Pondoro Game Lodge

R11,385 - R13,530

per person sharing

At A Glance

R11,385 - R13,530

Per Person Sharing

Destinations

Accommodation Highlights

An award-winning and exclusive lodge
Luxurious suites with unique themes and designs
Shares an unfenced border with the Greater Kruger
Guided walking safaris and game drives
Additional charge for a private vehicle with a driver
Visit the Black Mamba anti-poaching unit and research centre
Bespoke spa treatments and well-equipped fitness centre
Romantic activities, including picnics and treehouse sleep-outs

Overview of Pondoro Game Lodge

South Africa, Kruger Private Reserves

Pondoro Game Lodge is an intimate safari accommodation located along the Olifants River in the Balule Private Nature Reserve within the Greater Kruger Region. It offers guests access to 50,000 hectares of exclusive African bush, without missing out on famous Big 5 sightings. As a luxury, award-winning lodge, you'll experience royal treatment both at camp and on safari.

Informative game drives in a low-vehicle-density area invite exclusive wildlife sightings. Sundowners become a decadent affair as you stop near a clearing to sip on gin, with its blend of citrus and dryness, between bites of South Africa's famous dried meat snack—biltong. Back at the lodge, you can book blissful spa treatments or a romantic ‘sleep-out experience' in a treehouse hide, bringing you closer to wildlife as they visit the local watering hole.

This lodge is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts with an affinity for decadence and luxury. Alongside its allure as a luxurious couples’ safari, the lodge also offers guests the opportunity to meet the all-female Black Mamba anti-poaching team, including a visit to the Nonwane research facility. Tours are scheduled twice weekly. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, the proceeds from booking this tour go to supporting the unit, allowing you to learn more about what it takes to conserve the wildlife of the reserve.

Bookings & Pricing

Competitive Rates For Unforgettable Experiences

1 Jan 2026 - 20 Dec 2026

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

21 Dec 2026 - 4 Jan 2027

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

5 Jan 2027 - 20 Dec 2027

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

21 Dec 2027 - 4 Jan 2028

Fully Inclusive (All Meals, Selected Beverages)

Enquire Now

Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently.

Please treat all pricing as a guide only:
  • All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
  • Single supplements may apply.
  • Request a quote or speak to one of our African Safari Experts for the best, most current rates available.
Our Best Price Promise

If you’re able to find a better quote for your itinerary let us know and we’ll match it.

Highlights & Activities

What's on offer whilst on this itinerary?
An award-winning and exclusive lodge
Luxurious suites with unique themes and designs
Shares an unfenced border with the Greater Kruger
Guided walking safaris and game drives
Additional charge for a private vehicle with a driver
Visit the Black Mamba anti-poaching unit and research centre
Bespoke spa treatments and well-equipped fitness centre
Romantic activities, including picnics and treehouse sleep-outs

Bird watching

Day tours

Game drives

Guided walking safaris

Night drives

Picnics

Private vehicle with driver (additional cost)

Sleep-out experience available

Spa treatments

Feefo logo

Rooms at Pondoro Game Lodge

Unwind and relax, in your own private luxury
  • Experience the romance of a luxury suite with pure cotton linen and sliding doors that lead out to your private patio and Jacuzzi.
  • A sumptous cleanse beckons non-stop views of the riverbed.

Luxury Suite

The Suites at Pondoro Game Lodge are uniquely designed to reflect important elements of nature—from the Water Suite to the Tree Suite. Each is decorated in a classic-safari style with modern finishes and carefully selected colour palettes that reflect the overall tone of the theme. Air-conditioning elevates the space with a cool breeze, keeping your room at a delightful temperature.

Spacious open-plan architecture creates a seamless flow between the sleeping quarters, adorned with pure cotton linen, the lounging area replete with a complimentary mini-bar and coffee station, and the private patio. Hop into the jacuzzi at night for an ultra-luxurious soak while surveying the undulating savannah plains, cradled by iconic baobab trees. After a hot soak, wrap yourself in a fluffy dressing gown and make your way to the en-suite bathroom. Featuring a glorious walk-in shower and a lavish tub, it offers the perfect setting for a relaxing candlelit soak.

