Hotels of Earth

Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

★★★★★ Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380, Hoedspruit, ZA

10 guest rating· 41 reviews

The five stars

Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park holds a five-star rating in its official classification, the requirement for every property in the Hotels of Earth collection.

The service side of those stars shows in its listing: Full-service spa, Fitness facilities, Terrace and Concierge service.

About this hotel

Luxurious Spa Experience

Indulge in rejuvenating massages, body treatments, and facials at our full-service spa.

Wildlife Safari Adventures

Embark on an exciting safari experience to encounter local wildlife, then unwind by the outdoor pool or keep fit at the fitness center.

All-Inclusive Dining

Savor delectable meals at the onsite restaurant or enjoy the convenience of room service. Complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast is served daily.

To book your stay at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park and explore the beauty of Balule Game Reserve, contact us now!

Rooms & rates

Pick your dates. Prices are live, not cached.

Wildevy Chalet

Sleeps 2 · 75 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Furnished balcony or patio
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom

<p><strong>1 King Bed</strong></p><p>807-sq-foot individually decorated room, furnished balcony/patio with river views </p><br/><p><b>Layout</b> - Bedroom and sitting area</p><p><b>Internet</b> - Free WiFi </p><p><b>Food & Drink</b> - Coffee/tea maker, minibar (fees may apply), room service (limited hours), and free bottled water</p><p><b>Sleep</b> - Premium bedding, a pillow menu, turndown service, and bed sheets </p><p><b>Bathroom</b> - Private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub and separate shower</p><p><b>Practical</b> - Safe and desk</p><p><b>Comfort</b> - Fresh bed sheets (on request), fresh towels (on request), and air conditioning</p><p><b>Eco-friendly</b> - Eco-friendly toiletries and eco-friendly cleaning supplies</p><p>Non-Smoking</p>

Rock Suite

Sleeps 2 · 110 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Furnished balcony or patio
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom

<p><strong>1 King Bed</strong></p><p>1184-sq-foot individually decorated room, furnished balcony/patio with river views </p><br/><p><b>Layout</b> - Bedroom and sitting area</p><p><b>Relax</b> - Outdoor private hot tub</p><p><b>Internet</b> - Free WiFi </p><p><b>Food & Drink</b> - Coffee/tea maker, minibar (fees may apply), room service (limited hours), and free bottled water</p><p><b>Sleep</b> - Premium bedding, a pillow menu, turndown service, and bed sheets </p><p><b>Bathroom</b> - Private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub and separate shower</p><p><b>Practical</b> - Safe and desk</p><p><b>Comfort</b> - Fresh bed sheets (on request), fresh towels (on request), and air conditioning</p><p><b>Eco-friendly</b> - Eco-friendly toiletries and eco-friendly cleaning supplies</p><p>Non-Smoking</p>

Water Suite

Sleeps 2 · 110 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Furnished balcony or patio
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom

<p><strong>1 King Bed</strong></p><p>1184-sq-foot individually decorated room, furnished balcony/patio with river views </p><br/><p><b>Layout</b> - Bedroom and sitting area</p><p><b>Relax</b> - Outdoor private hot tub</p><p><b>Internet</b> - Free WiFi </p><p><b>Food & Drink</b> - Coffee/tea maker, minibar (fees may apply), room service (limited hours), and free bottled water</p><p><b>Sleep</b> - Premium bedding, a pillow menu, turndown service, and bed sheets </p><p><b>Bathroom</b> - Private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub and separate shower</p><p><b>Practical</b> - Safe and desk</p><p><b>Comfort</b> - Fresh bed sheets (on request), fresh towels (on request), and air conditioning</p><p><b>Eco-friendly</b> - Eco-friendly toiletries and eco-friendly cleaning supplies</p><p>Non-Smoking</p>

Tree Suite

Sleeps 2 · 110 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Furnished balcony or patio
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom

<p><strong>1 King Bed</strong></p><p>1184-sq-foot individually decorated room, furnished balcony/patio with river views </p><br/><p><b>Layout</b> - Bedroom and sitting area</p><p><b>Relax</b> - Outdoor private hot tub</p><p><b>Internet</b> - Free WiFi </p><p><b>Food & Drink</b> - Coffee/tea maker, minibar (fees may apply), room service (limited hours), and free bottled water</p><p><b>Sleep</b> - Premium bedding, a pillow menu, turndown service, and bed sheets </p><p><b>Bathroom</b> - Private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub and separate shower</p><p><b>Practical</b> - Safe and desk</p><p><b>Comfort</b> - Fresh bed sheets (on request), fresh towels (on request), and air conditioning</p><p><b>Eco-friendly</b> - Eco-friendly toiletries and eco-friendly cleaning supplies</p><p>Non-Smoking</p>

Earth Suite

Sleeps 2 · 110 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Furnished balcony or patio
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom

