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Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

5.0 star property
All-inclusive lodge in Balule Game Reserve with spa and safari

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

Front of property - evening/night
Buffalo Suite | Private spa tub
Spa tub, steam room, body treatments, aromatherapy, hot stone massages
Wildevy Chalet | Bathroom | Separate tub and shower, deep soaking tub, designer toiletries
Interior entrance
VIP Access

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Airport transfer
  • Free breakfast
  • Spa
  • Gym
Main amenities
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Fitness center
  • Pool bar
  • Room service
  • Airport shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Library
Feel at home
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Separate sitting area
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Buffalo Suite

Buffalo Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Buffalo Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor spa tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 1184 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Wildevy Chalet

Wildevy Chalet | Living area | Books

Wildevy Chalet

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
Separate bedroom
  • 807 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Tree Suite

Tree Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Tree Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor spa tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 1184 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Water Suite

Water Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Water Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor spa tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 1184 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Rock Suite

Rock Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Rock Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor spa tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 1184 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Maroela Chalet

Maroela Chalet | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Maroela Chalet

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
Separate bedroom
  • 807 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Hardekool Chalet

Hardekool Chalet | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Hardekool Chalet

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
Separate bedroom
  • 807 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Earth Suite

Earth Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Earth Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor spa tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 1184 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

Room service - dining

Oase by 7 Star Lodges - Greater Kruger Private 530ha Reserve

Pool
Free breakfast
Spa
Free parking
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (8)
The price is $764
includes taxes & fees
$664 per night
Nov 30 - Dec 1
Oase by 7 Star Lodges - Greater Kruger Private 530ha Reserve
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About the neighborhood

Map
Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380

What's nearby

  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate - 68 min drive - 45.5 km
  • Grietjie Game Reserve - 73 min drive - 29.1 km
  • Jessica the Hippo - 91 min drive - 62.0 km
  • Phalaborwa Gate - 92 min drive - 50.1 km
  • Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre - 96 min drive - 73.0 km

Getting around

  • Phalaborwa (PHW-Hendrik Van Eck) - 92 min drive
  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 98 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

About this property

Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

Enjoy your visit to Balule Game Reserve with a stay at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park. Guests can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant and visit the spa to be pampered with hot stone massages, aromatherapy, or Ayurvedic treatments. An outdoor pool, a poolside bar, and a fitness center are other highlights at this luxurious lodge.

All inclusive

This lodge is all-inclusive. Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Gratuities and taxes

Gratuities are included and additional gratuities at guests' discretion are accepted.

Food and beverages

All à la carte meals, snacks, and select beverages included
Bottled liquor included
24-hour room service (limited menu)
In-room minibar (all beverages included)
In-room liquor dispensers
Dining availability limited at one or more venues

Entertainment

Onsite entertainment and activities

Languages

English

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 8 rooms

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
  • Check-out time is 11 AM

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions.

Special check-in instructions

  • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
  • The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Front desk staffed during limited hours

Required at check-in

  • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

  • Children (11 years old and younger) not allowed
  • No cribs (infant beds)

Pets

  • No pets or service animals allowed

Internet

  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

  • Free onsite self parking

Transfers

  • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*

Other information

  • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning 7:30 AM–10:30 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Poolside bar
  • Private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Room service (limited hours)

What to do

  • Ecotours
  • Safari
  • Wildlife viewing

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Concierge services
  • Laundry facilities
  • Pool loungers

Facilities

  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • Mosquito nets
  • Fitness center
  • An outdoor pool
  • Art gallery on site
  • Full-service spa
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Locally-owned & organized tours & activities
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community & sustainability
  • Local culture & ecosystem education
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • No plastic soda bottles
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups only
  • Reusable tableware only
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning and heating
  • Minibar
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Bathrobes and slippers

Sleep well

  • Pillow menu
  • Turndown service
  • Premium bedding

What to enjoy

  • Furnished balcony/patio
  • Individually furnished and decorated
  • Separate sitting area

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi

Food and drink

  • Meal delivery service
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
  • Water-efficient toilets only

Special features

Spa

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the lodge's full-service spa. Services include hot stone massages, Swedish massages, facials, and body wraps. The spa is equipped with a spa tub and a steam room. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and Ayurvedic. The spa is open daily.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of ZAR 1395 per person (one-way)

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Cashless transactions are available.

