About Pondoro lodge
Tucked in the heart of the 40 000 hectare Balule Nature Reserve on the banks of the Olifants River lies the small gem known as Pondoro Game Lodge.
Set on 700 hectares of Big Five territory (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo), with 9000 hectare traversing rights, Pondoro Game Lodge is owner managed and has been operating as a commercial lodge for the past seven years.
Balule Nature Reserve is situated inside the greater Kruger National Park and with there being no fences between the two, all wildlife can move freely between Balule and the Kruger. This makes for the possibility of excellent game viewing! The exciting re-introduction of the endangered African Wild Dogs has also been done in the Pondoro traversing area.
Pondoro welcomes children and although children under twelve years of age are not permitted on bush walks, for their own safety, management will endeavor to accommodate families on their own game vehicle, ensuring the ultimate bush experience for families, whilst respecting the solitude of fellow guests.
The lodge is situated near Hoedspruit and is easily accessible by car. It is also in close proximity to Phalaborwa, Hoedspruit (Eastgate) and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airports. Pondoro will gladly provide transfers to and from the relevant airports.
Built on different levels overlooking the perennial Olifants River, the lodge blends sensitively and tastefully into its surroundings. All the buildings are linked by footpaths meandering through irrigated indigenous bushveld gardens with a central swimming pool and cascading rock pools. The word that immediately springs to mind is "Oasis".
A short stroll past the inviting swimming pool leads you to the Elephant lounge and dining area which also face the banks of the Olifants River. Most meals are served on the picturesque outdoor deck. Being an open-planned lounge, bar and terrace, it makes eating a festive and social occasion!
A cozy indoor dining area can be used for those chilly winter evenings. One can play a game of chess while sipping on a sherry in the comfortable lounge area. However, Balule Nature Reserve is not known for its cold weather and you will more likely find yourself enjoying a Gin & Tonic, or a local South African beverage of Brandy and Coke on the well shaded adjoining tree-top deck.
Bedrooms
Pondoro Game Lodge offers 6 chalets, each wonderfully appointed with their own private view of the Olifants River. The lodge caters for 12 people only, which offers the privacy and exclusivity of a real African bush experience.
All chalets offer air conditioning, ceiling fans, safes for valuables and hairdryers. Rooms do not yet have mini bars, but they have arrived at the lodge ready for installation.
Standard Chalets
The standard chalets are small and quaint each 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. Should you prefer the privacy of separate en-suite bathroom facilities rather than an open-plan living space, we would recommend the standard chalets.
Luxury Chalets
At Pondoro you are invited to indulge in ultimate luxury when selecting Tree, Rock or Earth Suite during your stay. All suites are air-conditioned and architecturally designed offering modern comforts in the perfect setting. Each suite is provided with a private wooden deck, lounge area and an outside shower for those who are adventurous at heart.
*rates subject to currency fluctuation and availablity. Excludes airline taxes. |