<p><strong>1 King Bed</strong></p><p>1184-sq-foot individually decorated room, furnished balcony/patio with river views </p><br/><p><b>Layout</b> - Bedroom and sitting area</p><p><b>Relax</b> - Outdoor private hot tub</p><p><b>Internet</b> - Free WiFi </p><p><b>Food & Drink</b> - Coffee/tea maker, minibar (fees may apply), room service (limited hours), and free bottled water</p><p><b>Sleep</b> - Premium bedding, a pillow menu, turndown service, and bed sheets </p><p><b>Bathroom</b> - Private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub and separate shower</p><p><b>Practical</b> - Safe and desk</p><p><b>Comfort</b> - Fresh bed sheets (on request), fresh towels (on request), and air conditioning</p><p><b>Eco-friendly</b> - Eco-friendly toiletries and eco-friendly cleaning supplies</p><p>Non-Smoking</p>

Buffalo Suite

Sleeps 2 · 110 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Furnished balcony or patio
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom

<p><strong>1 King Bed</strong></p><p>1184-sq-foot individually decorated room, furnished balcony/patio with river views </p><br/><p><b>Layout</b> - Bedroom and sitting area</p><p><b>Relax</b> - Outdoor private hot tub</p><p><b>Internet</b> - Free WiFi </p><p><b>Food & Drink</b> - Coffee/tea maker, minibar (fees may apply), room service (limited hours), and free bottled water</p><p><b>Sleep</b> - Premium bedding, a pillow menu, turndown service, and bed sheets </p><p><b>Bathroom</b> - Private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub and separate shower</p><p><b>Practical</b> - Safe and desk</p><p><b>Comfort</b> - Fresh bed sheets (on request), fresh towels (on request), and air conditioning</p><p><b>Eco-friendly</b> - Eco-friendly toiletries and eco-friendly cleaning supplies</p><p>Non-Smoking</p>

Hardekool Chalet

Sleeps 2 · 75 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Furnished balcony or patio
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom

<p><strong>1 King Bed</strong></p><p>807-sq-foot individually decorated room, furnished balcony/patio with river views </p><br/><p><b>Layout</b> - Bedroom and sitting area</p><p><b>Internet</b> - Free WiFi </p><p><b>Food & Drink</b> - Coffee/tea maker, minibar (fees may apply), room service (limited hours), and free bottled water</p><p><b>Sleep</b> - Premium bedding, a pillow menu, turndown service, and bed sheets </p><p><b>Bathroom</b> - Private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub and separate shower</p><p><b>Practical</b> - Safe and desk</p><p><b>Comfort</b> - Fresh bed sheets (on request), fresh towels (on request), and air conditioning</p><p><b>Eco-friendly</b> - Eco-friendly toiletries and eco-friendly cleaning supplies</p><p>Non-Smoking</p>

Maroela Chalet

Sleeps 2 · 75 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Furnished balcony or patio
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom

<p><strong>1 King Bed</strong></p><p>807-sq-foot individually decorated room, furnished balcony/patio with river views </p><br/><p><b>Layout</b> - Bedroom and sitting area</p><p><b>Internet</b> - Free WiFi </p><p><b>Food & Drink</b> - Coffee/tea maker, minibar (fees may apply), room service (limited hours), and free bottled water</p><p><b>Sleep</b> - Premium bedding, a pillow menu, turndown service, and bed sheets </p><p><b>Bathroom</b> - Private bathroom, deep soaking bathtub and separate shower</p><p><b>Practical</b> - Safe and desk</p><p><b>Comfort</b> - Fresh bed sheets (on request), fresh towels (on request), and air conditioning</p><p><b>Eco-friendly</b> - Eco-friendly toiletries and eco-friendly cleaning supplies</p><p>Non-Smoking</p>

Amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Pool sun loungers
  • Full-service spa
  • Fitness facilities
  • Free self parking
  • Free breakfast
  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
  • Art gallery on site
  • Biodegradable/compostable stirrers
  • Books
Show all 52 amenities
  • Change of bed sheets (on request)
  • Change of towels (on request)
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Concierge service
  • Couples/private dining
  • Designated smoking area
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Ecotours on site
  • Firepit
  • Game viewing on site
  • Garden
  • Gift shops or newsstand
  • Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
  • Library
  • Locally-owned & organized tours & activities
  • Locally-sourced food on site (80% or more)
  • Mosquito nets
  • No single-use plastic soda bottles
  • No single-use plastic stirrers
  • No single-use plastic straws
  • No single-use plastic water bottles
  • Organic food
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Private picnics
  • Renewable energy source - solar
  • Reusable cups only
  • Reusable tableware only
  • Safari on site
  • Sustainability/community reinvestment (10% revenue or more)
  • Terrace
  • Vegan menu options available
  • Vegetarian menu options available
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible

Location

© OpenStreetMap contributors

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

Check-in
from 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Check-out
until 11:00 AM

