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Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

5.0 star property
Riverfront lodge with a full-service spa and free breakfast

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Photo gallery for Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

Front of property - evening/night
Buffalo Suite | Private spa tub
Interior entrance
Hot tub, steam room, body treatments, aromatherapy, hot stone massages
Wildevy Chalet | Bathroom | Separate tub and shower, deep soaking tub, designer toiletries

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Bar
  • All inclusive
  • Breakfast included
  • Room service
  • Air conditioning

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Buffalo Suite

Buffalo Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Buffalo Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Wildevy Chalet

Wildevy Chalet | Living area | Books

Wildevy Chalet

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
  • 75 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Tree Suite

Tree Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Tree Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Water Suite

Water Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Water Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Rock Suite

Rock Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Rock Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Maroela Chalet

Maroela Chalet | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Maroela Chalet

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
  • 75 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Hardekool Chalet

Hardekool Chalet | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Hardekool Chalet

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
  • 75 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Earth Suite

Earth Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Earth Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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Outdoor pool

MILIMA Big 5 Safari Lodge

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • All inclusive
  • Parking included
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (9)
The price is SAR 2,203
SAR 2,533 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Mar - 4 Mar
MILIMA Big 5 Safari Lodge

About the neighborhood

Map
Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380

What's nearby

  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate - 68 min drive
  • Grietjie Game Reserve - 73 min drive
  • Jessica the Hippo - 91 min drive
  • Phalaborwa Gate - 92 min drive
  • Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre - 96 min drive

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 98 min drive

About this property

Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

Luxury boutique lodge by the river
Consider a stay at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park and take advantage of free cooked-to-order breakfast, game and wildlife viewing, and a poolside bar. Indulge in a body wrap, Ayurvedic treatments, and a massage at the onsite spa. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like ecotours. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a terrace and an art gallery on site.
Additional perks include:
  • An outdoor pool with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • A safari, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and game drive on site
  • Books, a gift shop, and concierge services
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and boast comforts such as premium bedding and pillow menus, in addition to thoughtful touches like air conditioning and separate sitting areas.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with designer toiletries and deep soaking tubs
  • Furnished balconies or patios, separate sitting areas, and eco-friendly cleaning products

All inclusive details

This lodge is all-inclusive. Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Gratuities and taxes

Gratuities are included and additional gratuities at guests' discretion are accepted.

Food and beverages

All à la carte meals, snacks, and select beverages included
Bottled liquor included
24-hour room service (limited menu)
In-room minibar (all beverages included)
In-room liquor dispensers
Dining availability limited at one or more venues

Entertainment

Onsite entertainment and activities

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Airport shuttle on request

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 7:30 AM–10:30 AM
  • 1 restaurant
  • 1 poolside bar and 1 bar
  • Room service available

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Ecotours
  • Fitness center
  • Full-service spa
  • Game/wildlife drives
  • Game/wildlife viewing
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private picnics
  • Safari

Conveniences

  • Front-desk safe
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Library

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels (on request)
  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Pool sun loungers
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Ayurvedic treatments
  • Body scrubs
  • Body treatments
  • Body wraps
  • Facials
  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Massage - hot stone
  • Massage - Swedish
  • Spa open daily
  • Hot tub
  • Steam room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • This property does not have elevators
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers
  • Biodegradable drinking straws
  • Books
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Couples dining
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Local culture & ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned & organized tours & activities
  • Mosquito nets
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soda bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups only
  • Reusable tableware only
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Air conditioning
  • Bed sheets
  • Heating
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Towels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Local meal delivery service
  • Minibar

Outdoor space

  • Furnished balcony or patio

More

  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
  • Individually decorated
  • Individually furnished
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Slippers
  • Turndown service
  • Water-efficient toilets only

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children 11 and younger are not allowed at this property; All guests older than 11 are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 1395 per person (one-way)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Children 11 years old and younger are not permitted at this property
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

National rating

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

Pondoro
Pondoro Game
Pondoro Game Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game Lodge Hoedspruit
Pondoro Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive
Pondoro Game All Inclusive Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game All Inclusive
Pondoro Game Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive
Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park Lodge

Frequently asked questions

Does Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Does Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of ZAR 1395 per person applies.