General Facilities

Indulge in bespoke treatments set against a wilderness backdrop at the Serenity Spa. A mindful full-body massage, accompanied by the soft sounds of nature—the crunch of leaves beneath an animal's footsteps and the melodic chirping of birds—will leave you feeling profoundly relaxed.

Stay connected with Wi-Fi available throughout the lodge and enjoy access to a well-equipped fitness centre for an early morning workout or an afternoon run on the treadmill. Laundry facilities are also available to clean your garments. As night descends, saunter over to the telescope to discover the unpolluted brilliance of the stars. End each day with a nightcap at the bar, savouring a single-malt whisky and a fresh cigar.

Bar

Gym

Laundry service

Restaurant

Spa

Wi-Fi available

Dining

An elegant outdoor dining experience awaits on an elevated wooden deck, adorned with candles to create a romantic ambiance, and overlooking the serene Olifants River. The finely curated menu features a selection of delicious meals, blending traditional African flavours with European culinary styles, including sumptuous vegetarian options. Each dish is paired with a fine wine from the lodge's award-winning cellar collection, offering an exquisite fine-dining experience. 

Alongside, light lunches and snacks. You can also enjoy a complimentary picnic, situated at a hide with front-row seats to a popular watering-hole.

Why Go2Africa​

Over 25 Years of Trusted African Safari Expertise​

For more than 25 years, we've helped over 200,000 travellers experience Africa through journeys that are deeply personal, quietly seamless and thoughtfully designed around each traveller, not a template.​

Africa-Based Safari Experts with Specialist Regional Knowledge​

Our Africa Safari Experts live, work and travel across the regions they specialise in. Their recommendations come from first-hand experience and specialist regional knowledge, helping you make confident decisions and experience the Africa that's right for you.​

Trusted Local Relationships Across Africa​

Long-standing relationships with Africa's leading lodges, camps, guides and conservation partners mean better advice, exceptional experiences and trusted people on the ground when you need them most.​

Recognised by the World's Leading Travel Authorities​

Home to 21 Condé Nast Traveller Specialists, more than any other African safari company, and recognised by Condé Nast Traveller, Travel + Leisure and the World Travel Awards, our expertise is trusted by the travel industry and thousands of travellers worldwide.​

Travel That Supports People, Wildlife And Wild Places​

As part of the B Corp-certified Nawiri Group, every journey helps strengthen landscapes, support local livelihoods and protect the people, wildlife and wild places that make Africa extraordinary through long-term partnerships across the continent.​

Thousands of Five-Star Traveller Reviews​

Thousands of verified traveller reviews across Trustpilot and Feefo reflect the exceptional experiences we create, with many travellers returning to Africa with us year after year and recommending Go2Africa to family and friends.​

Interested to know more? Click the link to find out all about Go2Africa’s Big 5 Guarantee

Enquire Now
Feefo logo

Traveller Reviews

  • C
    Carlos
    traveler

    Pondoro was just SUPERB! What a place for safaris! The location provides a fantastic view over the Olifants River and the game drives also afford you lots of action. We have already travelled to many destinations all over the word and stayed in wonderful resorts but Pondoro's staff is more than superb! Their warm attention with the guests is just unsurpassed. We will not have any doubts to recommend this lodge to anyone who wants to enjoy unforgettable moments in Africa.

  • LC
    Laura Cohen
    traveler

    We had an amazing time. We LOVED Pondoro and would highly recommend it to anyone, as well as your services.

