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overview

Pondoro Game Lodge is situated on the banks of the Olifants River in the Balule Private Game Reserve. The reserve falls within the borders of the Kruger National Park, so you're assured of excellent wildlife viewing.

The lodge accommodates a maximum of 16 guests in luxurious African-themed chalets. There are 3 standard chalets overlooking the river and 3 luxury chalets, each offering a different theme and architectural style, and a private patio and lounge area.

Explore this exclusive reserve on early morning game drives, as well as guided bush walks. There are 3 hides near to lodge where you can spend time watching the wildlife unobtrusively and at eye level. The evening game drive is interrupted for sundowners at a scenic spot along the way, before continuing in search of some of the nocturnal species.

You also have the option to enjoy a cultural tour to the nearby Acornhoek Village. Here, you can spend some time with a Shangaan family, enjoy some tribal dancing or visit the traditional healer.

Recent accolades & press

  •  Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor in 2011
  •  Most Romantic Luxury Hotel in South Afirca at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2010
  •  Most Luxury Lodge in South Africa at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2011

highlights

  • Set in a large private concession in the greater Kruger area
  • Scenic location - on the banks of the Olifants river
  • Small & intimate with only 8 chalets
  • Beautifully designed, spacious suites - the luxury suites are perfect for honeymooners
  • Owner managed & run, making for a personlised, authentic experience

interactive map

Map

Facilities

Recline in the lodge lounge, order a drink from the bar and enjoy the views from the elevated wooden deck.

Relax at camp during the hottest part of the day and enjoy a swim in the rock pool, choose a book from the library or visit the Serenity Spa.

General Facilities

  •  
    Swimming Pool
  •  
    Bar
  •  
    Gym
  •  
    Restaurant
  •  
    Spa
  •  
    Wi-fi available

Dining

Meals at Pondoro combine traditional African cuisine with contemporary dishes, and are served on the wooden deck high in the treetops. Compliment your meal with a glass of fine wine from the wine cellar.
Those staying more than 3 nights will be treated to a unique, star-lit dinner out in the wilderness.

Luxury Chalet

There are 3 luxury chalets at Pondoro, overlooking the Olifants River. Each luxury, air-conditioned chalet combines the natural elements with modern convenience to provide a luxurious setting.

The en suite bathrooms have views of the river as does the private patio.

Luxury Chalet AMENITIES

  •  
    Air-conditioning
  •  
    En-suite bath and shower
  •  
    Mosquito net

Other Room Types

Pondoro Game Lodge offers 5 luxury suites overlooking the Olifants River. Each air-conditioned African-themed suite has a stylish seating area and opens onto a private deck with a Jacuzzi and open-air shower.

Activities

  • Game drives
  • Guided walks
 
  • dates rates from board basis
  • 01 May 2013 - 31 Aug 2013 $215 Full Board
  • 01 Sep 2013 - 31 Dec 2013 $270 Full Board

All rates are quoted per person sharing per night unless otherwise stipulated

Please note, additional room types are also available. Luxury Suite Request a quote for rate detail

Pricing is meant as a guide only.

Go2Africa contracts rates that are significantly below accommodation general public rack rates. Due to contract confidentiality we are often not able to publish our best rate.

Contact us – via Request a Quote – for an accurate, market best rate.

All prices are subject to availability, change or increase without notice and seasonality.

Single supplements are often applicable. Options and rates vary from supplier to supplier.

Traveller Reviews

  • We had an absolute blast at Pondoro Game Lodge! Everything was perfect; we could not have envisaged a better stay in Kruger. From the impeccable service and knowledge of the staff, to the exquisite food and beauty of the accommodations, we were truly blown away.

    Cara Alexander, July 2012

  • Pondoro was luxury beyond our expectations.

    Graham Millard, May 2012

  • I would definitely recommend Pondoro Lodge to anyone, and already have. They really make you feel welcome and go that extra mile for you.

    Brenda Taylor, May 2012

  • I had lovely three days with our friends in Ukutula and then had a wonderful time in Pondoro. The lodge is outstanding. The chalets are lovely and tasteful, the food is gorgeous and I enjoyed wonderful experiences on the gamedrives.

    Hans Helmreich, April 2012

  • We would highly recommend Pondoro as the accomodations, location and Safari was perfect. The safari at Pondoro was above and beyond our wildest expectations

    James Montrie, April 2012

  • Pondoro Lodge was a superb, first class facility. A small lodge with only 6 or 7 room lodges, each with their own individual African decor, and very spacious. Ours even had an outdoor bath. The location right on the Oliphants River was superb with cheeky vervet monkeys around us and Hippos within walking distance. The game drives were excellent, and although only seeing 4 of the big 5, the opportunity to see a family of lions eating warthog from only 2 metres away was an unforgettable experience.

    Carl van Rooy, February 2012

  • Tired but all of us on a high when we arrived at Pondoro. The Game Lodges remarkable the main area wonderful, staff so warm, helpful and kind, the views from the dining room area were breathtaking to take in animals drinking at the river plus view crocs. The game drives so exciting we saw an incredible pride of 14 lions and being so close to all wild animals was so fantastic we all could spend extra hours just out in the wild. Our Ranger and Trekker were great we shared many chats and laughs with those two men we all had such an exceptional time filled with marvellous sights, experience, laughs, African food and much more. Pondoro Game Lodge is certainly a must place to go service in every area could not be better top marks from me. Highly recommended to stay.

    Marie Ryan, October 2011

  • Pondoro Lodge was amazing. We did so much in just a few days time. Robbie went above and beyond to make sure we saw the big 5. Pondoro was intimate and very upscale but also very casual at the same time. My aunt and I got spa treatments there ( i got a facial and head massage). They were very good and their spa prices were very reasonable.

    Shannon O'Brien, September 2011

  • We had a wonderful time. Pondoro was great. Saw many animals and the rooms and food were great. We were treated very well.

    Tom Koleski, August 2011

  • We really liked all the locations. From the places we visited Pondoro and Nyati really stood out. Both are very secluded and intimate lodges with an extremely high level of service and a very personal touch. The ideal beach location and the perfect place for a honeymoon.

    Dirk Marschall, June 2011

Accommodation Map

Candice McCarthy

Candice McCarthy

Africa Safari Expert

"Pondoro exceeded expectations! The room, the food, the game drives, the amazing service was all simply outstanding. A real favourite."

From

$215

Per person sharing

View all rates ENQUIRE NOW
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Ratedby 29 Travellers

Read what our Travellers have to say

We had an absolute blast at Pondoro Game Lodge! Everything was perfect; we could not have envisaged a better stay in Kruger. From the impeccable service and knowledge of the staff, to the exquisite food and beauty of the accommodations, we were truly blown away.

Cara Alexander, July 2012 >View more reviews