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Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

5.0 star property
Escape to a tranquil oasis surrounded by nature's beauty. Enjoy rejuvenating treatments or take in breathtaking views from your own private haven.

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Photo gallery for Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

Front of property - evening/night
Interior entrance
Wildevy Chalet | Bathroom
Hot tub, steam room, body treatments, aromatherapy, hot stone massages
Buffalo Suite | Private spa tub
Pondoro Game Lodge - All inclusive - Open to Kruger Park offers a serene retreat by the river. Savor game viewing, unwind with a Swedish massage at the onsite spa, and enjoy sunset cocktails at the poolside bar. With free WiFi and an art gallery on site, previous guests praise its warm atmosphere.
VIP Access

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • Free breakfast
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurants and bar/lounge
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Fitness centre
  • Pool bar
  • Room service
  • Airport shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Library

Feel at home (6)

  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bath and shower
  • Separate sitting area
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Buffalo Suite

Buffalo Suite

Buffalo Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Wildevy Chalet

Wildevy Chalet | Living area

Wildevy Chalet

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
  • 75 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Tree Suite

Tree Suite

Tree Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Water Suite

Water Suite

Water Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Rock Suite

Rock Suite

Rock Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Maroela Chalet

Maroela Chalet

Maroela Chalet

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
  • 75 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Hardekool Chalet

Hardekool Chalet

Hardekool Chalet

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
  • 75 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Earth Suite

Earth Suite

Earth Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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Room service - dining

Oase by 7 Star Lodges - Greater Kruger Private 530ha Reserve

  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Spa
  • Free parking
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (8)
The price is NZ$1,588
includes taxes & fees
6 Mar - 7 Mar
Oase by 7 Star Lodges - Greater Kruger Private 530ha Reserve
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About the area

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

What's nearby

  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate - 68 min drive
  • Grietjie Game Reserve - 73 min drive
  • Jessica the Hippo - 91 min drive
  • Phalaborwa Gate - 92 min drive
  • Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre - 96 min drive

Getting around

  • Phalaborwa (PHW-Hendrik Van Eck) - 92 min drive
  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 98 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

About this property

Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

Enjoy your visit to Balule Game Reserve with a stay at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park. Guests can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant and visit the spa to be pampered with hot stone massages, aromatherapy or Ayurvedic treatments. An outdoor pool, a poolside bar and a fitness centre are other highlights at this luxurious lodge.

All-inclusive

This lodge is all-inclusive. On-site food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Gratuities and taxes

Gratuities are included and additional gratuities at guests' discretion are accepted.

Food and beverages

All à la carte meals, snacks and select beverages included
Bottled spirits included
24-hour room service (limited menu)
In-room minibar (all beverages included)
In-room liquor dispensers
Dining availability limited at one or more venues

Entertainment

On-site entertainment and activities

Languages

English

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 8 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; check-in end time: 5:00 PM
    • Minimum check-in age – 18
    • Check-out time is 11 AM
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
    • The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
    • Front desk staffed during limited hours
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • Children (11 years old and younger) are not allowed
    • No cots (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free on-site self-parking
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours a day)*
DONE

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning 7:30 AM–10:30 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Poolside bar
  • Private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Room service (limited hours)

What to do

  • Ecotours
  • Safari
  • Wildlife viewing

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Concierge services
  • Laundry facilities
  • Pool loungers

Facilities

  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • Mosquito nets
  • Fitness centre
  • An outdoor pool
  • Art gallery on-site
  • Full-service spa
  • At least 80% of food locally sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Locally owned and organised tours and activities
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • No plastic soft drinks bottles
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups only
  • Reusable tableware only
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning and heating
  • Minibar
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Bathrobes and slippers

Sleep well

  • Pillow menu
  • Turndown service
  • Premium bedding

What to enjoy

  • Furnished balcony/patio
  • Individually furnished and decorated
  • Separate sitting area

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Deep-soaking bath
  • Separate bath and shower
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi

Food and drink

  • Meal delivery service
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
  • Water-efficient toilets only

Special features

Spa

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the lodge's full-service spa. Services include hot stone massages, Swedish massages, facials and body wraps. The spa is equipped with a hot tub and a steam room. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and Ayurvedic. The spa is open daily.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of ZAR 1395 per person (one-way)

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have lifts.
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit on-site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Cashless transactions are available.