  • PC
    Pat Christmas
    traveler

    We stayed for 3 nights in a luxury chalet which overlooks the Oliphant River, where many animals came to drink.
    Right outside our room we were visited by Vervet monkeys, impala, elephants and baboons to name a few. It was great to be able to sit in the Jacuzzi on the deck and be able to watch these animals.
    We went on a game drive each morning returning to a great breakfast. The evening game drive started after lunch and afternoon tea, returning to the most amazing 3 course dinner. The chefs could hold their own in any fine dining restaurant.
    On our first two game drives, we were so lucky to see a huge variety of animals, which included lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, zebra, and many types of antelope, buffalo, both white and black rhino, warthog and many more. It was fantastic to be within touching distance of all of them. When encountering one family of elephants, one came up to the jeep and we could have extended our hand and touched it. Sam had to change his lens on the camera as they were all so close, a telescopic lens wasn’t needed. He has taken some fantastic photos.

  • MG
    Megan Glynn
    traveler

    We LOVED LOVED LOVED our stay at Pondoro Game Lodge! I was so impressed with the lodge and the hospitality – they really made us feel like family. Our game drives were so much fun! I was happy all 8 of us could travel in one vehicle together. We were fortunate to see the Big 5 in addition to lots of giraffes, warthogs, hippos, wildebeest, zebras, etc. During each drive we would stop and have drinks and snacks which were delicious. The ranger was very knowledgeable and was a great sport with 8 girls that had so many questions. The meals we had at the lodge were AMAZING. I was so impressed with how much attention to detail was paid for example the table decor was beautiful and different each meal, the menus were always printed, and the servers changed their clothes for each meal.

  • CA
    Cara Alexander
    traveler

    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.

  • GM
    Graham Millard
    traveler

    Pondoro was luxury beyond our expectations.

  • BT
    Brenda Taylor
    traveler

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

  • JM
    James Montrie
    traveler

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

  • HH
    Hans Helmreich
    traveler

    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.

  • CV
    Carl van Rooy
    traveler

    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.

  • MR
    Marie Ryan
    traveler

    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.

  • SO
    Shannon O'Brien
    traveler

    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.

  • TK
    Tom Koleski
    traveler

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

  • DM
    Dirk Marschall
    traveler

    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.

  • LM
    Laurent Miche
    traveler

    First time, it was really a fantastic surprise, this country is really nice.
    I spent 3 days around Cape Town. Thanks to you we moved to Kruger Park. Organisation was great, the choice of the lodge (Pondoro) was good; i enjoyed everything.
    So really thank you for your help, you had good advices and everything was amazing.

  • RF
    Ray Fry
    traveler

    The Pondoro Lodge was an excellent choice for food, accommodation and service although as a point of interest the game drives were a bit of adisappointment compared to our first safari in the Masai Mara ( perhaps we shouldn’t compare but it’s impossible not to ) there were so few animals tobe seen although after a number of very long drives we did to be fair get to eventually see all the obvious animals – except the rhino.

    (Kate: Client has travelled East Africa before. Wanted to come to SA, but had an extremely limited budget. He was warned the game viewing experience would be entirely different)

  • LG
    Louisa Gurr
    traveler

    The Pondoro Game Lodge was fantastic – the rooms, the food, the game drives, the managers and staff were all wonderful. Lize’s food was a amazing – we certainly ate well! Robbie and Andries were very knowledgeable on our game drives, and we managed to see so many animals – except the elusive leopard! Although I am using that as a good excuse to come back!! I think 2 nights was a little short to stay there given time we had to leave in the morning and the distance to travel to the airport to make our flight to Mozambique (however I do acknowledge our time constraints). I would have loved to have stayed one more night at the lodge – for a little more relaxation time and another game drive or two. Would certainly recommend Pondoro to anyone.

  • CC
    Chris Casto
    traveler

    Pondoro is AMAZING! Between Rozanne, Lize and Robbie’s great service, food and hospitality, this was the way to end our trip! We had 5-star food for every meal, great service and spectacular views. One afternoon eight elephants crossed the river right in front of the lodge and ate while we watched before our evening game drive.

