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Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

5.0 star property
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

Front of property - evening/night
Aerial view
Outdoor pool, pool loungers
Rock Suite
Tree Suite | Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
    Bar
  • All-inclusive
    All-inclusive
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast included
  • Spa
    Spa
  • Gym
    Gym

Explore the area

Map
Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380
  • Greater Kruger National Park
    1 min walk
  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate
    68 min drive
  • Phalaborwa Gate
    92 min drive
  • Hoedspruit (HDS)
    98 min drive

Room options

View all photos for Buffalo Suite

Buffalo Suite

Buffalo Suite

  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Wildevy Chalet

Wildevy Chalet | Living area

Wildevy Chalet

  • 75 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Tree Suite

Tree Suite

Tree Suite

  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Water Suite

Water Suite

Water Suite

  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Rock Suite

Rock Suite

Rock Suite

  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Maroela Chalet

Maroela Chalet

Maroela Chalet

  • 75 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Hardekool Chalet

Hardekool Chalet

Hardekool Chalet

  • 75 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Earth Suite

Earth Suite

Earth Suite

  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Balule Game Reserve

With a stay at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park in Balule Game Reserve, you'll be 28.3 mi (45.5 km) from Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate and 31.1 mi (50 km) from Kruger National Park. .This all-inclusive lodge is 31.1 mi (50.1 km) from Phalaborwa Gate.
View more Lodges in Balule Game ReserveOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate - 68 min drive - 45.5 km
  • Grietjie Game Reserve - 73 min drive - 29.1 km
  • Jessica the Hippo - 91 min drive - 62.0 km
  • Phalaborwa Gate - 92 min drive - 50.1 km
  • Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre - 96 min drive - 73.0 km

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 98 min drive

About this property

Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

All-inclusive lodge with a full-service spa and free breakfast
Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park offers 8 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and complimentary bottled water. Rooms open to furnished balconies or patios. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations have separate sitting areas and include desks. Beds feature premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Coffee/tea makers and minibars are provided. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers with deep soaking bathtubs, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries. Additionally, rooms include hair dryers and complimentary toiletries. Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.
Guests can experience the thrill of a safari, and take advantage of an outdoor pool. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the lodge's full-service spa. Services include hot stone massages, Swedish massages, facials, and body wraps. The spa is equipped with a spa tub and a steam room. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and Ayurvedic. The spa is open daily.
Make yourself at home in one of the 8 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. Rooms have private furnished balconies or patios. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature deep soaking bathtubs and designer toiletries.
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. Encounter the local wildlife with a safari, then enjoy recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Additional amenities at this lodge include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.
This lodge is all inclusive. Rates include meals and beverages at onsite dining establishments. Charges may be applied for dining at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, some beverages, and other amenities.

Enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the lodge's room service (during limited hours). Relax with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar. A complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast is served daily from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Featured amenities include laundry facilities, a library, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.
A complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast is served each morning between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park has a restaurant on site.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

All-inclusive details

This lodge is all-inclusive. Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Gratuities and taxes

Gratuities are included and additional gratuities at guests' discretion are accepted.

Food and beverages

All à la carte meals, snacks, and select beverages included
Bottled liquor included
24-hour room service (limited menu)
In-room minibar (all beverages included)
In-room liquor dispensers
Dining availability limited at one or more venues

Entertainment

Onsite entertainment and activities

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and public transport

  • Free self-parking on site
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Airport shuttle on request

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 7:30 AM–10:30 AM
  • 1 restaurant
  • 1 poolside bar and 1 bar
  • Room service available

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Ecotours
  • Fitness centre
  • Full-service spa
  • Game/wildlife drives
  • Game/wildlife viewing
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private picnics
  • Safari

Conveniences

  • Front-desk safe
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Library

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels (on request)
  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Pool sunloungers
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Ayurvedic treatments
  • Body scrubs
  • Body treatments
  • Body wraps
  • Facials
  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Massage - hot stone
  • Massage - Swedish
  • Spa open daily
  • Hot tub
  • Steam room

Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • This property does not have any lifts
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • At least 80% of food locally sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers
  • Biodegradable drinking straws
  • Books
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Couples dining
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally owned and organised tours and activities
  • Mosquito nets
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drinks bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups only
  • Reusable tableware only
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Air conditioning
  • Bed sheets
  • Heating
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Deep-soaking bath
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bath and shower
  • Towels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Local meal delivery service
  • Minibar