Also known as

Pondoro
Pondoro Game
Pondoro Game Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game Lodge Hoedspruit
Pondoro Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive
Pondoro Game All Inclusive Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game All Inclusive
Pondoro Game Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive
Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park Lodge

Frequently asked questions

Does Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?
Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is airport shuttle service offered by Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is ZAR 1395 per person one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?
Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.
What is there to do at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park and nearby?
Onsite recreation at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park includes ecotours, game viewing, and a wildlife and game drive. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park also has a fitness center and a picnic area, as well as a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?
Yes, there's an onsite restaurant.
Does Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park have rooms with private spa tubs?
Yes, each room has a deep soaking bathtub.
Does Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a furnished balcony or patio.
What's the area around Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park like?
Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park is located by the river, a short 1-minute walk from Greater Kruger National Park.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing stay!!
3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

We came here for our honeymoon. What an amazing experience we had. We had 2 game drives per day with fantastic guides/spotters. The food was top tier - nearly Michelin star level; I had the eggs benedict every single morning. They arranged the most romantic evening dinner in their wine cellar for us. This is probably the best place I have ever stayed.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Just incredible
The most amazing boutique luxury destination in the Balule game reserve (part of Greater Kruger). For an all inclusive hotel I didn’t have high hopes for the food however it surpassed all my expectations and was incredible, including catering for vegetarians. The game drives were incredible and a shout out to Anton and Selby who found us every animal. The small touches like break with coffee/drinks and snacks in the game drives makes it a personalised experience. The rooms have so much space and the beds are incredibly comfortable. The schedule for the days is the same for consistency. We loved meeting other couples and loved that the game drives were with the same driver/spotter and couples for the duration, it really allows you to form great bonds with other people there. Breakfast at the big dining table is also a nice touch. Could not recommend Pondoro more, they truly create the most unique experience and have thought of everything.
Maddison, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Dagmar, 4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

eric, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

This was our bucket list dream trip and Pondoro made that happen. Pondoro facilities and staff are amazing. Attention to detail is one of the many things that stand out. We were in the Tree suite. So cool! Game drives we amazing. Sully and Dion, our guide and tracker worked so hard to find us all and the big 5. If you are reading this and contemplating a stay at Pondoro. Just do it.
candace, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Jan-Christoph, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

joe, 6-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

A dream come true
The hospitality was top notch. Armand, Johanna, Lize and the staff were absolutely amazing and attentive. The room (Buffalo Suite) was beautifully decorated and had a perfect view. We saw giraffes, elephants, antelope, babboons from our window. Very romantic setting. We also enjoy the early morning and evening game drives qnd were able to see the Big 5 the first day thanks to Ru and Andrei. We hope to visit again!
James, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Stephanie, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

