Escape into the heart of Africa’s wilderness with our exclusive 5-Day Luxury Lodge Safari Package at Pondoro Game Lodge, set in the private Balule Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park...
Experience the ultimate wildlife adventure with Africa Moja Tours & Safaris on this 4-Day Luxury Kruger Safari at Sausage Tree Safari Camp, located within the private Balule Nature Reserve, part of the world-renowned Greater Kruger..
Untamed Beauty in the Greater Kruger Region
Hidden within the heart of the Greater Kruger National Park, Balule Nature Reserve offers an intimate and authentic safari experience where nature still reigns supreme. Stretching across 40 000 hectares of pristine bushveld along the Olifants River, Balule forms part of the open Kruger ecosystem — meaning there are no fences separating it from Kruger Park itself.
With Africa Moja Tours, you can experience exclusive Big Five game drives, stay in hand-picked lodges, and witness unforgettable African sunsets surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
The Balule Private Nature Reserve is one of South Africa’s best-kept safari secrets. Located just outside Hoedspruit, between Phalaborwa and Orpen Gate, Balule is a malaria-free reserve that shares its borders — and wildlife — with the legendary Kruger National Park.
Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo move freely through this vast landscape, along with giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and more than 250 bird species. The Olifants River, which cuts through the reserve, attracts a constant stream of wildlife and creates spectacular viewing opportunities year-round.
Africa Moja Tours partners with some of the finest lodges in Balule Reserve to cater to every traveller — from luxury seekers to those who crave rustic bush charm.
1. Ezulwini River Lodge
Set on the banks of the Olifants River, Ezulwini River Lodge offers spacious suites with private decks overlooking the water, where elephants and hippos often gather.
2. Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge
Tucked deeper into the wilderness, Billy’s Lodge combines traditional thatched architecture with elegance. Its elevated decks and wine cellar built into a natural rock cave make it truly unique.
3. Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge
Famed for warm hospitality and excellent guiding, Mohlabetsi offers a family-friendly atmosphere with an authentic African feel.
4. Naledi Game Lodge
Award-winning Naledi Lodge offers boutique comfort and panoramic bush views. Known for its attention to detail and close wildlife encounters, Naledi is a top choice for photographers and first-time safari-goers.
5. Kurhula Wildlife Lodge
Nestled on the Olifants River’s edge, Kurhula Wildlife Lodge offers a peaceful, family-friendly environment with warm Dutch-African hospitality.
Each lodge offers twice-daily open-vehicle game drives led by expert rangers and Shangaan trackers. Early-morning safaris bring the chance to spot predators returning from the hunt, while sunset drives reveal elephants at watering holes and leopards stalking through the bush.
Additional activities include:
Balule Nature Reserve is easily accessible via Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS), with daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. From there, Africa Moja Tours provides private road transfers (approx. 40 minutes) directly to your lodge.
Self-drive guests can also reach Balule via the R40 route from Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa — an easy and scenic 5-hour drive from Johannesburg.
Balule is a year-round safari destination:
Whether you prefer the romantic ambience of Billy’s Lodge, the riverside tranquillity of Ezulwini River Lodge, or the family-friendly warmth of Mohlabetsi, Africa Moja Tours ensures your Balule experience combines authentic wilderness with exceptional comfort.
Book your Balule Nature Reserve Safari today and rediscover Africa’s wild heart — where the Olifants River meets the rhythm of the bush and every sunrise promises new adventure.
