Lodges in Balule Game Reserve

Amazing safari drives, impeccable service and true luxury. Saw the Big 5 on the first drive, but the true difference from Krueger is the possibility to drive off-road thus get very close to the animals, be it rhino's or lions

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.

The overall setting perfect and great for game watching whilst having breakfast or sipping your favorite drink

Fantastic trackers Themba, Polite and Life who were like magicians conjuring animals from the bush and found us the big5 and more. The camp is very small with just 6 tents which gives it a nice relaxed atmosphere, and the other guests were all lovely. Our tent (no3/Elephant Shrew) was in front of a watering hole which had elephants visiting every day.

We had an excellent first South African safari experience at the Greenfire Game Lodge. The atmosphere was genuinely friendly and relaxed, The owners Nigel and Carol and their staff are making sure that you feel very welcomed and comfortable. The rooms are actually nicely decorated and comfortable cabins with a deck that is overlooking the riverbed and the bush on the other side. You can spend hours there just listening to the sound of the bush and watch elephants, giraffes and other animals pass by. The food was very nice and varied, the breakfast was great with fresh fruit, yogurt, scones and an assortment of egg based dishes to choose from. Lunch and dinner and wine assortment very nice as well. And finally the game drives.. such an amazing experience!! Our guide Given is such a wealth of knowledge, he transmitted his passion for his work, and patiently and willingly answered all our questions about the surrounding nature, the animals and about South African culture and politics, it was a pleasure to make his acquaintance (we were the only guests for 2 nights, arriving just after the end of the high season, so we had a lot of opportunity to chat during the drives, although the breathtaking surroundings left us speechless at times). Given is an excellent tracker and we had wonderful wildlife encounters. We appreciated his respect for the animals and the environment, we never had the feeling that we were “chasing” the animals and the Green Fire guides don’t drive off-road due to the risk of killing animals and harming the terrain, which was one of the reason we chose this lodge over others. Our stay at Green Fire lodge definitely made us want to go back and spend more time in the beautiful South African nature.

Really everything: the setting, set-up of the lodge (small, well-maintained gardens), personnel in the lodge and on Game Drives. Comfortable in all aspects. Relatively east access from the gate.

Comfort place, very hospitality and politeness hosts. Nice food! We enjoyed a lot and recommend!

Location in the private reserve was fantastic with pool and a view to animals passing by. The two daily Game Drives were also fantastic with guides that have a high level of knowledge of all topics concerning the private reserve and animal life. We felt completely save eventhough we were very close to both lions, elephants, girafs and a lot of other animals. Food was delicious and well-prepared. Atmosphere at the bush lodge were welcoming and calm. At the bush lodge has in totale room for maximum 6 people which makes a friendly and close atmosphere. Our biggest compliments to Niel and Milly who made our 2 day stay unforgettable. We are definitely planning to come back and bring our family next time.

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.

Just everything!!! The BUSH! THE SILENCE! NATURE!