Pondoro Game Lodge

CEDARBERG RATING

Premier

PRICING FROM

₤ 375 (Pps)

Overview
  • No fences between Balule reserve and the Kruger
  • Small and intimate lodge
  • Serenity Spa at Pondoro

Pondoro Game Lodge lies on the banks of the Olifants River inside the 50,000ha Balule Nature Reserve, which in turn is part of the greater Kruger National Park. There are no fences between Balule Nature Reserve and the Kruger National Park, which means all animals can move freely in and out.

Accommodation & Dining

Accommodation at Pondoro consists of three chalets and five suites – all offer the privacy and exclusivity of a real African bush experience. The three standard chalets overlook the Olifants River; each one has been beautifully decorated with an African theme, with a shower overlooking the river, air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a wooden deck. Alternatively you can choose one of the five luxury suites – Water, Buffalo, Tree, Rock or Earth suite. Each suite is air-conditioned and architecturally designed offering modern comforts in an ancient setting, with a private wooden deck, lounge area and an outside shower.

Meals are served on the dining deck high up in the tree canopy overlooking the river. Every third night you enjoy dinner in the bush, weather permitting.

Activities at Pondoro Game Lodge

Morning and afternoon game drives, in open game drive vehicles, take place in the Balule Nature Reserve. Experienced guides will use all their vast knowledge and bush craft to try and show you the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) as well as plains game such as zebra, wildebeest, giraffe. African wild dogs have been re-introduced in the Pondoro Game Lodge traversing area of 10,000ha. Pondoro is one of the few private lodges on a perennial river so hippos and crocodiles are regularly seen.

The Serenity Spa at Pondoro Game Lodge offers elegant décor and cascading waterfalls. Revitalize your mind and body 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.

At A Glance

  • Big 5
  • Good Food & Wine
  • Romantic
  • Spa
  • Wildlife

Pondoro Game Lodge on the map

Rooms

Buffalo Suite

A big painting of a Buffalo made by Lize, the owner, dominates the headboard of this modernly styled room.

Water Suite

The Water suite is named after a waterfall that cascades silently down the headboard of your bed.

Tree Suite

The Tree suite is named after a huge Jackalberry tree lying in front of the suite and emphasized by a huge leadwood stump that decorates the room.

Rock Suite

A rock stack forms the headboard complemented by a beautiful stone bath and other artifacts in the Rock suite.

Earth Suite

The walls in the Earth suite are painted in an earthy colour. Clay and earth are the overall theme with clay pots adding an African flavor while staying with the general theme.

Hardekool Chalet

Hardekool - the name is derived from the slow burning coals that the extremely hard wood produce. A romantic claw bath perched on top of the wooden deck in front of the chalet is the standout feature.

Maroela Chalet

Maroela - Named after the famous tree of Africa whose fruit are much loved by many animals, especially elephants. African folklore believes that elephants can get inebriated by eating huge amounts of these very tasty fermented fruits. A huge eggshell bath and adventurous outside shower are a highlight.

Wildevy Chalet

Wildevy - A fig tree loved by monkeys and birds growing in abundance along the Olifants river. The figs can only get pollinated by a tiny little wasp creating a magical and mystical symbiosis where one cannot live without the other. Forget about a room with a view…the view from your outside claw bath will blow your mind away.