Family hotels and homes in Balule Game Reserve

Naledi Lodges lies within the Balule Game Reserve and is located 25 km from Hoedspruit. It boasts panoramic views of the African savannah and features an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar.

S

Steph

From

United Arab Emirates

Incredible stay at Naledi! We were speechless at the views, hospitality and food. We spent 4 days and 3 nights and wished we’d stayed more. Everything about this place is 5 ⭐️. The game drives were incredible with Erick and Kel. They went to every effort to show us the best and guide us along the way. The service and views in the lodge were unbelievable. We will 100% return but for longer. We can’t thank everyone at Naledi enough!

Located in Balule Game Reserve, 15 km from Drakensig Golf Club and 25 km from Kinyonga Reptile Centre, Mohlabetsi Self Catering Bush Lodge offers an outdoor swimming pool and air conditioning.

B

Bremner

From

United Kingdom

Our stay at Mohlatetsi Bush Lodge was nothing short of magical—one of those rare experiences that stays with you long after you’ve left. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and immersed in the beauty and serenity of the bush. Located a short drive from Balule Gate, the private lodge was 3 km down a rugged track—secluded and worth every bump. The main house had a stunning open-plan kitchen, dining area, lounge, and bar, opening to a deck overlooking the bush and a watering hole. The private pool was a highlight, with staff setting up loungers and fresh towels daily. The outdoor area featured a barbecue, fire pit, and dining table, with staff setting the fire and chairs for evenings under the stars. The setup was perfect for two families with five children. The main house had three en-suite bedrooms, one with an outdoor bathroom overlooking the bush. Two separate houses, one with twin beds and the other a double, also had en-suite bathrooms for privacy. Game drives were unforgettable, with early starts rewarded by incredible sightings of the Big Five, including a rare black rhino with her baby. After each drive, we were greeted with refreshing, scented towels—a thoughtful touch. Downtime was spent lounging by the pool, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, or watching cheeky monkeys, geckos, and mongooses around the lodge. Self-catering was effortless, with a well-equipped kitchen, huge fridge, and attentive staff who set the table and handled the dishes. The combination of luxury, adventure, and serenity exceeded all our expectations, and we can’t wait to return!

With Phalaborwa Gate reachable in 27 km, Chacma Bush Camp features accommodation, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a terrace.

A

Alexandra

From

United Kingdom

Chacma is the perfect place from which to explore the big 5 and the broader SA safari experience. The setting is natural and beautiful with meals eaten outside to make the most of the waterhole and potential for wildlife spotting. Between safari rides comfortable rooms, shady spots across the camp and the pool provide the perfect setting for reading and relaxation. With just three rooms at Chacma, you’re guaranteed a much more intimate experience than staying at a bigger location. As a solo traveller the real highlight was the friendly and fun team behind Chacma: Matt, Josh and Charlie are fantastic, passionate guides who guaranteed that each trip out provided memorable, safe experiences while Karen, Lynx and the wider team at Chacma ensured a comfortable stay. You’ll learn so much from this team and they are only too happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. A special place I can’t wait to return to.

Situated on the banks of the Olifants River within the Balule Game Reserve, Maninghi Lodge offers accommodation 48 km from Hoedspruit.

M

Marthijn

From

Germany

What a great stay! We were really satisfied by our stay. Absolutely highlights were the amazing location and the super friendly staff. The Lodge is located next to the river, which gives the opportunity to see a lot of animals. We saw for example some; crocodiles, hippos, babboons and elephants next to the river. Regarding the staff: super friendly, good organized and you feel directly welcome! Not unimportant, the lodge is clean and all needed facilities are there! We would definitely recommend to go here and will go back when we are in the surrounding.

Featuring mountain views, Sausage Tree Safari Camp in Balule Game Reserve features accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a terrace and a bar. Free WiFi is offered.

F

Fitzgerald

From

Italy

Beautiful location for breakfast. Sitting high up at a long table post safari with a wonderful view out over the world, what more could you ask for...

Surrounded by nature and wildlife, Greenfire Game Lodge is located inside the Balule Game Reserve. It offers a viewing deck, dining room and outdoor pool.

y

yvonne

From

Jersey

Wow - didn’t disappoint. Fantastic hosts and staff. Room was beautiful and being able to watch animals right outside was so entertaining I had to keep putting my book down! Wonderful food, plenty of it- and accommodating on diet requirements. Wonderful to have a Boma night too. Brilliant safari guide - Given. Very knowledgeable. Made all guests feel like part of a family and we had great fun. Elephants, monkeys and hyenas all on your doorstep! Thought not having tea and coffee and WiFi in rooms would be an issue for us but actually it meant we all socialised in the main lounge, veranda and pool area making it a much better visit.

With garden views, MILIMA Big 5 Safari Lodge is located in Hoedspruit and has a restaurant, a shared lounge, bar, garden, year-round outdoor pool and terrace.

G

Georgia

From

United Arab Emirates

Beautiful safari lodge with excellent staff and stunning game drives. Thomas (our main game driver) was excellent and made the drives so much fun. Whilst we unfortunately didn’t see a leopard (due to the numerous lions and elephants pushing them out), we were lucky to see all of the other big 5 on numerous occasions, including lion cubs! The accommodation was the ultimate glamping - comfy beds, in an air conditioned tent with an en-suite power shower. There was also a veranda overlooking the bush and watering hole to spot the animals. The food exceeded all expectations - as a vegetarian I was also looked after for every meal with thoughtful and delicious dishes. The sundowners at the viewpoint overlooking the African sunset cannot be beaten. I wholeheartedly recommend this lodge for any type of traveller looking for a South African safari.

Situated in the Balule Nature Reserve, Muweti Bush Lodge offers the opportunity for wildlife encounters at its waterhole, where elephants and other game come to drink.

R

Rohan

From

Singapore

We had the most amazing experience at Muweti. Hardus was incredible - friendly, caring and so knowledgeable & passionate about animals. We saw many wonderful animals and we learnt so much from Hardus & Byron our amazing guides. The lodge itself is lovely - clean, spacious and with a brilliant campfire at night! A real highlight of the lodge is being able to look out into the vast bush and even see some animals come up to the watering hole close by (we saw a herd of elephants!) To anyone considering this lodge: you should definitely book your stay here - I guarantee you won’t regret it!

Located in Grietjie Nature Reserve, iMbamuweti Cottage provides accommodation with private pool, free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive.

A

Alexandra

From

United States

Haardus was an excellent host! He was very knowledgeable and passionate about the bush. He was also extremely informative. The property was superb and surpassed our expectations! I would love to return in the future! The kitchen was fully stocked and the property was very clean. No bugs or insects in early July either.

Offering garden views, Masodini Game Lodge in Hoedspruit offers accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a terrace and a bar. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property.

E

Elliott

From

United Kingdom

The property was very good, had great facilities such as a nice pool area and the honesty bar. The staff were amazing and really made us feel like family. We even went out for a meal with them on our final evening. Bianca the chef was amazing, all her meals were so good and diverse. Selby our game driver was the best we could’ve asked for, he was amazing at spotting all the animals and taught us so much, was a genuinely nice guy aswell. We already want to come back and will miss all of the staff. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to do a safari. We had a perfect experience. The hospitality was amazing aswell, they really do all the little details that made our trip so good.