BALULE GAME RESERVE
Located to the north of Hoedspruit, covering 225 square kilometres of Lowveld acacia scrub, Balule has multiple eco-zones with a significant variety in flora with over 336 documented tree species in the region. Baobab trees, fever trees, knobthorns, marula and mopane trees are the predominant species in this wooded savannah.
Wildlife
Watered by the perennial Olifants River, flowing for 20 km through the middle of the reserve, this diverse flora accommodates an array of fauna. There are over 30 species of mammals ranging from plains game such as zebra, wildebeest and giraffe to the iconic felines; lions, leopards and cheetahs. More than 220 different bird species inhabit the area including raptors like the Lappet-faced vulture, Pel's fishing owl, the Martial eagle and impressive larger birds such as the Kori bustard, the Ground hornbill, the Saddle-billed stork. The rivers and other watering holes attract large herds of hippos and crocodiles, especially in the dry season, but wildlife viewing is generally not as easy as in other more established premium reserves.
Accommodation
Camps and Lodges here are very competitively priced compared with those in the better-known private reserves like Sabi Sand and Timbavati and have no high-end lodges. However, most lodges are still on a very high standard, all offering a very personalised service, due to a small hosting capacity. Our three favourites don’t have more than 6 rooms or tents. Our favourites are Sausage Tree Lodge for its excellent service and guiding on a very competitive rate, Chacma Bush Camp for its beauty and attention to detail and Mohlabetsi, a great family option, accepting children of all ages. For more lodge options, please have a look below.
How to get there
The closest airport is Hoedspruit airport and the closest airstrip for charter flights is be located further south in Timbavati. For those on a budget, or who simply like to travel overland to also see something of the land in-between the airports we can organise private or shared road transfers, which can also include the scenic Panorama Route.
Wildlife
Watered by the perennial Olifants River, flowing for 20 km through the middle of the reserve, this diverse flora accommodates an array of fauna. There are over 30 species of mammals ranging from plains game such as zebra, wildebeest and giraffe to the iconic felines; lions, leopards and cheetahs. More than 220 different bird species inhabit the area including raptors like the Lappet-faced vulture, Pel's fishing owl, the Martial eagle and impressive larger birds such as the Kori bustard, the Ground hornbill, the Saddle-billed stork. The rivers and other watering holes attract large herds of hippos and crocodiles, especially in the dry season, but wildlife viewing is generally not as easy as in other more established premium reserves.
Accommodation
Camps and Lodges here are very competitively priced compared with those in the better-known private reserves like Sabi Sand and Timbavati and have no high-end lodges. However, most lodges are still on a very high standard, all offering a very personalised service, due to a small hosting capacity. Our three favourites don’t have more than 6 rooms or tents. Our favourites are Sausage Tree Lodge for its excellent service and guiding on a very competitive rate, Chacma Bush Camp for its beauty and attention to detail and Mohlabetsi, a great family option, accepting children of all ages. For more lodge options, please have a look below.
How to get there
The closest airport is Hoedspruit airport and the closest airstrip for charter flights is be located further south in Timbavati. For those on a budget, or who simply like to travel overland to also see something of the land in-between the airports we can organise private or shared road transfers, which can also include the scenic Panorama Route.
where to stay...
From our many visits to Balule Game Reserve, we have first-hand knowledge of the hotels and below you can find the ones we most commonly use. Those hotels include mainly our favourites sorted from low-key to deluxe, which are usually smaller hotels with very personalised service, but also some bigger places, if they are the best or only option available. Open, close, then open each tab again to display the images fully.
BALULE ITINERARIES
Below you can find some Balule itineraries in with images of the different lodges in them, but these lists are by no means exhaustive. At the bottom of the page you will also find a button leading to some combination itineraries with other Greater Kruger Reserves as well as other areas in South and Southern Africa and for bespoke itineraries, please contact us directly to discuss your project.
4-day Balule Safari with Sausage Tree Safari Camp including return airport transfers from ZAR 23,600 per person sharing interactive itinerary here |
4-day Balule Safari with Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge
including return airport transfers from ZAR 21,200 per person sharing STAY 3 PAY 2 OFFER interactive itinerary here |
For more same-quality itineraries in the Greater Kruger area and also for some longer Greater Kruger as well as South Africa & Southern Africa combination itineraries please click on the buttons below, or contact us directly for a bespoke itinerary.
