3 Game Drives with Bert! Lot of animals (Lion, Giraffes, Elephants, Warthogs, Kudu, Impalas, Zebras and a perfect Sundowner

We had an amazing experience and specially when it comes to hospitality. Thanks Frits and the rest of the team for making us feel like our own home! True and pure South African hospitality was present through out our whole trip. Just unlucky we did not get the chance to see that roaring lion!

We stayed at Amukela game lodge and saw Elephants, buffalo and the rare black rhino! At night we heard lions and jackals. Great vieuws over the bush, back to nature but relatively close to Hoedspruit. We loved it!

Private lodges, from simple to 5 star - no other tourist cars around, when you're on a game drive in open game viewing vehicles - wonderful landscape - birders paradise - and big 5 of course. But you have to take your time to see them all. It's not a collared zoo . Go for a guided game walk at the olifants river, watch elephants and hippos. And again: take your time and relax. Then you will have a wonderful time.

This reserve straddles the Olifants River, known in the local venacular as the Balule River. It is conveniently located just north-east of Hoedspruit & south-west of Phalaborwa, making easily accessible by road or daily flights to these two towns. The reserve falls within the so-called Greater Kruger Park, meaning it is a continuous ecosystem with this magnificent natural area. Animals are able to move freely from Balule right through Kruger Park & even into Mozambique. The land is privately-owned & this means that one can choose from a wonderful array of accommodation establishments, ranging from 5 star luxury to camping in the wild, depending on your choice. There is a wide variety of habitats here, resulting in a vast array of wildlife - a huge assortment of mammals & birds in their natural habitat. Due to the reserve being open to such a huge area, encounters are diverse - depending on the time of year, massive herds of Elephants & Buffalo may be spotted & the resident prides of Lion are legendary. Many of the Lodges have been operating here for 15 years or more, which benefits the photographers as animals are well acclimatised to the vehicles & guides are well experienced, leading to fascinating close encounters.

Beautiful, unspoilt game reserve, full of friendly people and untouched land! Game drives are spectacular and the animals and vegetation suggest a well maintained circle of life there!

Poor game area.

Balule was the best accommodation and best destination for our trip in South Africa.

Relax with view of all Big 5 animals. Elephants, lions... just on the other side of the river. Hippos at night are great. It's just wonderful. Insider tip for people who love nature and good service - be aware of the non tared road it is a challange without 4x4 but is worth it.

We really enjoyed Balule Nature Reserve. Besides enjoying the Big 5 safari and the birds, we really appreciated the chance to be in the middle of nature and the forest during the game drives and bush walks. The people are more involved and try to make the most out of your visit. We give a the park a 5 Star grading and a high recommendation.