Find all hotels by Independent in Balule Game Reserve from $74

"The room was clean and well appointed. The staff were very friendly and helpful. "

"Nyati is beautiful, spacious, friendly, efficient and considerate of special dietary concerns. We stayed in Rhino Tents which were luxurious and comfortable. Staff went out of their way to make our experience amazing. Wildlife was everywhere but we felt safe on the resort and on safari. It was an experience of a lifetime!! "

"Perfect from the moment we touched down at Hoedspruit airport . Waiting for us was Sandy who collected our luggage and whisked us off through the wildlife ( giraffes and warthogs meandering around the roads) and straight to Elandela where we we received a very warm welcome from Francisco and Sindy. We were shown around the spotlessly clean facilities , greeted by the staff and taken to our beautiful lodge facing the lake. Amazing large room with extra large bathroom with separate toilet, indoor and outdoor shower, large whirlpool bath , sun terrace front and back. Tea and coffee making facilities and well stocked fridge. First class restaurant serving excellent choice of food throughout our stay. Attentive staff ensuring we had an amazing stay. Excellent first class guides on the game drives who would find the impossible possible. So friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend Elandela. Cannot fault it. Everything absolutely first class all the way. "

"We had the most amazing time at Motswari — truly unforgettable! Every moment was special. All the meals were excellent, with breakfast and dinner set in different beautiful locations each day, which kept things exciting. Our guide and tracker, Owen and George, were outstanding — incredibly knowledgeable and made sure each drive felt unique. We were lucky enough to see the Big 5 within our first two drives, and got incredibly close to the animals. Elephants and giraffes even wandered right past our room, which was surreal. I’d recommend at least 3 nights to really soak it all in. The lodge’s location is also a big plus — close to Hoedspruit airport, so no need for a private plane. The only small downside is that there’s no phone in the rooms. Once escorted back at night, there’s no way to call staff for something simple like water. On our first night, a short circuit knocked out the lights and hot water, and while it wasn’t serious enough to blow the emergency whistle, it would’ve been nice to contact staff more easily. That aside, Motswari is an incredible place, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience."

"Amazing staff and the food was terrific!"

"Super welcoming, friendly and safe. Very attentive to details. "

"We had the most incredible experience at Pondoro Game Lodge. From the moment we arrived, everything was absolutely phenomenal. The staff made us feel so welcome and cared for, going above and beyond to make every detail perfect. Our suite was stunning—luxurious, private, and designed with so much attention to comfort and beauty. The game drives were unforgettable. Our guide (Dewalt) and tracker (Andrès) were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, and thanks to them we were able to witness breathtaking wildlife moments that we’ll never forget. The food was exceptional—every meal was a treat, beautifully prepared and served with warmth. What truly stood out was the atmosphere of the lodge: intimate, peaceful, and filled with genuine hospitality. Pondoro exceeded our expectations in every way, and we left with memories we’ll treasure for a lifetime. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience."

"Great place with game drives "

"I stayed in the hotel only so I am not sure about area around the property. All the staff are friendly and hotel facilities are great. Only one thing is my room was too far from the main lobby. As a solo traveler, I felt a little nervous of walking in the morning and at night before and after safari trips."