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Pondoro Game Lodge

5.0 star property
Luxurious 5-star hotel with safari

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Pondoro Game Lodge

Photo gallery for Pondoro Game Lodge

Front of property - evening/night
Free daily full breakfast
Rock Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Interior entrance

Overview of Pondoro Game Lodge

Reviews
10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast includedBreakfast includedBreakfast included
  • PoolPoolPool
  • SpaSpaSpa
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Parking includedParking includedParking included
  • LaundryLaundryLaundry

Explore the area

Map
Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380
  • Popular LocationHoedspruit Wildlife Estate37 min drive
  • Popular LocationJessica the Hippo61 min drive
  • AirportHoedspruit (HDS)68 min drive
  • Popular LocationPhalaborwa Gate70 min drive

Room options

View all photos for Buffalo Suite

Buffalo Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Buffalo Suite

  • 1184 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Wildevy Chalet

Wildevy Chalet | Living area

Wildevy Chalet

  • 807 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Tree Suite

Tree Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Tree Suite

  • 1184 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Water Suite

Water Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Water Suite

  • 1184 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Rock Suite

Rock Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Rock Suite

  • 1184 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Maroela Chalet

Maroela Chalet | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Maroela Chalet

  • 807 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Hardekool Chalet

Hardekool Chalet | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Hardekool Chalet

  • 807 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Earth Suite

Earth Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Earth Suite

  • 1184 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

Exterior
Oase by 7 Star Lodges - Greater Kruger Private 530ha Reserve
Pool
Breakfast included
All inclusive
Spa
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, (5)
The price is $629
per night
$751 total
includes taxes & fees
May 7 - May 8
Oase by 7 Star Lodges - Greater Kruger Private 530ha Reserve

About the neighborhood

Balule Game Reserve

On river.You'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Greater Kruger National Park and 9 miles (15 km) of Selati Game Reserve. Makalali Game Reserve is within 16 miles (25 km) and Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate is within 20 miles (32 km).

What's nearby

  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate - 37 min drive
  • Makalali Game Reserve - 46 min drive
  • Jessica the Hippo - 61 min drive
  • Grietjie Game Reserve - 63 min drive
  • Phalaborwa Gate - 70 min drive

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 68 min drive

About this property

Pondoro Game Lodge

Luxurious 5-star hotel with safari
Pondoro Game Lodge is an all-inclusive hotel. Room rates include meals and beverages at onsite restaurants and bars. Other items and amenities, including taxes and gratuities, and access to recreational activities and entertainment may also be included. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages, and other amenities.

Pondoro Game Lodge offers its guests a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. WiFi is free in public spaces.

A library, a terrace, and gift shops/newsstands are also featured at the luxury Pondoro Game Lodge. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 5-star Balule Game Reserve hotel.

  • 8 guestrooms or units
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Front-desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Pondoro Game Lodge offers 8 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and complimentary bottled water. Rooms open to furnished balconies or patios. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations have separate sitting areas and include desks. Beds feature premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Coffee/tea makers and minibars are provided. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers with deep soaking bathtubs, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries. Additionally, rooms include hair dryers and complimentary toiletries. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Services include hot stone massages, Swedish massages, facials, and body wraps. The spa is equipped with a spa tub and a steam room. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and Ayurvedic. The spa is open daily.

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 9:00 AM–10:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Ecotours
  • Full-service spa
  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Gym
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Safari

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • No elevator

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels

Outdoor space

  • Furnished balcony/patio

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Pondoro Game Lodge

Children and extra beds

  • Children 11 and younger are not allowed at this property. All guests older than 11 are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 1395 per person (one-way)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Diners Club. Cash is not accepted. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Children 11 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

National rating

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

Pondoro
Pondoro Game
Pondoro Game Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game Lodge Hoedspruit
Pondoro Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive
Pondoro Game All Inclusive Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game All Inclusive
Pondoro Game Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge Hotel
Pondoro Game Lodge Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive
Pondoro Game Lodge Hotel Hoedspruit

Frequently asked questions

How close is Pondoro Game Lodge to the airport?

