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Pondoro Game Lodge - Set on the cool riverine banks of the Olifants River in the 40 000 ha exclusive Balule Private Game Reserve inside the greater Kruger National Park, Pondoro offers its visitors comfort, sophistication, elegance and a canvas on which to create a truly unforgettable African safari.
In this small, very exclusive 16-bed lodge you will discover the only way to experience the African bush.
In addition to luxurious accommodation and the caring attention from trained professionals, our visitors are lavished upon with international fare and humble African hospitality.
Spa
Serenity Spa at Pondoro offers an escape to a place of sophistication and indulgence, where one is surrounded by elegant decor and cascading waterfalls, in an environment with a breathtaking ambiance.
Revitalize your mind, body and soul with classic spa treatments where an exclusive personal approach is taken.
Accommodation at Pondoro Game Lodge:
Luxury Chalets:
Pondoro has three architecturally designed luxury chalets overlooking the Olifants River. Each chalet has been beautifully decorated with an African theme.
All chalets have en-suite bathrooms (with a shower and bath overlooking the river), air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a wooden deck.
Luxury Suites:
At Pondoro you are invited to indulge in the ultimate luxury when selecting anyone of our five luxury suites during your stay. All our suites are air-conditioned and architecturally designed offering modern comforts in an ancient setting.
Each suite are provided with a private patio, lounge area and an outside shower for those who are adventurous at heart.
Activities:
Pondoro Game Lodge is situated in Balule Private Nature reserve inside the greater Kruger National Park. Regular Big 5 sightings (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) are encountered during game drives. A reintroduction of African wild dogs has also been done in the Pondoro traversing area. Morning and evening game drives are done in open game drive vehicles. All guides have more than 10 years experience. Pondoro has rights to traverse on more than 9 000 ha that includes a network of more than 350 km of bush roads.
All game drive vehicles are four wheel drive and this means that the Big 5 can be followed off road into the bush to get a closer view if necessary.
Pondoro vehicles are in radio contact with three other lodges and close cooperation ensure good game viewing. The vehicles in the traversing area are restricted to six to ensure that the bush ambience is never lost. No more than two vehicles are allowed at a sighting.
Pondoro is one of the few private lodges in South Africa situated on a perennial river (Olifants River). Because of this hippos and crocodiles are regularly seen during bush walks with an armed guide.
Three bush hides overlooking waterholes can also be visited.
Clothing and Accessories:
* Sunhat
* Sunglasses
* Sun block
* Flashlight
* Camera
* Binoculars
* Extra film
* Insect repellant
* Anti-malaria tablets
* Comfortable walking shoes
* Neutral coloured clothing - Dress casual
* Warm jackets for chilly mornings and evenings
Health and Climate:
The lodge is situated in the eastern lowveld that has a subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and cool, dry winters.
Spring and Summer:
Many animals give birth at this time of year and summer-visiting migrant bird species can also be seen.
Average temperatures:
Spring (September - November)
Minimum: 20 Degrees Celsius; Maximum: 30 Degrees Celsius
Summer (December - February)
Minimum: 20 Degrees Celsius; Maximum: 35+ Degrees Celsius
Rooms and Units Available:
Chalets
Rates include:15% VAT. Accommodation. Three meals daily. Tea & Coffee. Soft drinks, house wines, a selection of spirits and beers. A morning and evening game drive. Nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers.
Amount of similar units: 3
Sleeps 2 Adults
Suites
Rates include:15% VAT. Accommodation. Three meals daily. Tea & Coffee. Soft drinks, house wines, a selection of spirits and beers. A morning and evening game drive. Nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers.
Amount of similar units: 5
Sleeps 2 Adults
Facilities & Services available:
Honeymoon Couples
Laundry Service
Special Meals on Request
Gym
Spa
Curio Shop
Internet Access
Wi-Fi
Afrikaans
English
Swimming Pool
Cancellation Policy:
• If cancellation of any booking or any part thereof is received 31 days or more prior to arrival, the 50% deposit will be forfeited
• If a cancellation of any booking or any part thereof is received between 30 – 08 days prior to arrival, 75% of the total balance will be forfeited
• If a cancellation of any booking or any part thereof is received within 07 - 00 days prior to arrival, 100% of the total balance will be forfeited
Directions:
Pondoro Game Lodge is five hours' drive from Johannesburg and is easily accessible in a private vehicle.
Transfers for guests accessing the area by air through nearby Phalaborwa, Eastgate (Hoedspruit) and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airports will be facilitated by Pondoro Game Lodge.
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