Balule Reviews – Page 4 – Reviews 31-33 of 33

Soma –

CH

Visited: August 2015 Reviewed: Aug 30, 2015

Email Soma | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari

Luxury among the Widerness

Overall rating

5/5

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We stayed at the Pondoro Game Lodge in Balule Nature Reserve for a couple of days - and we can absolutely recommend it.

A typical day at Pondoro used to start at 6 am in the morning with the morning safari drive. Safaris were on a open jeep with a guide / driver and a tracker. Our guide and tracker (Rulani and Andries) were absolutely wonderful. Rulani always gave us a brief description of the animals we sighted - which was very helpful for us city people. Both were very friendly and absolutely motivated to provide us the best safari experience. We still remember the time when Andries went out on foot in search of lions, and after half an hour we saw a family of lions heading our way with Andries following them calmly with a stick in hand. We managed to see not only the Big 5, but also zebras, giraffes, hippos, etc.

Robbie and Lize maintain the lodge as a family home and you are always made to feel very welcome. Returning from the morning safari (around 9 am), there is a luscious breakfast waiting for you. It is indeed an exhilarating experience having breakfast out in the open, with the sound of a stream flowing nearby, where different animals often drop by for a drink. After breakfast, you are free to relax, roam around a bit and explore. The cottages are beautifully designed with modern amenities such as air conditioners, fully equipped bathrooms; and a bit of wilderness such as showers and a jacuzzi out in the open. So you might be taking a shower when an elephant decides to drop by for a visit :)

For a more detailed review, please refer to our blog: http://travel-pics-tips.blogspot.ch/2015/08/south-african-wilderness.html

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Georgina –

MX

Visited: January 2023 Reviewed: Jan 27, 2023

Email Georgina | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari

It was the best trip ever !!!!

Overall rating

5/5

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I was traveling solo from Mexico and I book for Balule Private Game Reserve and Ilana was so nice with me sending all info via what’s she is so nice, she have me all tips i needed for the safari, thanks so much! Balule game reserve is an amazing place to stay, all the staff is amazing humans with so much knowledge about their gob and make me feel safe and at home ! Miss you guy ! Food was delicious, the tent was incredible and the bed was amazing, I felt so connected to nature and animales, it was one of the top moments in my life thanks to you !!!
Georgina from Mexico

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D Coetzee –

ZA

Visited: January 2020 Reviewed: Aug 3, 2020

Email D Coetzee | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari

The review below is the personal opinion of D Coetzee and not that of SafariBookings.

Hunting atrocities at Balule

Overall rating

1/5

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Please be aware that Balule not only offers hunting, but has been involved in a number of controversies, including the killing of a young elephant by two (apparently drunk) tourists - 13 shots, 15 minutes of crying torture for the animal:

https://conservationaction.co.za/media-articles/young-balule-elephant-shot-13-times-before-horrified-visitors/
https://africageographic.com/stories/illegal-collared-elephant-hunt-greater-kruger-warden-convicted/
https://twnews.us/us-news/this-l-a-hunter-killed-an-elephant-now-he-s-a-peta-target-in-bid-to-end-trophy-hunting

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