Pondoro Game Lodge is 35.8 mi (68-min drive) away from the Hoedspruit (HDS) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Pondoro Game Lodge have an airport shuttle?

Pondoro Game Lodge offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, on request, for a charge of ZAR 1395 per person, one-way.

Does Pondoro Game Lodge offer free breakfast?

Pondoro Game Lodge offers free full breakfast every day from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Is there a casino at Pondoro Game Lodge?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Pondoro Game Lodge?

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Pondoro Game Lodge?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Pondoro Game Lodge have a pool?

Pondoro Game Lodge features an outdoor pool.

Does Pondoro Game Lodge have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Pondoro Game Lodge have a spa?

This hotel has a spa, which features body wraps, Ayurvedic treatments, and massages.

How close is Pondoro Game Lodge to downtown Balule Game Reserve?

Pondoro Game Lodge is 3.1 mi away from Balule Game Reserve.

Pondoro Game Lodge Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Maddison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Just incredible
The most amazing boutique luxury destination in the Balule game reserve (part of Greater Kruger). For an all inclusive hotel I didn’t have high hopes for the food however it surpassed all my expectations and was incredible, including catering for vegetarians. The game drives were incredible and a shout out to Anton and Selby who found us every animal. The small touches like break with coffee/drinks and snacks in the game drives makes it a personalised experience. The rooms have so much space and the beds are incredibly comfortable. The schedule for the days is the same for consistency. We loved meeting other couples and loved that the game drives were with the same driver/spotter and couples for the duration, it really allows you to form great bonds with other people there. Breakfast at the big dining table is also a nice touch. Could not recommend Pondoro more, they truly create the most unique experience and have thought of everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dagmar

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

candace, Blumenort

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our bucket list dream trip and Pondoro made that happen. Pondoro facilities and staff are amazing. Attention to detail is one of the many things that stand out. We were in the Tree suite. So cool! Game drives we amazing. Sully and Dion, our guide and tracker worked so hard to find us all and the big 5. If you are reading this and contemplating a stay at Pondoro. Just do it.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jan-Christoph

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

joe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A dream come true
The hospitality was top notch. Armand, Johanna, Lize and the staff were absolutely amazing and attentive. The room (Buffalo Suite) was beautifully decorated and had a perfect view. We saw giraffes, elephants, antelope, babboons from our window. Very romantic setting. We also enjoy the early morning and evening game drives qnd were able to see the Big 5 the first day thanks to Ru and Andrei. We hope to visit again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

ali

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have traveled to many countries in the world. This hotel was the best hotel that I have ever stayed. Everyone was so friendly. They went out of their way to make our trip memorable. I definitely recommend staying in this hotel. I have never written review in past. This is the first review that I am writing. I recommend this hotel to all of my friends.

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The perfect place for safari
We were highly impressed with Pondoro, both for accommodation and quality of game viewing. Our tracker and guide we’re exceptional. We regularly saw the big 5 (and so many leopards, which we’ve struggled to see else where) and a whole range of additional animals from hippos in the river outside the room to a family of porcupines. Our guide always seemed to manage to get us to the viewing before other cars and positioned us perfectly for photos. It was incredible. The accommodation is fantastic, we were upgraded to Earth, a larger suite with a jacuzzi where we watched hippos from (magical). The room had a lounge area, a huge bed, roll top bath and a indoor and outdoor shower. More than you could possibly need! Service was outstanding, everyone was so friendly and helpful and seemed really happy to talk about the animals you’ve seen (even though they must hear about this everyday!). Their passion was great! Finally I’ll just say that the food and wine was superb - we eat constantly, there is so much tasty food! And they set up beautiful special dinners for you. It’s something I’ll remember for a long time. We were very sad to leave and hope to return. Thanks again to all the wonderful staff that made our stay so special!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019