Are there all-inclusive benefits at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?

Yes, the property is all-inclusive.

Where is Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park located?

Situated on a river, this all-inclusive lodge is within 32 mi (52 km) of Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, Kruger National Park, and Phalaborwa Gate.

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Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 50 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing stay!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

BEN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is first rate! The lodgings were excellent. The food was the best that we had in 5 stops in Africa. The staff was great, as were the game guides. And along a beautiful view of the Oliphant River, with all sorts of animals seen there!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We came here for our honeymoon. What an amazing experience we had. We had 2 game drives per day with fantastic guides/spotters. The food was top tier - nearly Michelin star level; I had the eggs benedict every single morning. They arranged the most romantic evening dinner in their wine cellar for us. This is probably the best place I have ever stayed.

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A dream come true
The hospitality was top notch. Armand, Johanna, Lize and the staff were absolutely amazing and attentive. The room (Buffalo Suite) was beautifully decorated and had a perfect view. We saw giraffes, elephants, antelope, babboons from our window. Very romantic setting. We also enjoy the early morning and evening game drives qnd were able to see the Big 5 the first day thanks to Ru and Andrei. We hope to visit again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

ali

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have traveled to many countries in the world. This hotel was the best hotel that I have ever stayed. Everyone was so friendly. They went out of their way to make our trip memorable. I definitely recommend staying in this hotel. I have never written review in past. This is the first review that I am writing. I recommend this hotel to all of my friends.

10/10 Excellent

candace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our bucket list dream trip and Pondoro made that happen. Pondoro facilities and staff are amazing. Attention to detail is one of the many things that stand out. We were in the Tree suite. So cool! Game drives we amazing. Sully and Dion, our guide and tracker worked so hard to find us all and the big 5. If you are reading this and contemplating a stay at Pondoro. Just do it.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maddison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Just incredible
The most amazing boutique luxury destination in the Balule game reserve (part of Greater Kruger). For an all inclusive hotel I didn’t have high hopes for the food however it surpassed all my expectations and was incredible, including catering for vegetarians. The game drives were incredible and a shout out to Anton and Selby who found us every animal. The small touches like break with coffee/drinks and snacks in the game drives makes it a personalised experience. The rooms have so much space and the beds are incredibly comfortable. The schedule for the days is the same for consistency. We loved meeting other couples and loved that the game drives were with the same driver/spotter and couples for the duration, it really allows you to form great bonds with other people there. Breakfast at the big dining table is also a nice touch. Could not recommend Pondoro more, they truly create the most unique experience and have thought of everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

jihye

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dagmar

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jan-Christoph

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

joe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jürgen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Eine außergewöhnliche Safari Lodge
Das Prädikat "ausgezeichnet" ist fast zu wenig im Vergleich mit anderen Lodges. Lodge-Besitzer und das gesamte Team tun alles, um für den Gast ein außergewöhnliches Urlaubserlebnis zu gestalten. Danke an Liz, die Ranger Ray und Rud mit ihren Trackern, die erlesene Küche und das gesamte Service-Personal. Wir bekamen ein Upgrade und waren im Chalet "Rock" bestens untergebracht. Das Essen war sehr abwechslungsreich und geschmackvoll serviert - für Senioren eher zu viel; Mittags hätte ein Salat gereicht. Bei den Game Drives haben wir unter anderen viele Elefanten gesehen, auch ein Rudel von ca. 20 Löwen streifte um das Safari-Fahrzeug. Ganz zum Schluss klappten auch die intensiven Bemühungen der Tracker und Ranger mit einem freien Blick auf einen im Baum hockenden Leoparden das Big-Five-Erlebnis in 3 Tagen komplett zu machen. Herzlichen Dank dem Pondoro-Team für drei unvergesslich schöne Tage
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Arthur V

