Wake up by the roar of a lion as the sun rises above the African bushveld. In South Africa it's a dream that can easily come true, and what better place than the 4-star graded Pondoro Game Lodge. The Pondoro Game Lodge is situated in the Balule Private Game Reserve which covers an immense 40 000 hectares. We are on the border of the world famous Kruger National Park on the banks of the mighty Olifant's River in northern South Africa.

With your stay at Pondoro you will also get daily game drives where a knowledgeable guide will teach you more about the wonderful animals and plant life found in and around the lodge. Pondoro offers its visitors comfort, sophistication, elegance and a canvas on which to create a truly unforgettable African safari.

In this small, very exclusive 12-bed lodge you will discover the only way to experience the African bush. In addition to luxurious accommodation and the caring attention from trained professionals, our visitors are lavished upon with international fare and humble African hospitality.

Standard Accommodation: Pondoro has three architecturally designed standard chalets overlooking the Olifants River. Each chalet has been beautifully decorated with an African theme. All chalets have en-suite bathrooms (with a shower overlooking the river), air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a wooden deck.

Luxury Accommodation: At Pondoro you are invited to indulge in the ultimate luxury when selecting either Tree, Rock or Earth suite during your stay. All our suites are air-conditioned and architecturally designed offering modern comforts in an ancient setting. Each suite are provided with a private patio, lounge area and an outside shower for those who are adventurous at heart.

Summary of Lodge facilities:

• 3 Standard chalets
• 3 Luxury suites with private patio's, lounge and outside showers
• Air-conditioning and ceiling fans
• Rock Pool
• Superb African / European cuisine
• Extensive wine cellar
• Spa and small gym.

Meals are an extraordinary culinary experience at Pondoro, where Traditional African Cuisine fuse effortlessly with modern European trends.

To compliment the food, select any of our fine wines from our extensive wine cellar. Vegetarians are specially catered for. All meals are served on a wooden deck high up in the tree canopy overlooking the Olifants River (weather permitting).

Between game drives, nature walks and peaceful afternoon naps, enjoy a dip in the sparkling rock pool, a spot of sun bathing or browse through the library. The Pondoro bar is the ideal spot to quench your thirst and grab a snack.

The following game viewing activities are provided at Pondoro Game Lodge:

• Early morning game drive
• Nature walk
• 3 Hides for game watching
• Birdwatching in camp and during game drives
• Evening game drive with spotlight
• All game drives in open-topped Land Rovers.

Cultural Tours: A cultural tour to Acornhoek Village can be pre-booked, which includes meeting with children at the Angelo pre-school centre, meeting a traditional healer and visiting a local Shangaan family; having lunch with them while enjoying a tribal dance.

Serenity Spa at Pondoro: Revitalize your mind, body and soul with classic spa treatments where an exclusive personal approach is taken incorporating innovative and authentic spa and face treatments which range from a glass covered steam room, a spa bath under the wide African sky to a massage in the privacy of your room.

Rates are per person, per night.

• Children under 12 years - half price.
• Single Bookings supplement: Standard Chalets + ZAR 300, Luxury Chalets + ZAR 500.

Rates include: 14% VAT, accommodation, three meals a day, morning and evening game drives, a bushwalk, tea and coffee.