  • ES
    Elizabeth Seok
    traveler

    Thank you again for your help in arranging our honeymoon, we had a wonderful trip. We really enjoyed our stay at Pondoro. The accommodations in our luxury chalet were fantastic. The room was clean, spacious, and very comfortable. The game viewing was also great, and we really loved our ranger and tracker. They worked so hard to ensure we saw as many animals as we could, and we appreciated that. The service, overall, at Pondoro was exceptional. The staff was so warm and inviting, we felt very welcomed while we were there. The food was very very good, and the chef was very accommodating in terms of dietary preferences/restrictions. We would highly recommend Pondoro to other honeymooners or safari vacationers. In addition, the transfer service that was arranged was great. They were on time going to the lodge and back to the airport, and very courteous.

  • AM
    Allison McLean
    traveler

    It’s hard to express the incredible time we shared in South Africa, specially referring to our time in Pondoro. Marc and I both agreed that the lodge was likely the best experience we’ve had. Every detail was accounted for and the staff made sure that everyone felt like family. If I return to South Africa, I can ensure that I’ll visit Pondoro again. Food, staff customer service, game drives, amenities were all 10 out of 10 stars.

  • NR
    Neil Robinson
    traveler

    Pondoro Lodge – excellent on everything! Everything from the wine and food to the game drives was faultless.

  • JT
    Joe Tarkowski
    traveler

    Arrived back in Manchester yesterday and still not come down to earth after the most amazing holiday we have ever had. All places you recommended were superb and as you informed everyone we were celebrating 25 years of marriage there were all sorts of special surprises waiting for us, like a private meal at Pondoro. Everyone made us so welcome and we wanted for nothing. Even though I had to visit the dentist and a hospital for a mouth abscess this still didn’t detract from a wonderful holiday. Both Phil and myself can’t thank you enough for organising this holiday and we look forward to using Go2Africa for future trips to the Africa.

  • AL
    Alexander Leschallas
    traveler

    I had a fantastic stay at Pondoro. It is just a fantastic place and I would have loved to have had one more day. Everyone was so friendly and we saw lots of game including a leopard at the very end of the last game drive… amazing! I would recommend it to everyone and would love to go back one day. Thank you for organising it so well and hopefully I will be able to use you again one day.

  • AI
    Anoushka Ishkhans
    traveler

    We would recommend Pondoro. The tracker and ranger were great. We saw the Big 5 and much much more. Our ranger (Shaun) answered each question fully, gave us so much information about the animals and habitat and did an amazing job at showing us as much as possible. Wonderful hospitality and the food was outstanding. Accommodation delightful, but the floor is very slippery in the bath area.

  • NB
    Nicoletta Becatini-Gilmore
    traveler

    The stay in Pondoro was perfect, it set a high standard for everything to follow! The safaris were great, the service, food and suite excellent. Too bad it was only for 2 nights. We would definitely recommend it and stay there again if we ever return. (A small suggestion about desserts… a bit more creativity is needed.)

  • EK
    Evelyn Kwok
    traveler

    From check in to check out, we felt like we were welcomed into someone’s home. It was never awkward or uncomfortable. Lize always made sure we were taken care of. I felt like ‘time’ was not a big issue here. There was a time schedule and it was followed but no one was ever in a hurry or under restraints. The food at Pondoro felt like home cooking and it was healthy (more vegetables) and wonderful. We really enjoyed the dining experience there – eating on the terrace and by candlelight. It was a little more private, sitting with your own group. The rooms were very spacious, air conditioned, and at one with nature – a glass wall opening out to the trees, outdoor soaking tub and patios. My fear of bugs unfortunately kept me from truly enjoying the room. There was a frog in the shower, mice running along the beams at night, and a dragonfly and a couple of beetles in the mosquito net. But aside from that, we still enjoyed my stay there. We were very lucky to have Robbie (owner) as our ranger. He really knows and loves the land/wildlife. We were very lucky to see large groups of animals roaming the area as well as a lion pride eating/resting together after a kill.

