Pondoro Game Lodge (South Africa/Kruger National Park) - Hotel reviews, photos, rates

Also Known As:: Pondoro Game Hotel; Pondoro Game Hotel Balule Private Game Reserve; Pondoro Game Lodge South Africa/Kruger National Park

Address: Balule Private Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Phone Number:

Region: South Africa > Kruger National Park > Balule Private Game Reserve

Amenities:

Bar/Lounge Fitness Centre Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Restaurant Room Service Shuttle Bus service Suites Swimming Pool

Hotel Style:

Ranked #2 of 11 Speciality lodging in Balule Private Game Reserve

Price range (per night): INR26,857 - 46,220

Hotel Class:5 star (5*)

Official Description (provided by the hotel):: Set on the cool riverine banks of the Olifants River (largest in Kruger) in the 40 000 ha Big 5 Balule Private Game Reserve inside the greater Kruger National Park, Pondoro offers its visitors comfort, sophistication, elegance and a canvas on which to create a truly unforgettable African safari.In this small, very exclusive 16-bed lodge ( owner managed ) you will discover the only way to experience the African bush. In addition to luxurious accommodation and the caring attention from trained professionals, our visitors are lavished upon with international fare and humble African hospitality.Meals are an extraordinary culinary experience where Traditional African Cuisine fuse effortlessly with modern European trends.To compliment the food, select any of our fine wines from our extensive wine cellar. Vegetarians are specially catered for. All meals are served on a wooden deck high up in the tree canopy overlooking the Olifants River (weather permitting).Between game drives in open safari cruisers, nature walks and peaceful afternoon naps, enjoy a dip in the sparkling rock pool, a spot of sun bathing or browse through the library. The Pondoro bar is the ideal spot to quench your thirst and grab a snack. ... more less

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dlanz

Atlanta, Georgia

Contributor

11 reviews

5 hotel reviews

Reviews in 9 cities

1 helpful vote

“fantastic safari experience and excellent hospitality”

Reviewed 10 May 2013

Exceeded our expectations! Lodge has authentic & stylish look along with an intimate and indulgent feeling. Safari guides and staff dedicated to insuring we had the kind of safari experience we were seeking (sought out the animals and birds of particular interest to us). Food excellent and loved the dinner set down at the river amid candles - magical! A... More

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Dear dlanz Thank you very much for taking the the time to write a review. I am very glad to see that we could exceed your expectations and that you enjoyed a fantastic safari experience. Greetings from the bush, Robbie and Pondoro family More

Helen F

Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia

Reviewer

4 reviews

4 hotel reviews

Reviews in 4 cities

“Great experience, food and the animals weren't bad!”

Reviewed 3 May 2013

Stayed for three nights over Easter in the buffalo suite. The staff were incredibly welcoming and could not do enough to make the stay relaxing and unforgettable. Food is excellent and there is plenty of it - dinner round a communal table next to the river on the last evening was just wonderful. The game drives were great with a... More

Dear Helen F Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review. It is as always heartwarming to see how much guests have enjoyed their stay. Glad that you enjoyed everything from the safari drives to the food and excellent service. Greetings from the bush, Robbie and Pondoro family More

Jason H

Beijing, China

1 review

“Spotless experience”

Reviewed 29 April 2013

Pondoro is the best experience we had during our trip to South Africa. The safaris they offer are truly wonderful, and the ranger (Rul) and the tracker (Ramson) working for us are very professional and knowledgeable. Not only can they track animals from their footprints and feces, but they also have sharp eyes: amazingly enough, they can even find a... More

Dear Jason H Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review. I am glad that you enjoyed your stay with us and that you found everything from the rooms to the safaris and food to your liking. I will relay your compliments through to all the staff. Greetings from the bush, Robbie and Pondoro family More

Leelews

3 reviews

Reviews in 3 cities

“Wonderful time!”

Reviewed 24 April 2013

Experience of a lifetime. The staff truly take pride in their environment, they respect every last detail and it shows. They are extremely attentive, and caring. You really feel like you are family when you are there and not just another customer.