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing Game Lodge
That was my best safari experience. Since the first contact with the Game Lodge, all was extremely professional and friendly. We booked a transfer from Hoedspruit airport that worked perfectly. The room was unforgetable, huge, beaultiful, comfortable, with river view and from the balcony we could see a lot of animals. All the meals were delicious, everything included. The staff is so friendly. I will miss this place forever.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

LARISSA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Experiência inesquecível!
O Pondoro e sua equipe me proporcionaram uma das melhores experiências da minha vida. O lodge é incrível e fica localizado à margem de um rio, o que te permite ver animais ao longo do dia, como os Hipopótamos que moram lá e elefantes e girafas que sempre aparecem. São apenas 8 chalés, o que deixa todo atendimento muito íntimo. Foi a equipe de hotelaria mais incrível que eu já vi e uma gastronomia impecável. Sam, nosso ranger e Dion, nosso tracker, fizeram dos nossos safáris uma experiência inesquecível, uma verdadeira aventura em busca dos Big 5. Falando em Big 5, tivemos a sorte de vê-los 2 vezes e uma delas foi no mesmo game Drive. Se você ainda está em dúvida entre ficar ou não no Pondoro, simplesmente vá. Espero voltar um dia para poder ficar pelo menos 3 noites. Fiquei apenas 2 e voltei com um gostinho de quero mais! :)
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The perfect place for safari
We were highly impressed with Pondoro, both for accommodation and quality of game viewing. Our tracker and guide we’re exceptional. We regularly saw the big 5 (and so many leopards, which we’ve struggled to see else where) and a whole range of additional animals from hippos in the river outside the room to a family of porcupines. Our guide always seemed to manage to get us to the viewing before other cars and positioned us perfectly for photos. It was incredible. The accommodation is fantastic, we were upgraded to Earth, a larger suite with a jacuzzi where we watched hippos from (magical). The room had a lounge area, a huge bed, roll top bath and a indoor and outdoor shower. More than you could possibly need! Service was outstanding, everyone was so friendly and helpful and seemed really happy to talk about the animals you’ve seen (even though they must hear about this everyday!). Their passion was great! Finally I’ll just say that the food and wine was superb - we eat constantly, there is so much tasty food! And they set up beautiful special dinners for you. It’s something I’ll remember for a long time. We were very sad to leave and hope to return. Thanks again to all the wonderful staff that made our stay so special!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Pablo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Melhor hotel que fiquei na minha vida
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

João Lúcio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Augusto

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Experiência extraordinária !
Absolutamente tudo é perfeito neste hotel! Localização super charmosa debruçado sobre um rio onde se vê Hipopotamus, atendimento impecável, acomodações charmosas e confortáveis, serviço all inclusive de primeira e safáris emocisonantes, tendo visto os big 5 duas vezes!! Recomendo e voltaria 😉
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Anonymous, San Francisco

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing in every good way
This place is pretty special. It's located in a private reserve that is joined to Kruger National Park and it's on a river. Sitting on our balcony we saw hippos, giraffes, warthogs, monkeys, different types of antelope, and crocodiles. They have included morning and evening drives drive each day where we saw pretty much everything. The staff is great, very professional but also very friendly. Do at least 4 nights so that you have time to do several drives, a couple walks, a picnic in the tree hide, and still have some time to relax in the lovely room. The only complaint I have is that they really give you a lot of great food and I think I over ate. I guess that's my fault for not being more disciplined.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Luxury and adventure
Pondoro Lodge is a place to remember. The rooms are private and romantic, with views over the river. We loved watching the hippos from the deck at breakfast time. The safari drives were outstanding. We saw so many incredible animals, including a chameleon.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018