About Pondoro Safari Lodge
Pondoro is situated on the cool riverine banks of the Olifants river, inside the 50 000ha Balule Private Game Reserve inside the Greater Kruger National Park.
The award winning Pondoro Game Lodge offers its visitors comfort, sophistication, elegance and a canvas on which to create a an unforgettable African Wildlife Safari.
Robbie and Lize Prehn are the founders and your hosts here at Pondoro Game Lodge. They are the definition of warm African hospitality. Robbie has been a professional guide for 20 years. His passion for the bush and photography coupled with his intimate knowledge of the area and its inhabitants makes him a wonderful guide for photographic safaris. Lize manages the lodge and it’s her mission to ensure you have the best, most luxurious experience possible. They are passionate about nature and their work and it shows in every aspect of the Pondoro experience. This level of love and commitment has resulted in numerous awards and a five star rating. Most recently we were crowned the Best Luxury Safari Retreat(Global Winner) at the 2023 World Luxury Hotel Awards.
An African Wildlife Safari at Pondoro is about intimacy, tranquility and the romance of a bygone era. This small, exclusive 16-bed lodge fits the mould perfectly with 8 chalets spread out along the largest perennial river in the Kruger National Park.
Open top Game Drives are conducted, morning and evening, by expert rangers and trackers meaning you’ll have an excellent opportunity to see the African Big 5 and other plains game up close. We also limit the number of vehicles on our concession allowing for quiet, natural viewing of these majestic animals.
Our five star kitchen offers an extraordinary culinary experience fusing traditional African cuisine with modern European trends, paired with a selection of fine wines from our award winning wine cellar. Meals are served on a wooden deck high up in the tree canopy overlooking the majestic Olifants River below.
At Pondoro Safari Lodge we offer you intimacy, sophistication and that extra special something, which can’t quite be put into words.
This luxurious little hideaway surrounds you in the sights and sounds of nature, allowing you to lose yourself in the splendor that is the African Wildlife Safari experience.
Climate
Pondoro Game Lodge is situated in the eastern lowveld that has a subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and cool, dry winters.
Spring & 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
Autumn & Winter
The bush is less dense and animals congregate more around waterholes.
Average temperatures
Autumn (March – May)
- Minimum: 20 Degrees Celsius
- Maximum: 30 Degrees Celsius
Winter (June – August)
- Minimum: 10 Degrees Celsius
- Maximum: 25 Degrees Celsius
Latest News & Sightings
Safari Sightings 6 – 12 Oct `25
Monday 6 October 2025 10 Elephant at Huppelweg 3 White Rhino at Venture Camp Dam 1 Male Leopard at Main Road East 100 Buffalo at Ngala Dam 4 White Rhino at Ngala Dam 10 Elephant at Pondoro Main 4 Female Lions at Piper Pan Tuesday 7 October 2025 1 Male [...]
Safari Sightings 29 – 5 Oct `25
Monday 29 September 2025 1 Male Lion with 4 Females at Nguluve 1 Female Leopard at Maroela Dam 2 White Rhino at Maroela Road 2 Black Rhino at 8/9 Cutline 100 Buffalo at Mbonga 20 Elephant at Ngala Dam 1 White Rhino at Bushbuck Dam Tuesday 30 September 2025 1 [...]
Safari Sightings 22 – 28 Sep `25
Monday 22 September 2025 10 Elephant at Gama Road 1 White Rhino at Xindzele 2 White Rhio at Rooibos 100 Buffalo at Kudu Dam Tuesday 23 September 2025 20 Elephant at Polly Short 4 Wild Dogs at Coert Bush Camp 3 White Rhino at Nkanka West 100 Buffalo at Kudu [...]
Safari Sightings 15 – 21 Sep `25
Monday 15 September 2025 3 Female Lions at River Lodge Main 1 White Rhino at Mondzu Kaya 1 White Rhino at Rome 4 Waterhole 10 Elephant at Breiteweg 10 Elephant at 8/9 Cutline 1 White Rhino at Bush Lodge Main 1 Male Leopard at Olifants 1 Black Rhino at Xindzele [...]