Also known as

Pondoro
Pondoro Game
Pondoro Game Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game Lodge Hoedspruit
Pondoro Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive
Pondoro Game All Inclusive Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game All Inclusive
Pondoro Game Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive
Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park Lodge

Frequently asked questions

Does Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool.

Are pets allowed at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?

Sorry, neither pets nor service animals are allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?

Yes, there's free self parking.

Is an airport shuttle service offered by Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is ZAR 1395 per person one-way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; check-in end time: 5:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

What is there to do at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park and nearby?

On-site recreation at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park includes ecotours, game viewing and a wildlife and game drive. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park also has a fitness centre and a picnic area, as well as a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?

Yes, there's an on-site restaurant.

Does Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park have rooms with private hot tubs?

Yes, each room has a deep-soaking bath.

Does Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a furnished balcony or patio.

What's the area around Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park like?

Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park is located by the river, a short 1-minute walk from Greater Kruger National Park.

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Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing stay!!
3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The perfect safari
Absolutely amazing. We stayed at Pondoro in January in the beautiful Tree Suite with the most incredible views of the river. Every member of the staff was so friendly and hospitable. Our daily game drives exceeded all our expectations with the most experienced guides. The vegetation this time of year was so green and gorgeous. From sun up to sun down we were so well fed by the talented team of chefs. It was all such a dream. I hope we have the chance to return again.
Lindsay, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

This place is first rate! The lodgings were excellent. The food was the best that we had in 5 stops in Africa. The staff was great, as were the game guides. And along a beautiful view of the Oliphant River, with all sorts of animals seen there!
BEN, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

We came here for our honeymoon. What an amazing experience we had. We had 2 game drives per day with fantastic guides/spotters. The food was top tier - nearly Michelin star level; I had the eggs benedict every single morning. They arranged the most romantic evening dinner in their wine cellar for us. This is probably the best place I have ever stayed.

10/10 Exceptional

A dream come true
The hospitality was top notch. Armand, Johanna, Lize and the staff were absolutely amazing and attentive. The room (Buffalo Suite) was beautifully decorated and had a perfect view. We saw giraffes, elephants, antelope, babboons from our window. Very romantic setting. We also enjoy the early morning and evening game drives qnd were able to see the Big 5 the first day thanks to Ru and Andrei. We hope to visit again!
James, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

I have traveled to many countries in the world. This hotel was the best hotel that I have ever stayed. Everyone was so friendly. They went out of their way to make our trip memorable. I definitely recommend staying in this hotel. I have never written review in past. This is the first review that I am writing. I recommend this hotel to all of my friends.

10/10 Exceptional

This was our bucket list dream trip and Pondoro made that happen. Pondoro facilities and staff are amazing. Attention to detail is one of the many things that stand out. We were in the Tree suite. So cool! Game drives we amazing. Sully and Dion, our guide and tracker worked so hard to find us all and the big 5. If you are reading this and contemplating a stay at Pondoro. Just do it.
candace, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Just incredible
The most amazing boutique luxury destination in the Balule game reserve (part of Greater Kruger). For an all inclusive hotel I didn’t have high hopes for the food however it surpassed all my expectations and was incredible, including catering for vegetarians. The game drives were incredible and a shout out to Anton and Selby who found us every animal. The small touches like break with coffee/drinks and snacks in the game drives makes it a personalised experience. The rooms have so much space and the beds are incredibly comfortable. The schedule for the days is the same for consistency. We loved meeting other couples and loved that the game drives were with the same driver/spotter and couples for the duration, it really allows you to form great bonds with other people there. Breakfast at the big dining table is also a nice touch. Could not recommend Pondoro more, they truly create the most unique experience and have thought of everything.
Maddison, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Dany, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

jihye, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Dagmar, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

eric, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Jan-Christoph, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