What guests say1041 reviews

+ Amazing game drives+ Exceptional food
Cleanliness10.0
Service10.0
Location10.0
Room Quality10.0
Amenities10.0
Value for Money10.0

FANTASTISCH

10.0

Prachtig verblijf, mooie kamers met uitzicht op de rivier bubbelbad op het terras waar nu en dan eens een olifant paseerde. De game drives waren fantastisch de eerste keer hadden we al de big five gezien , onze rangers waren geweldig heel gedreven om ons telkens iets nieuws en ons telkens zo gelukkig te maken 🥰 . Eten was geweldig elke dag een mooi schilderijtje op ons bord 🤩 Iedereen was zo ontzettend vriendelijk . In 1 woord FANTASTISCH!

− NIETS

Ivy · BE · 2026-07-24

Perfeita e maravilhosa do começo ao fim !

10.0

Gostei de tudo ! Muito perfeito, acolhedor, os colaboradores não medem esforços para nos atender e nos fazer feliz !! Perfeito ! Nota 1.000 para tudo !

− Nada a reclamar.

Paula · BR · 2026-07-16

Насыщенное сафари с профессионалами

10.0

Комфортные просторные номера, регулярная уборка в номере (несколько раз). В номере есть все необходимое. Два раза в день организуют сафари: в 5:30 и в 16 часов. Обычно разбивают всех гостей по группам (гостей резорта немного, потому что всего несколько домиков). Перед утренней поездкой организуют небольшой перекус: кофе/печенье. Длится поездка примерно 2-3 часа. Мы ездили в январе, это летний период, поэтому много растительности, тяжелее находить животных. Но за 3 ночи в отеле встретили всю 5ку, и суммарно насчитали около 15 видов животных, которых видели. Сам по себе отель супер-комфортный, все очень вежливые и обходительные. Немного чувствуешь себя героем сериала «Белый лотос». Индивидуальный подход к каждому. Также иногда к твоему дому могут подбегать животные: бабуины, иногда слоны. Говорят, что где-то рядом встречают бегемота

− Минусы не относятся к самому резорту, а в целом к подобным поездкам: будьте готовы, что вы почти не будете ходить в точение дня. Не более 1000 шагов в день. Но в резорте есть небольшой спортзал. Он не пользовался большой популярностью, так что места было достаточно, чтобы позаниматься.

Kseniia · RU · 2026-01-22

Once in a lifetime experience thanks to Pondoro

10.0

We stayed at Pondoro for 3 nights as part of our honeymoon in South Africa. From the moment we arrived at the lodge - the team did everything they could to make our stay incredibly special. We arrived late for lunch but the team still ensured we were fed and able to make our evening Safari drive. Their attentiveness was fantastic throughout our stay and you could really feel the warmth of all the staff, a credit to the lodge. Our stay was completely perfect throughout - the lodge itself is total luxury, the food, drinks and service from the team was excellent and our room was beautiful, and prepared multiple times throughout the day. The lodge is brilliantly located on the Olifants river and you eat meals watching the wildlife in the river - we awoke the hippos bathing in the river and ate lunch to families of elephants crossing. Finally - our guide and tracker (Solly and Eckson) did everything they could to ensure we saw as many animals as possible, while respecting our safety and the animals. Pondoro had only 4 people per jeep which was much less than other lodges in the area, and more modern vehicles. There was not too many other lodges/tours in total so you do not feel overwhelmed by tourism. We could not recommend Pondoro Lodge more!

− Nothing - we had the perfect stay.

Mike · GB · 2026-01-20

What an incredible experience! Our stay was perfect.

10.0

This was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives! Our stay was absolutely perfect, right from the airport pickup with a hotel-recommended transfer. Everything from the warm welcome at Pondoro to the delicious meals, our comfortable room, and the game drives was fantastic — we could saw all of the Big Five! The hotel is gorgeous and the rooms are so cozy, but the highlight for us was the kindness of the entire Pondoro team. They were all so special and friendly. We are particularly grateful for the thoughtful surprises they prepared for our honeymoon. We hope to visit again in the near future.

Fernanda · BR · 2026-01-19

Perfeita

10.0

Fomos muito bem atendidos e receptivos por todos os funcionários. O quarto é maravilhoso e o nosso guia fez de tudo para que fosse uma experiência inesquecível

Caio · BR · 2026-01-11

Hotels of Earth · questions

Is Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park really a five-star hotel?
Yes. Its own classification data carries five stars; that rating, not a style label, is what puts a property in this collection.

Good to know

Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the lodge 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.

Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

›Pets

Pets not allowed

›Children and extra beds

No rollaway/extra beds available

›Pets

Service animals not allowed

›General

Cashless transactions are available

›Accessibility

No elevators

›Children and extra beds

Children not allowed

›General

Professional property host/manager

›Children and extra beds

No cribs (infant beds) available