I have traveled to many countries in the world. This hotel was the best hotel that I have ever stayed. Everyone was so friendly. They went out of their way to make our trip memorable. I definitely recommend staying in this hotel. I have never written review in past. This is the first review that I am writing. I recommend this hotel to all of my friends.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The perfect place for safari
We were highly impressed with Pondoro, both for accommodation and quality of game viewing. Our tracker and guide we’re exceptional. We regularly saw the big 5 (and so many leopards, which we’ve struggled to see else where) and a whole range of additional animals from hippos in the river outside the room to a family of porcupines. Our guide always seemed to manage to get us to the viewing before other cars and positioned us perfectly for photos. It was incredible. The accommodation is fantastic, we were upgraded to Earth, a larger suite with a jacuzzi where we watched hippos from (magical). The room had a lounge area, a huge bed, roll top bath and a indoor and outdoor shower. More than you could possibly need! Service was outstanding, everyone was so friendly and helpful and seemed really happy to talk about the animals you’ve seen (even though they must hear about this everyday!). Their passion was great! Finally I’ll just say that the food and wine was superb - we eat constantly, there is so much tasty food! And they set up beautiful special dinners for you. It’s something I’ll remember for a long time. We were very sad to leave and hope to return. Thanks again to all the wonderful staff that made our stay so special!
Laura, 3-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Nicholas, 3-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing in every good way
This place is pretty special. It's located in a private reserve that is joined to Kruger National Park and it's on a river. Sitting on our balcony we saw hippos, giraffes, warthogs, monkeys, different types of antelope, and crocodiles. They have included morning and evening drives drive each day where we saw pretty much everything. The staff is great, very professional but also very friendly. Do at least 4 nights so that you have time to do several drives, a couple walks, a picnic in the tree hide, and still have some time to relax in the lovely room. The only complaint I have is that they really give you a lot of great food and I think I over ate. I guess that's my fault for not being more disciplined.
Anonymous, 4-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Luxury and adventure
Pondoro Lodge is a place to remember. The rooms are private and romantic, with views over the river. We loved watching the hippos from the deck at breakfast time. The safari drives were outstanding. We saw so many incredible animals, including a chameleon.
Rachel, 3-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Safari experience
Great ranger, guide, accommodations, and service/food - the complete package.
3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Magic
The staff was great. the suite was amazing. the wild game viewing was phenomenal. It is hard to look imagine a better African Safari experience anywhere regardless of cost. This was everything we dreamed it might be and more.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great base for Northern Kruger
Very good , friendly , food good and varied . Trackers and guides on safrai game drives excellent. They founf lions lepards and even achettah in the most remote places .all credit to them
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Friendly staff, beautiful hotel
In Pondoro the staff makes you feel at home. They are soo friendly and helpful. The owners are there too and make sure your stay is perfect. The food is delicious and they always present it very creatively. The rooms are very pretty. Our ranger and tracker were excellent at finding all the animals. We saw lions and leopards 3 days in a row, you really get very close to the animals. We save the big 5 many times. I would definitely recommend this hotel. They really go out of their way to make you happy. One night they organized a surprise candlelight dinner at the river bank which was wonderful.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Best week of travel in my life. Simply superb.
Where do I start...! Best week of travel in my life... Everything about this place is exceptional. Right in the heart of the Balule private game reserve on the banks of the Olifants river nestled amongst the trees. I was in the Buffalo suite, right up the end, and it was simply amazing to say the least, huge and beautifully appointed. All the staff, Janni, Tania, Lillian and all the other staff are superb. They really make you feel at home. Liza and Robbie where only there a few nights of my stay as they where off collecting yet another well deserved hotel award. Rul and Andres are a top notch Tracker / Ranger combo and pull out all the stops to get you up close and personal to all the animals and are so knowledgable about all the wildlife and nature in the area, and do it with a cheeky sense of humor. They really made the whole experience special. The food is top notch, dining room staff are great and the dining deck is superb, just watch your muffins at breakfast as the Vervet monkeys love them if you leave them unattended. We got surprised on two of the nights by amazing dinner set up down by the river which blew me away. They really know how to make the experience special. Great wine and beer list too. If I could rate it more than 5/5 I would. Can't wait to come back again soon.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Couldn't wish for better...
From the first contact from our transport from airport, to our sad goodbye, this was an unforgettable experience. Perfect location on the Oliphant River, where we could watch elephants from our chalet (and restaurant). Game drives were fun, interesting and a highlight of our whole trip to S.A. This lodge provides it all - friendly, professional service, comfort, great food, and best of all the opportunity to see and experience magnificent wildlife.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

We can't stop talking about pondoro!
Exceeded every expectation we had - they were already high. Personal touches mixed with impeccable service, beautiful rooms and an overall excellent safari experience. I have stayed in other lodges and can say nothing comes close to Pondoro.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect! Amazing experience!
Absolutely fantastic place! The owners and staff go over and above to ensure you are taken care of from the moment you arrive. Eric and Ramson were our ranger/tracker team for the game drives and we couldn't have asked for better. They were so nice and really concentrated on ensuring we saw all that we could. The early mornings are rough but what you see when you are out makes it all worth it. We booked the suite and highly recommend the extra money for your stay. Huge room with a large balcony looking over the river. You will need to be escorted to and from the main lodge but this is due to the fact that they keep the area free for the animals to get to the river. Better for the animals and better for your viewing. We were able to spend the afternoons watching elephants, impalas, etc just outside our room. Unbelievable experience. The chalets are smaller and within the fenced grounds of the hotel so no escorts needed but the privacy of the suites are well worth it! Should also note the food - Delicious!!! You will not go hungry! Great staff, beautiful grounds - We didn't want to leave!
Verified Hotels.com guest review