Lodges in Balule Game Reserve

David Spain

I stayed for 6 nights and every single day was special! I was looking for something small, private and isolated in contrast to the typical "see the big 5 plans" in order to enjoy what the bush has to offer, and my expectations were absolutely exceeded. The staff is simply amazing. Ed and Ivone are amazing hosts! Ed is an amazing guide and apart from knowing everything about the bush, he really knows how to transfer his knowledge to his guests in a very passionate and genuine way. Ivone is very friendly, helpful and she always wanted to make sure that we were having a good time while we were in the camp. Sibu and Eunita were very sweet and they cooked delicious meals for us! Our last game drive was carried out with Tim who was also very knowledgeable and friendly :) The camp is beautiful and the way it is built respect the environment where is located; somehow open and mainly made of wood. During our game drives we were fortunate to see a lot of game and Ed gave us amazing explanations from a wide range of subjects, apart from sharing his personal experience from his time in the bush, which I really appreciated.

Jane United States

Wonderful lodge with absolutely amazing staff who made our stay unforgettable. Beautifully decorated bungalows with private balconies overlooking the river. Food was fantastic, service was excellent, overall ten out of ten.

Claire United States

Stunning property in unforgettable location. Romantic, rustic, warm and welcoming, great attention to detail, fantastic staff who regularly went above and beyond to make our stay memorable. Food was great! We saw lots of wildlife including the big 5. Exceptional rangers and trackers (big thanks to Solly and Eric). Would return in a heartbeat.

Arlin United States

The meals were well prepared and sometimes elegant. The accommodations were comfortable. We enjoyed the views during the day, the waterhole, and the night sky. But we did not come for those things. We came for the safari drives. We chose this place because we saw the recommendations for Hendrick, the guide, and we noticed that the morning drives start at 5:30 whereas other places start much later, too late for best views of wildlife. We were not disappointed. On our drive from the airport in Hoedspruit, we saw buffalo, warthog, and lions chasing some impala. That evening we saw lions, zebra, elephants. The next morning, a leopard in a tree. That evening, more buffalo, and elegant giraffes. On the last day, we saw male lions and rhinoceros. Hendrick was an extremely knowledgeable and experienced guide, and he and Victor worked together. On the last morning, we went to the Oliphants river and saw hippos, baboons, elephants, and crocodiles. It was an amazing experience. I continue to watch the live feed from Dean's Dam every day.

Barbara South Africa

Spacious, great views, very peaceful & relaxing. Great value for money!

Haim Israel

It’s in an intimate surrounding with few bungalows, run with immense care for details to make it a perfect stay for guests. Meals are incredible- healthy and delicious. The pinnacle: the game drives in the reserve expose the animals in a breathtaking manner with knowledgeable explanations from the guide. In between the drives, herds of elephants, monkeys and deer roam around the river just in front. An opportunity of a life time to stay here!

Elaine United States

What a paradise! We loved every minute at Maninghi Lodge. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like kings and queens by Paul, Victoria, and the wonderful staff. We felt our stress just melted away. It is truly a beautiful setting. The river, the breeze, the animals .... everything is magical. We saw lots of animals right in front of the lodge - hippos, monkeys, waterboks, warhogs, elephants.... The game drives are also amazing. Paul is an extremely experienced safari guide. We particularly loved the sundown drinks with all the animals roaming around us. The food was so delicious. From breakfast to dinner, every meal was prepared with care. We loved the traditional potjie dinner and the wonderful open fire BBQ. Paul and Victoria went out of their way to make sure that our every needs were satisfied.

Ilanit Israel

The best time of our life! I was visiting with my son at Greenfire Game Lodge and enjoyed every minute. The view is breathtaking from every corner of the lodge and to all directions. The lounge area is beautifully designed open space offering tea, coffee and Oma’s Rask 24/7. We had a beautiful room and got lucky to watch a herd of elephants crossing from our balcony. The staff is beyond magnificent and made us feel home away from home. I would like to recommend this unique lodge and will definitely come back again.

Veerle Belgium

We had an amzing stay. The experience was very personalised staff very attentive and welcoming. The rangers were very well trained.Thegame drives are a true adventure, tracking down the big 5!

Manon Reunion

We really appreciated our stay, and special thank you to Annabel for the birthday cake !! Our two game drives were wonderful. The ranger is passionnate, and we feel it!