Average User Rating
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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
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.
Beenie Photography
US
Visited:
June 2015
Reviewed: Nov 30, 2015
Email Beenie Photography | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
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.
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
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.
Maarten
Visited:
March 2012
Reviewed: Mar 24, 2012
Your own private Kruger Park!
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.
Patrick Ty
PH
Visited:
March 2025
Reviewed: Apr 7, 2025
Email Patrick Ty | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
I get to experience a "real" safari. You can not replicate that.
Robert
GB
Visited:
May 2024
Reviewed: Jun 10, 2024
Email Robert | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Balule Reserve offers a personal safari experience. The guides are knowledgeable and go out of their way to make your experience memorable whilst protecting the environment and the wildlife within the reserve.
Lisa L
GB
Visited:
April 2024
Reviewed: May 16, 2024
Email Lisa L | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We managed to see the big 5 and much more. Our guide Viktor was the best!
Ian Matthews
AU
Visited:
January 2024
Reviewed: Feb 25, 2024
Email Ian Matthews | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
So peaceful and serene. We saw plenty of animals in a short space of time. Really excited to be there.
Wojciech Koziołek
PL
Visited:
May 2023
Reviewed: May 21, 2023
Email Wojciech Koziołek | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing lion sightings (very cloes to the car!), we saw pride of lions a couple of times. Lots of rhinos (we saw 6 of them in one day!!), in general great safari destination,
Sarah Hulett
US
Visited:
February 2023
Reviewed: Mar 16, 2023
Email Sarah Hulett | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari