. The drives themselves are stunning. We had Given as our ranger and he was sensational. He listened to what we wanted to see and not only met but exceeded our expectations with some incredible sightings. Black Rhino and African Painted Dogs (with puppies) were real highlights as we hadn’t seen them before! Lastly, we have to mention the food. It is sensational. We have food requirements for one of our party with Gluten and Vegetarian and yet the food was absolutely incredible. It was fine dining every meal to an exceptional standard. All in all, it was incredible, and a Lodge I would thoroughly recommend. If you are going to South Africa to relax, eat well, be treated as family and safari, this place is perfect.
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: 7 September 2023
Michael
South Africano tea cooking facilities in the room. Anything else was perfect.
The location of the lodge is wonderful. The rooms have an excellent view to the river where the animals roam around. Good for game viewing and relaxing between the game drives. Good food (they cared very well for the dietary requirements of my wife). The chalets are modern and very well maintained.
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: 31 August 2023
Meike
GermanyJust be aware there is no air condition or WLAN in the rooms. (but great connection in the lounge area) We didn‘t mind at all and enjoyed the free bush cinema.
The lodge is beautifully located in the middle of the bush overlooking a river bed where we could watch elephants, buffalos & co. strolling along from our sun decks. Wonderful! The warmhearted people as well as the lovely prepared, delicious food made us feel sooo comfortable and relaxed. And there were our phantastic game drives with Given who showed us the big and the small and allowed plenty of time to just watch them. Too bad we had to leave but we will be back. 😀
Stayed in August 2023
Reviewed: 18 June 2023
Gunar
Germany-
An Unforgettable Stay at Greenfire Safari Lodge - A Perfect Vacation Amidst Nature We had the pleasure of spending 7 days at Greenfire Safari Lodge ( privat game reserve @ Greater Krueger National Park ) in South Africa and we would like to share our experiences. From start to finish, our stay was simply outstanding. The lodge's location by the Olifant river is breathtaking and provides a picturesque setting for a relaxing and nature-filled vacation. The food at the lodge was simply fantastic. Each meal was prepared with great attention to detail and offered a wide selection of delicious dishes. The quality of the food was exceptional, and it was evident that the kitchen team placed great emphasis on fresh ingredients and taste. We were truly impressed by the variety and culinary experience provided during our stay. The lodge staff was extremely friendly and professional. They were always ready to help and ensure that our stay was as enjoyable as possible. In particular, the safari guide Given who accompanied us on two daily game drives was simply the best. His extensive knowledge of wildlife and passion for nature were palpable. He knew exactly where to go for the best animal sightings and explained everything to us with great enthusiasm. Each game drive was a real adventure that we will never forget. We saw a lot of animals close by our safari jeep, we never expect before. However, what truly made our stay unforgettable were the two charming hosts, Carol and Nigel. They made the lodge feel like a home away from home. Their warm hospitality and personalities made us feel immediately comfortable and welcome. They personally took care of every detail and created a family-like atmosphere that made our stay truly special. Overall, we wholeheartedly recommend Greenfire Safari Lodge. The location, the food, the staff, and the hosts were simply top-notch.
Stayed in June 2023
Reviewed: 15 May 2023
Brettstopher
United KingdomN/A
Greenfire lodge exceeded our expectations for our time on safari. Located in a private reserve adjacent to Kruger it has a small number of cabins looking over the river bed. We got lucky and were the only travellers staying for the 3 nights we were there. Our guide was engaging, knowledgeable and just wanted us to have the best experience, all the other staff were the same and made us feel very welcome. The food was freshly made, creatively prepared and varied, way beyond what we expected. The room was secluded and comfy with great wildlife watching opportunities.
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: 28 January 2023
Steve
United KingdomNothing.
