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Soma
CH
Visited:
August 2015
Reviewed: Aug 30, 2015
Email Soma | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Luxury among the Widerness
A typical day at Pondoro used to start at 6 am in the morning with the morning safari drive. Safaris were on a open jeep with a guide / driver and a tracker. Our guide and tracker (Rulani and Andries) were absolutely wonderful. Rulani always gave us a brief description of the animals we sighted - which was very helpful for us city people. Both were very friendly and absolutely motivated to provide us the best safari experience. We still remember the time when Andries went out on foot in search of lions, and after half an hour we saw a family of lions heading our way with Andries following them calmly with a stick in hand. We managed to see not only the Big 5, but also zebras, giraffes, hippos, etc.
Robbie and Lize maintain the lodge as a family home and you are always made to feel very welcome. Returning from the morning safari (around 9 am),
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there is a luscious breakfast waiting for you. It is indeed an exhilarating experience having breakfast out in the open, with the sound of a stream flowing nearby, where different animals often drop by for a drink. After breakfast, you are free to relax, roam around a bit and explore. The cottages are beautifully designed with modern amenities such as air conditioners, fully equipped bathrooms; and a bit of wilderness such as showers and a jacuzzi out in the open. So you might be taking a shower when an elephant decides to drop by for a visit :)For a more detailed review, please refer to our blog: http://travel-pics-tips.blogspot.ch/2015/08/south-african-wilderness.html
Leslie Kuhlmann
US
Visited:
November 2018
Reviewed: Nov 29, 2018
Email Leslie Kuhlmann | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Along with the larger animals like lion, elephant and rhino, our guide had an intimate knowledge of the bush. He was able to share tons of information about the trees, birds, rocks etc. which was a perfect compliment to seeing the larger animals in their habitat.
Derick
AU
Visited:
January 2019
Reviewed: Jan 26, 2019
Email Derick | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
We saw the big 5 within 2 outings amongst the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery.
Georgina
MX
Visited:
January 2023
Reviewed: Jan 27, 2023
Email Georgina | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
It was the best trip ever !!!!
I was traveling solo from Mexico and I book for Balule Private Game Reserve and Ilana was so nice with me sending all info via what’s she is so nice, she have me all tips i needed for the safari, thanks so much! Balule game reserve is an amazing place to stay, all the staff is amazing humans with so much knowledge about their gob and make me feel safe and at home ! Miss you guy ! Food was delicious, the tent was incredible and the bed was amazing, I felt so connected to nature and animales, it was one of the top moments in my life thanks to you !!!
Georgina from Mexico
D Coetzee
ZA
Visited:
January 2020
Reviewed: Aug 3, 2020
Email D Coetzee | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Hunting atrocities at Balule
Please be aware that Balule not only offers hunting, but has been involved in a number of controversies, including the killing of a young elephant by two (apparently drunk) tourists - 13 shots, 15 minutes of crying torture for the animal:
https://conservationaction.co.za/media-articles/young-balule-elephant-shot-13-times-before-horrified-visitors/
https://africageographic.com/stories/illegal-collared-elephant-hunt-greater-kruger-warden-convicted/
https://twnews.us/us-news/this-l-a-hunter-killed-an-elephant-now-he-s-a-peta-target-in-bid-to-end-trophy-hunting