  • PL
    PK Lum
    traveler

    Robbie and his wife who run Pondoro are just the right caretakers. Their staff also complemented them very well. Their lodge, which allows only a max of 13 people, gives a very homely environment. We had interesting chats with a Danish family and a single American traveller. The merged private game parks ( which form the Greater Kruger Park) are also exclusive This provide better chances to spot animals and you don’t often come across other vehicles on safari. On the first day itself, we saw cheetahs, which Robbie hasn’t seen in 4 months! Also how lions launch an attack is similar in footballers positioning themselves! We don’t know how they communicated, as they regrouped themselves after their 2 prey fled.The pride of about 20 must be hungry as they regrouped and re-strategized. We thought they abandoned their attack so we left to go elsewhere. But the other group from Pondoro stayed behind. They did not even realised that this time they came from behind their vehicle and attacked a wildebeest! It was all done so quickly! We rushed back and watch them enjoying their kill under the stars… It was an amazing sight though it affected our appetite. My kids enjoyed the fast ride back to the spot as we had dune bashing in Dubai few days ago. Only the head and its tail were the remnants of the meal on the next morning… My kids and I are not that adventurous with food, well to the extent of eating impalas or kudus… But Pondoro prepared very exquisite dinner. We should have asked for normal meat like chicken and fish. Of course that wouldn’t be an African taste. My husband likes kudu meat. We like guides who are talkative but they are game rangers who’re in tune to animals sound all the time. They keep looking for footprints of which animal has passed by and how long ago. So one can’t expect them to talk and listen, can we? They are nothing like the commercialised tourist guide we saw on TV. They had a few young bandit mangoose which kept our kids occupied after lunch. Pondoro is nicely located next to a river so we can watch hippos and some monkeys. The sky gets bright so early in the morning and it’s perfect to start our early morning safari.

  • AS
    Andrew Shaw
    traveler

    Without a doubt the BEST part of the honeymoon. The property was amazing, and the rooms were massive and airy, decorated in a nice “Africana” style.

C
Carlos
traveler

Pondoro was just SUPERB! What a place for safaris! The location provides a fantastic view over the Olifants River and the game drives also afford you lots of action. We have already travelled to many destinations all over the word and stayed in wonderful resorts but Pondoro's staff is more than superb! Their warm attention with the guests is just unsurpassed. We will not have any doubts to recommend this lodge to anyone who wants to enjoy unforgettable moments in Africa.

LC
Laura Cohen
traveler

We had an amazing time. We LOVED Pondoro and would highly recommend it to anyone, as well as your services.

PC
Pat Christmas
traveler

We stayed for 3 nights in a luxury chalet which overlooks the Oliphant River, where many animals came to drink.
Right outside our room we were visited by Vervet monkeys, impala, elephants and baboons to name a few. It was great to be able to sit in the Jacuzzi on the deck and be able to watch these animals.
We went on a game drive each morning returning to a great breakfast. The evening game drive started after lunch and afternoon tea, returning to the most amazing 3 course dinner. The chefs could hold their own in any fine dining restaurant.
On our first two game drives, we were so lucky to see a huge variety of animals, which included lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, zebra, and many types of antelope, buffalo, both white and black rhino, warthog and many more. It was fantastic to be within touching distance of all of them. When encountering one family of elephants, one came up to the jeep and we could have extended our hand and touched it. Sam had to change his lens on the camera as they were all so close, a telescopic lens wasn’t needed. He has taken some fantastic photos.

MG
Megan Glynn
traveler

We LOVED LOVED LOVED our stay at Pondoro Game Lodge! I was so impressed with the lodge and the hospitality – they really made us feel like family. Our game drives were so much fun! I was happy all 8 of us could travel in one vehicle together. We were fortunate to see the Big 5 in addition to lots of giraffes, warthogs, hippos, wildebeest, zebras, etc. During each drive we would stop and have drinks and snacks which were delicious. The ranger was very knowledgeable and was a great sport with 8 girls that had so many questions. The meals we had at the lodge were AMAZING. I was so impressed with how much attention to detail was paid for example the table decor was beautiful and different each meal, the menus were always printed, and the servers changed their clothes for each meal.

CA
Cara Alexander
traveler

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.