Game ReserveBig Five
Balule Nature Reserve
South Africa 400 km² (154 mi²) Est. 1993
About Balule Nature Reserve
Balule Nature Reserve is a 40,000-hectare private reserve forming part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, with fences removed to allow free wildlife movement between Balule and Kruger National Park. The reserve occupies a prime position along the Olifants River, one of Kruger's most scenic waterways.
Comprising several member properties, Balule offers an affordable entry point to the Greater Kruger experience with all of the Big Five and the privilege of off-road driving and night drives not permitted in Kruger itself. The Olifants River frontage provides excellent game viewing at waterholes and river crossings, particularly during the dry winter months when animals concentrate along water sources.
0
Safari Tours
4.2
Avg Rating
5/5
Big Five
33
Years Protected
Highlights
- Open boundary with Kruger — true Greater Kruger Big Five experience
- Off-road driving and night drives allowed
- Beautiful Olifants River frontage
- More affordable than Sabi Sands or Timbavati
- Less crowded than Kruger's public roads
Considerations
- Some areas have thick bush making sightings difficult
- Quality varies between member properties
- Malaria area — prophylaxis recommended
- Less prestigious than Sabi Sands for leopard viewing
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
common
🐆
Leopard
occasional
🐘
Elephant
common
🦬
Buffalo
common
🦏
Rhino
occasional
Notable Species
Lion
Common
Leopard
Occasional
Elephant
Common
Cape Buffalo
Common
White Rhino
Occasional
Giraffe
Common
Hippo
Common
Kudu
Common
Impala
Common
Hyena
Common
Common Occasional Rare
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal
Climate Overview
Getting There
Balule is approximately 500 km (5 hours) from Johannesburg via the N4 to Hoedspruit. Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport has daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Lodges arrange transfers from the airport.
Nearest Airport
Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS)
Nearest City
Hoedspruit
Drive Time
5 hours