This is a special property in a wonderful location offering the perfect, luxury but affordable, bush experience. The rooms benefit from a contemporary design with glass front and sides making them bright whilst providing a refreshingly airy feel that lets you admire the surroundings from inside as well as from the good sized deck which, in our case and I think for most, if not all the rooms, was suspended over the banks of the river. Our room was within easy walking distance up a gentle stairway from the main lodge but was carefully positioned to make it secluded from the lodge and the other rooms. We had a small waterhole in front of our deck and enjoyed visits from a Wahlberg’s eagle, waterbuck, grey go-away birds and vervet monkeys - I know from Greenfire’s instagram page that other guests have been treated to elephant and hyenas at this same waterhole. The food is provided by two local and very talented chefs; it was consistently delicious, well thought out and beautifully presented. The lodge staff are, without exception, charming, attentive, efficient and friendly; we I felt very much at home. Roger and Carol are exceptional hosts, ready to share their extensive experience of the park whilst enjoying listening to their guest’s experiences but like all good hosts they know when to chat and when to give you space to relax. We felt welcomed and valued, more like house guests than hotel or lodge guests. Little things like the host being up ready to see guests off on a 5:30 game drive don’t go unnoticed. It should also go on record that Carol makes the perfect, large, post game drive gin and tonic. The Balule Nature Reserve, which is of course part of Greater Kruger, is a splendid park; the area Greenfire can access is easily big enough to provide a real bush experience but small enough to explore in the four full days we were at Greenfire. Our guide, Given Khoza, was an excellent companion and great fun to be with for our 8 excursions with him.
Stayed in December 2022
Reviewed: 20 January 2023
Anne
United StatesWhat a lovely lodge. Carol and Nigel were excellent hosts always insuring I was comfortable and well taken care of. My guide Victor thrilled me every day with exciting game drives. I saw the big five as well as a pack of wild dogs!!! The food was five star and the house staff very professional. Pool was very clean as well as the whole facility. It was a relaxing three day stay. Such a peaceful place. I returned rejuvenated. Thank you so much for an experience that was over the top. I recommend this for solo travelers.
Stayed in January 2023
Reviewed: 6 January 2023
Leigh
United KingdomEverything was perfect.
Everything was perfect from the moment we arrived to when we left. All of the staff are incredible, the lodge, rooms and location stunning, food delicious and animals majestic. My husband and I love the bush have have not been for 17 years as we wanted to wait until our children were old enough to appreciate it. Given, our guide was absolutely brilliant, so knowledgeable and had such a wonderful sense of humour. We had so many incredible sightings, his love for the bush and animals was infectious and we thoroughly enjoyed every single game drive. Our kids are now as in love with the African bush as we are thanks to the wonderful experience at Greenfire Lodge. Thanks Carol, Nigel, Given, Crescent, Vivian and the rest of the team for a magical 4 days. We can highly recommend Greenfire Lodge and hope to be back soon.
Stayed in January 2023
Reviewed: 3 January 2023
Кrasi
South AfricaThe dayly drives
Stayed in January 2023
Reviewed: 1 November 2022
Peterzumplasse
GermanyThe way to the pick up point was along a bumpy dust road through the private reserve. For us it was fine, but we were happy we did not book a smaller rental car… However I think pick up service would also be available.
Such a beautiful place with very friendly and helpful staff! We had the perfect time there! Two game drives (morning & afternoon) were included per day. Given our guide was a true highlight: very knowledgeable, great in finding the animals and treating them with care, driving closer slowly to not disturb them and not scaring them away. The place is right by a riverbed which was dry when we were there but nevertheless we were able to see animals from the lodge and our balcony such as giraffes, buffalos and elephants. Our room was also really nice with a huge balcony to view animals (or stars at night). The food was plenty and very delicious. One night we did a Braai in a Boma which was a very unique experience for us. Before coming here we were unsure whether to do a safari in a private reserve because of the high prices but now afterwards we would 100% do it again!
Stayed in October 2022
Reviewed: 10 October 2022
Omri
IsraelWe LOVED everything, but could do with an AC in the room.
The experience topped our expectations! The hospitality, led by Carol and Nigel was amazing! The staff was friendly and warm, and we felt like home away from home. The game drives with Victor were absolutely breathtaking. His knowledge, experience, and conservation oriented explanations added so much to this experience.
Stayed in October 2022
Reviewed: 28 August 2022
Sigrid
FranceLodge magnifique, beaux safaris, personnel adorable
Stayed in August 2022
Reviewed: 10 August 2021
Melissa
South AfricaThere's not even a negative word that I can think of.
We stayed on the riverbed with elephants grazing underneath us. It was quite and really relaxing. The service was exceptional and the staff amazing.
Stayed in August 2021
Reviewed: 27 October 2023
Whitney
FranceThere are no comments available for this review
Stayed in October 2023
Reviewed: 21 October 2023
Abuobaida
United Arab EmiratesThere are no comments available for this review
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: 8 July 2022
Ryan
United StatesThere are no comments available for this review
Stayed in July 2022
Reviewed: 15 September 2021
Mohammad
South AfricaThere are no comments available for this review
Stayed in September 2021
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