Balule Nature Reserve
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