joe, 6-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Stephanie, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Eine außergewöhnliche Safari Lodge
Das Prädikat "ausgezeichnet" ist fast zu wenig im Vergleich mit anderen Lodges. Lodge-Besitzer und das gesamte Team tun alles, um für den Gast ein außergewöhnliches Urlaubserlebnis zu gestalten. Danke an Liz, die Ranger Ray und Rud mit ihren Trackern, die erlesene Küche und das gesamte Service-Personal. Wir bekamen ein Upgrade und waren im Chalet "Rock" bestens untergebracht. Das Essen war sehr abwechslungsreich und geschmackvoll serviert - für Senioren eher zu viel; Mittags hätte ein Salat gereicht. Bei den Game Drives haben wir unter anderen viele Elefanten gesehen, auch ein Rudel von ca. 20 Löwen streifte um das Safari-Fahrzeug. Ganz zum Schluss klappten auch die intensiven Bemühungen der Tracker und Ranger mit einem freien Blick auf einen im Baum hockenden Leoparden das Big-Five-Erlebnis in 3 Tagen komplett zu machen. Herzlichen Dank dem Pondoro-Team für drei unvergesslich schöne Tage
Jürgen, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing Game Lodge
That was my best safari experience. Since the first contact with the Game Lodge, all was extremely professional and friendly. We booked a transfer from Hoedspruit airport that worked perfectly. The room was unforgetable, huge, beaultiful, comfortable, with river view and from the balcony we could see a lot of animals. All the meals were delicious, everything included. The staff is so friendly. I will miss this place forever.
Arthur V, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Experiência inesquecível!
O Pondoro e sua equipe me proporcionaram uma das melhores experiências da minha vida. O lodge é incrível e fica localizado à margem de um rio, o que te permite ver animais ao longo do dia, como os Hipopótamos que moram lá e elefantes e girafas que sempre aparecem. São apenas 8 chalés, o que deixa todo atendimento muito íntimo. Foi a equipe de hotelaria mais incrível que eu já vi e uma gastronomia impecável. Sam, nosso ranger e Dion, nosso tracker, fizeram dos nossos safáris uma experiência inesquecível, uma verdadeira aventura em busca dos Big 5. Falando em Big 5, tivemos a sorte de vê-los 2 vezes e uma delas foi no mesmo game Drive. Se você ainda está em dúvida entre ficar ou não no Pondoro, simplesmente vá. Espero voltar um dia para poder ficar pelo menos 3 noites. Fiquei apenas 2 e voltei com um gostinho de quero mais! :)
LARISSA, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The perfect place for safari
We were highly impressed with Pondoro, both for accommodation and quality of game viewing. Our tracker and guide we’re exceptional. We regularly saw the big 5 (and so many leopards, which we’ve struggled to see else where) and a whole range of additional animals from hippos in the river outside the room to a family of porcupines. Our guide always seemed to manage to get us to the viewing before other cars and positioned us perfectly for photos. It was incredible. The accommodation is fantastic, we were upgraded to Earth, a larger suite with a jacuzzi where we watched hippos from (magical). The room had a lounge area, a huge bed, roll top bath and a indoor and outdoor shower. More than you could possibly need! Service was outstanding, everyone was so friendly and helpful and seemed really happy to talk about the animals you’ve seen (even though they must hear about this everyday!). Their passion was great! Finally I’ll just say that the food and wine was superb - we eat constantly, there is so much tasty food! And they set up beautiful special dinners for you. It’s something I’ll remember for a long time. We were very sad to leave and hope to return. Thanks again to all the wonderful staff that made our stay so special!
Laura, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Melhor hotel que fiquei na minha vida
Pablo, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

João Lúcio, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Nicholas, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Experiência extraordinária !
Absolutamente tudo é perfeito neste hotel! Localização super charmosa debruçado sobre um rio onde se vê Hipopotamus, atendimento impecável, acomodações charmosas e confortáveis, serviço all inclusive de primeira e safáris emocisonantes, tendo visto os big 5 duas vezes!! Recomendo e voltaria 😉
Augusto, 3-night trip