Search Cottages in Balule Game Reserve

"Absolutely amazing. We stayed at Pondoro in January in the beautiful Tree Suite with the most incredible views of the river. Every member of the staff was so friendly and hospitable. Our daily game drives exceeded all our expectations with the most experienced guides. The vegetation this time of year was so green and gorgeous. From sun up to sun down we were so well fed by the talented team of chefs. It was all such a dream. I hope we have the chance to return again. "

"If we could give 6 stars for our 3 day stay at Naledi we would! We were incredibly well taken care of by Marise, Matthew, Lilian, Decide and Chef Dudu throughout our stay. The food was delicious, our room in the Paperbark suite and the entire property is meticulously maintained, and they made incredible efforts to make our trip as enjoyable as possible. They succeeded! The game drives with Oupa and Excellent exceeded every expectation. They are true experts at guiding and tracking the majestic animals in the Balule reserve, and just incredibly lovely gentlemen to spend time with. We saw so much - yes, the Big 5, but also warthogs and hyenas and giraffes and hippos and zebras and impala herds and beautiful birds; sunset and sunrise and a rainbow one morning took our breath away. On our final sundowners, Oupa and Excellent took us by the Olifant River where we enjoyed the sunset and drinks surrounded by hippos and a grazing rhino. Each day felt like a treasure hunt - we gave very little input, allowing Oupa and Excellent to do their thing, and loved every minute. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip for my wife and I, as we were visiting South Africa from the US for a friend's wedding. I went back and forth between the more well-known reserves (Sabi Sands, Timbavati) and was unsure what we'd be able to see in the summer season (our visit was in late January) - I'm so glad we chose Naledi and if there's ever an opportunity to visit South Africa again, we will be back!"

"Great place to stay if you're visiting Hoedspruit. Safe location, lovely outdoor shower and close to town."

"Good quality hotel with lovely view. "

"An amazing place for a safari! "

"My daughter and I had the absolute privilege of staying at Ezulwini in August 2024. I first want to acknowledge the amazing and knowledgeable staff who absolutely made our stay. Ange and Craig make quite the team! Glory was accommodating, caring, and personable. While in the Bush, Craig and Shads combined their seemingly unlimited knowledge to answer all our non-stop questions. Even when the animals were feeling shy, Craig was able to teach us about something else within the ecosystem, and usually by the end of the lesson, Shads was able to use his eagle-eyes to track another animal. What really made this lodge stand out was the fact that their approach was respectful to the land on which they live, never exploitative. Each night before an absolutely delicious dinner, we were able to sit down with Ange and Craig who crafted a lesson about local history, the law of the reserves, or about the country of South Africa. The meaningful conversations absolutely made us feel like welcomed friends, rather than simple guests. Of course, it should go without saying, that the accommodations of the resort itself were stunning. The resort’s small number of guest rooms makes the experience feel personal and uniquely tailored to each guest, and the property, which often welcomes many four-legged guests, feels more like an extension of the bush rather than a separate space. I simply cannot recommend this lodge, this team, and this trip enough!"

"This was one of the most best travel expeirences i ever had. The Kapama Southern lodge is superb . The staff was amazing. the accommodations were perfect. The food options were plentiful. I recommend this property to everyone, and of of course the safari tours were better than expected with informal guides. "

"We had a great experience at Nyati Safari Lodge, from check-in to check-out. We stayed for six days and had a wonderful time. All the staff were friendly and polite, and the game drives were both knowledgeable and enjoyable. We did four game drives with Peter, which were exciting adventures as we searched for animals. Also, Lux and Henry were great and knowledgeable. The food was delicious, and everything was well-organized. There are a few areas that could use some attention and improvement: -The outdoor restaurant was difficult to enjoy during our stay because of windy and cool weather. It would be helpful if they provided heaters for such conditions. -During the buffet, I noticed some guests refilling their plates without using new ones, which could pose a hygiene risk, especially since many guests were coughing and sneezing. -It would be great if they offered hot drinks like cappuccinos or lattes. When I asked if I could buy one, I was told they didn’t have any, though a coffee machine could easily provide this option. Overall, I highly recommend Nyati Safari Lodge to anyone seeking adventure along with a luxury stay."

"During my stay at Mbizi Bush Lodge, I was genuinely impressed by the exceptional quality of service and the overall experience. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this was no ordinary lodge; it felt like a home away from home, where the staff welcomed me as if I were a part of their family. The service at Mbizi Bush Lodge was truly five stars. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my stay was perfect. Whether it was the warm smiles that greeted me each morning or the personalized touches that made my room feel so inviting, the team at Mbizi excelled in creating a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. They were attentive without being intrusive, always ready to assist with any request or provide recommendations for making the most out of my stay. This level of care made a significant difference, elevating the entire experience to something extraordinary. The culinary offerings at Mbizi Bush Lodge were nothing short of spectacular. Each meal was a delightful journey through flavors, crafted with care and expertise. The chefs clearly have a passion for what they do, as every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with fresh, vibrant tastes. From hearty breakfasts to elegant dinners, the food was consistently of the highest quality. It wasn’t just about eating; it was about savoring every bite in the serene, natural surroundings. Dining at Mbizi was an experience in itself, one that I looked forward to every day. One of the most remarkabl"