Balule Game Reserve

About Balule Game Reserve

Balule Game Reserve shares an unfenced border with the renowned Kruger National Park and will provide an unforgettable safari experience.

Balule Game Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger Park, an open conserved area of approximately 7,000,000 acres or 23,000 km², along the Olifants River. The reserve is only an hour's drive from two of the main gates to the Kruger National Park. It is in the mixed woodland eco-zone, one of several eco-zones in the lowveld, and the one with the greatest variety of fauna and flora.

The landscape is rolling with seasonal rivers draining the area. The region is of granitic origin, with quartz and dolerite intrusions and outcrops.

Incredible Wildlife
From excellent opportunities for encounters with the Big 5 to the full diverse range of other indigenous wildlife, the area has it all.
Game Drives
Open vehicle game drives are the best way to get close to these majestic animals. Experienced rangers deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Night Game Drives
At night the bush comes alive once more as the nocturnal animals emerge. Vehicles are fitted with spotlights for optimal game viewing.
Highly Rated Lodges
Popular and highly rated lodges delivers a true African experience - luxury in a safari setting.
Convenience Packages
For complete convenience, most travel packages are all-inclusive and offers meals, drinks, activities and more as part of the price.
Experience You Can Trust
Based on millions of reviews we've been awarded with our 3rd Tripadvisor 'Travellers' Choice Award

Explore Balule Game Reserve's Accommodation

Lodges in the reserve offering you the Big 5 experience and much more

Chacma Bush Camp

From R5400 / per person sharingKnow More

Ezulwini Billy's Lodge

From R10500 / per person sharingKnow More

Ezulwini River Lodge

From R10500 / per person sharingKnow More

Naledi Bush Camp

From R5750 / per person sharingKnow More

Moditlo River Lodge

From R6800 / per person sharingKnow More

Pondoro Game Lodge

From R8560 / per person sharingKnow More

Sausage Tree Safari Camp

From R5995 / per person sharingKnow More

Tomo Safari Lodge

From R4700 / per person sharingKnow More

Activities Spotlight

Walking Safaris

Visitors may head out on foot with their armed ranger. The perspective of the bush is entirely different to that of a vehicle, and guests will learn to read the signs of the wild, and perhaps come into close contact with the different animal species on the reserve.

Game Viewing

In national parks and some other reserves, rules prohibit leaving the designated safari paths. But the wildlife are not always considerate enough to stay nearby. Get better vantages (and better photos) by heading off-road or watching animals from the hide.

Game Drives

Game drives are interpretive drives in the bush specially adapted four-wheel drive vehicles, with the purpose of finding wildlife in a natural habitat. Rest your feet while going deeper and farther than you ever thought possible for up-close game encounters you won’t believe. Also, there are night drives, with the aid of powerful spotlights, which bring the bush to life at night.

Boma Dinners

Returning to your camp after a successful evening game drive, you are greeted with the enticing sight of beautifully presented dining tables all encircling a roaring fire. Sitting down next to the crackling fire you are warmed by its dancing heat as the evening progresses into night and the bush comes alive once more. Lodges: Naledi Bush Camp Ezulwini Game Lodge

Weddings & Honeymoons

For the couple who seeks an intimate destination, without “frills” but with a heart of warm African hospitality, beautiful sunsets, panoramic views and beautiful accommodation – Balule Private Game Reserve is the place for romance. Escape to the place buried in the wild of Africa.

Spa Treatments

Massages, skin & beauty Spa treatments, promises an aura cleanse, body balance & sensory experience. Our massage retreats will leave you feeling revitalized and rejuvenated. The perfect place to rest and relax, this haven of tranquillity offers the ultimate African Spa experience.

Wildlife of Balule

Balule Game Reserve shares open borders with Kruger Park and is, therefore, part of a huge ecosystem and home to all major safari animals – including the Big Five. The Olifants River attracts an abundance of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, and giraffe. Lion is often nearby.

The reserve has an impressive hippo population which can be found wallowing in the river during the day. Civets and honey badgers are just two of the rarer creatures sometimes encountered.

Balule offers great overall birding with more than 250 species recorded. The perennial Olifants River, which runs through the centre of the park, attracts many waders and other water-associated birds. The area is also excellent for raptors (eagles, in particular).