More

  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
  • Individually decorated
  • Individually furnished
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Slippers
  • Turndown service
  • Water-efficient toilets only

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children 11 and younger are not allowed at this property; All guests older than 11 are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 1395 per person (one-way)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Children 11 years old and younger are not permitted at this property
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

National rating

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

Pondoro
Pondoro Game
Pondoro Game Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game Lodge Hoedspruit
Pondoro Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive
Pondoro Game All Inclusive Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game All Inclusive
Pondoro Game Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive
Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park Lodge

Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 48 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 48 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 48 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 48 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 48 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We came here for our honeymoon. What an amazing experience we had. We had 2 game drives per day with fantastic guides/spotters. The food was top tier - nearly Michelin star level; I had the eggs benedict every single morning. They arranged the most romantic evening dinner in their wine cellar for us. This is probably the best place I have ever stayed.

10/10 Excellent

Maddison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Just incredible
The most amazing boutique luxury destination in the Balule game reserve (part of Greater Kruger). For an all inclusive hotel I didn’t have high hopes for the food however it surpassed all my expectations and was incredible, including catering for vegetarians. The game drives were incredible and a shout out to Anton and Selby who found us every animal. The small touches like break with coffee/drinks and snacks in the game drives makes it a personalised experience. The rooms have so much space and the beds are incredibly comfortable. The schedule for the days is the same for consistency. We loved meeting other couples and loved that the game drives were with the same driver/spotter and couples for the duration, it really allows you to form great bonds with other people there. Breakfast at the big dining table is also a nice touch. Could not recommend Pondoro more, they truly create the most unique experience and have thought of everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dagmar

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

candace, Blumenort

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our bucket list dream trip and Pondoro made that happen. Pondoro facilities and staff are amazing. Attention to detail is one of the many things that stand out. We were in the Tree suite. So cool! Game drives we amazing. Sully and Dion, our guide and tracker worked so hard to find us all and the big 5. If you are reading this and contemplating a stay at Pondoro. Just do it.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jan-Christoph

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

joe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A dream come true
The hospitality was top notch. Armand, Johanna, Lize and the staff were absolutely amazing and attentive. The room (Buffalo Suite) was beautifully decorated and had a perfect view. We saw giraffes, elephants, antelope, babboons from our window. Very romantic setting. We also enjoy the early morning and evening game drives qnd were able to see the Big 5 the first day thanks to Ru and Andrei. We hope to visit again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

ali

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have traveled to many countries in the world. This hotel was the best hotel that I have ever stayed. Everyone was so friendly. They went out of their way to make our trip memorable. I definitely recommend staying in this hotel. I have never written review in past. This is the first review that I am writing. I recommend this hotel to all of my friends.

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The perfect place for safari
We were highly impressed with Pondoro, both for accommodation and quality of game viewing. Our tracker and guide we’re exceptional. We regularly saw the big 5 (and so many leopards, which we’ve struggled to see else where) and a whole range of additional animals from hippos in the river outside the room to a family of porcupines. Our guide always seemed to manage to get us to the viewing before other cars and positioned us perfectly for photos. It was incredible. The accommodation is fantastic, we were upgraded to Earth, a larger suite with a jacuzzi where we watched hippos from (magical). The room had a lounge area, a huge bed, roll top bath and a indoor and outdoor shower. More than you could possibly need! Service was outstanding, everyone was so friendly and helpful and seemed really happy to talk about the animals you’ve seen (even though they must hear about this everyday!). Their passion was great! Finally I’ll just say that the food and wine was superb - we eat constantly, there is so much tasty food! And they set up beautiful special dinners for you. It’s something I’ll remember for a long time. We were very sad to leave and hope to return. Thanks again to all the wonderful staff that made our stay so special!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Anonymous, San Francisco

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing in every good way
This place is pretty special. It's located in a private reserve that is joined to Kruger National Park and it's on a river. Sitting on our balcony we saw hippos, giraffes, warthogs, monkeys, different types of antelope, and crocodiles. They have included morning and evening drives drive each day where we saw pretty much everything. The staff is great, very professional but also very friendly. Do at least 4 nights so that you have time to do several drives, a couple walks, a picnic in the tree hide, and still have some time to relax in the lovely room. The only complaint I have is that they really give you a lot of great food and I think I over ate. I guess that's my fault for not being more disciplined.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Luxury and adventure
Pondoro Lodge is a place to remember. The rooms are private and romantic, with views over the river. We loved watching the hippos from the deck at breakfast time. The safari drives were outstanding. We saw so many incredible animals, including a chameleon.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Safari experience
Great ranger, guide, accommodations, and service/food - the complete package.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Magic
The staff was great. the suite was amazing. the wild game viewing was phenomenal. It is hard to look imagine a better African Safari experience anywhere regardless of cost. This was everything we dreamed it might be and more.

