Balule Nature Reserve

The Balule Nature Reserve, also called the Balule Private Game Reserve, is situated next to the Kruger National Park. The park was formed in the early 1990s when numerous farm owners removed the fences separating the farms and has since grown to about 35 000 hectares in size.

Balule and the surrounding Olifants and Klaserie Nature Reserves are unfenced and together add an extra 40 000 hectares to the Kruger Park. The area is home to the Big Five and many other animals including wildebeest, waterbuck and giraffe.

Balule is named after the Tsonga name for 'buffalo', and immense herds of these animals can be seen roaming the area. The Olifants River flows through the park for approximately 20 km and offers more sight-seeing options.

There is comfortable accommodation available including air-conditioned chalets, en-suite rondavels, self-catering bush lodges and luxury safari lodges. Open vehicle game drives and day walks are also available.