Dear Leelews Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review. Fantastic to see that you had the experience of a lifetime at Pondoro. We pride ourselves in responsible ecotourism and are so glad that you noticed. Nearly all the staff meetings held at Pondoro are about finding ways in improving the guest experience and to say... More

MarkFurner

Brisbane, Australia

“Nothing beats Pondoro”

Pondoro Game Lodge in South Africa is the most amazing destination I have ever experienced. The food is something to die for, the experiences with the wildlife will last a lifetime and the staff are the most helpful and friendly you will ever find. Would I go back? If I could I would pack my bags tomorrow!

Dear MarkFurner, Thank you for taking the time to write a review. I am elated to see that Pondoro is the most amazing destination that you have ever experienced and that you loved everything from the food to the attentive and friendly staff. We all work very hard to ensure that guests will have an unforgettable time and it is... More

BostonMikeD

Boston

Senior Contributor

26 reviews

10 hotel reviews

Reviews in 13 cities

13 helpful votes

“High-end safari lodge”

Reviewed 21 April 2013 via mobile

The rooms - unbelievable, without comparison. The pictures tell it all. The food - delicious, well plated and great service. The grounds - very nice. I loved spending time by the shaded pool on the very hot afternoons. The game tours - average. Our ranger/guide, Robbie, is the owner of Pondoro. He seemed disinterested and was quiet/hard to hear during... More

Dear BostonMikeD Thank you for taking time to write a review. I am glad to see that you enjoyed your stay. People differ and if you want a guide that jokes around I am not the one for you, but if you want to know more about the animals and are interested in quality facts you will be very happy... More

Marilam1974

IJsselstein, The Netherlands

14 reviews

7 hotel reviews

Reviews in 12 cities

“Best kept secret in Kruger”

Reviewed 9 April 2013 via mobile

After quite some research (Loads of lodges in Kruger), we decided to stay at Pondoro. Afterwards, I couldn't have been happier with my choice. We only booked like 1 day in beforehand and I attribute the fact that they had still room to sheer luck on my part. Pondoro is a small scale lodge so it fits perfectly in the... More

Dear Marilam1974, Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review. Great to see that you choose Pondoro after extensive research and that we managed to live up to your expectations. I will definitely pass your compliments onto Lize and she will be so happy to hear that you enjoyed the food. Greetings from the bush, Robbie... More

enrica3anatra

Indianapolis, Indiana

5 reviews

“Excellent Stay”

Reviewed 7 April 2013

Great accommodations. Everything was luxury, but it still felt like you were right in the middle of nature. The food was probably the best you will eat in your life. and the safari experience was amazing. We saw the Big Five as well as a pack of wild dogs, which were the highlight of the experience. We stayed three nights,... More

Dear enrica3anatra, Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review. Glad that you enjoyed everything from the safari drives to the cuisine and your spacious accommodation. Greetings from the bush, Robbie and Pondoro family More

jlateralus21

Kandahar, Afghanistan

2 helpful votes

“Perfect Experience!”

Reviewed 6 April 2013

I just have to say, my stay at Pondoro could not have been any better. Everything about this place is perfect. The staff is super friendly, the food was amazing, the game drives were spectacular. Nothing could have been better. From the moment we pulled up to the lodge, we felt like we owned the place. Seriously, that's how welcoming... More

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Dear jlateralus21, Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review. It is fantastic to see and read how much you enjoyed your stay with us. Big 5 and wild dogs killing a young waterbuck! Look like you really had an amazing time. We also pride ourselves in our service and cuisine and are glad that you... More

Ross B

Auckland Central, New Zealand

“It was a second honeymoon”

Reviewed 31 March 2013

My wife and I had a wonderful 3 day stay at Pondoro Lodge - it was not only the excitement of seeing the animals in the wild (including seeing the Big 5 in one day) but it was also a taste sensation with great cuisine. We found the hospitality very genuine and friendly and also really enjoyed the the company... More

Dear Ross B, Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review. Great to see that you saw so many animals and enjoyed our special cuisine. Greetings from the bush, Robbie and Pondoro family More

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Pondoro Game Lodge, South Africa/Kruger National Park

Pondoro Game Lodge

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