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great base for Northern Kruger
Very good , friendly , food good and varied . Trackers and guides on safrai game drives excellent. They founf lions lepards and even achettah in the most remote places .all credit to them

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

daniela, mexico

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly staff, beautiful hotel
In Pondoro the staff makes you feel at home. They are soo friendly and helpful. The owners are there too and make sure your stay is perfect. The food is delicious and they always present it very creatively. The rooms are very pretty. Our ranger and tracker were excellent at finding all the animals. We saw lions and leopards 3 days in a row, you really get very close to the animals. We save the big 5 many times. I would definitely recommend this hotel. They really go out of their way to make you happy. One night they organized a surprise candlelight dinner at the river bank which was wonderful.

10/10 Excellent

Stephen, Sydney, Australia.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best week of travel in my life. Simply superb.
Where do I start...! Best week of travel in my life... Everything about this place is exceptional. Right in the heart of the Balule private game reserve on the banks of the Olifants river nestled amongst the trees. I was in the Buffalo suite, right up the end, and it was simply amazing to say the least, huge and beautifully appointed. All the staff, Janni, Tania, Lillian and all the other staff are superb. They really make you feel at home. Liza and Robbie where only there a few nights of my stay as they where off collecting yet another well deserved hotel award. Rul and Andres are a top notch Tracker / Ranger combo and pull out all the stops to get you up close and personal to all the animals and are so knowledgable about all the wildlife and nature in the area, and do it with a cheeky sense of humor. They really made the whole experience special. The food is top notch, dining room staff are great and the dining deck is superb, just watch your muffins at breakfast as the Vervet monkeys love them if you leave them unattended. We got surprised on two of the nights by amazing dinner set up down by the river which blew me away. They really know how to make the experience special. Great wine and beer list too. If I could rate it more than 5/5 I would. Can't wait to come back again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Couldn't wish for better...
From the first contact from our transport from airport, to our sad goodbye, this was an unforgettable experience. Perfect location on the Oliphant River, where we could watch elephants from our chalet (and restaurant). Game drives were fun, interesting and a highlight of our whole trip to S.A. This lodge provides it all - friendly, professional service, comfort, great food, and best of all the opportunity to see and experience magnificent wildlife.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We can't stop talking about pondoro!
Exceeded every expectation we had - they were already high. Personal touches mixed with impeccable service, beautiful rooms and an overall excellent safari experience. I have stayed in other lodges and can say nothing comes close to Pondoro.

10/10 Excellent

Leah, Zürich, Switzerland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect! Amazing experience!
Absolutely fantastic place! The owners and staff go over and above to ensure you are taken care of from the moment you arrive. Eric and Ramson were our ranger/tracker team for the game drives and we couldn't have asked for better. They were so nice and really concentrated on ensuring we saw all that we could. The early mornings are rough but what you see when you are out makes it all worth it. We booked the suite and highly recommend the extra money for your stay. Huge room with a large balcony looking over the river. You will need to be escorted to and from the main lodge but this is due to the fact that they keep the area free for the animals to get to the river. Better for the animals and better for your viewing. We were able to spend the afternoons watching elephants, impalas, etc just outside our room. Unbelievable experience. The chalets are smaller and within the fenced grounds of the hotel so no escorts needed but the privacy of the suites are well worth it! Should also note the food - Delicious!!! You will not go hungry! Great staff, beautiful grounds - We didn't want to leave!

10/10 Excellent

Sandra, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Absolutely perfect lodge!!
The Pondoro Lodge was perfect! Great service, great rooms, delicious food! I'm usually very picky with hotels and I absolutely loved this one! The game rides are also great. Highly recommend it. Don't bother going anywhere else.