Reviews of Balule (33 User Reviews)

Billie –

CH

Visited: October 2022 Reviewed: Oct 30, 2022

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

Overall rating

4/5

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Bush Vibe:

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Birding:

We got lucky as the reserve was not crowded and the guides both funny and competent

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Enrique Del Castillo –

US

Visited: March 2019 Reviewed: Apr 6, 2019

Email Enrique Del Castillo | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari

Overall rating

4/5

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Didn't get to see the Big 5, but did see many lions, elephants and buffalo. Missed out on the leopard and the rhinoceros. Amazingly didn't see a single giraffe.

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Kim Walder –

AU

Visited: May 2018 Reviewed: Jul 16, 2018

Email Kim Walder | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari

Overall rating

4/5

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We were able to see all the Big 5 and many more besides. Close for a day trip to Kruger. Handy to a small town and other places to visit. Comfortable accommodation

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James Autry –

US

Visited: September 2017 Reviewed: Oct 25, 2017

Email James Autry | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari

Overall rating

4/5

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Bush Vibe:

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In the dry season, the bush is not the most scenic environment.

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Remco Verkoeijen –

NL

Visited: September 2017 Reviewed: Oct 6, 2017

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

Overall rating

4/5

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Because of the drought, wildlife is a little bit less than Kruger, but the bush vibe is great because of the small unpaved roads. It felt very private as there were only a few operators in that area. It is a very nice addition to the day in Kruger as you're allowed in all day and night.

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Beenie Photography –

US

Visited: June 2015 Reviewed: Nov 30, 2015

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

Overall rating

4/5

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This was the lesser of our two stays. The overall density of wildlife was less in Balule than in Sabi Sands. That being said, we actually had our best sighting of our trip during our final drive at Gomo Gomo. A mother leopard and her cub walked right out in front of the vehicle, not more than 10 meters away.

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Kelly Guenther –

US

Visited: August 2015 Reviewed: Sep 23, 2015

Email Kelly Guenther | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris

Dry But Beautiful

Overall rating

4/5

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This reserve abuts Kruger National Park. It's fairly barren in August before the September rains come but filled with wildlife. A railroad runs thru the reserve, but what's surprising is how wild animals accommodate that (and the damage elephants can cause to man-made structures). There was no need for a jacket since it was dry… didn't even get that cold on the night safaris. Also has the Olifant River running thru it giving a great perspective on wildlife around watering holes and the river.

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Maarten Visited: March 2012 Reviewed: Mar 24, 2012

Your own private Kruger Park!

Overall rating

4/5

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We stayed for 3 nights and did one gamedrive. The setting of Amukela lodge is very nice, and good value for money. Meals were good, atmosphere relaxed and personal. The waterholes were visited by impala, jackal, vervet monkeys, civet, elephants (2 big ones) and in the evening we heard the lions! Owner/managed with friendly and helpful staff.

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