Sun Destinations

The Balule Nature Reserve is one of the Greater Kruger’s hidden gems. Untouched by commercialism and sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park ; the Balule certainly deserves a place in the crème de la crème  of safari guides. The Balule is home to the big five. The Olifants River courses through the reserve, which creates a diverse landscape rich with a variety of habitats.

Here are out top 5 reasons to visit the Balule Nature Reserve:

1. Pioneers in the prevention of rhino poaching

We would like to acknowledge, admire, celebrate, and congratulate one team of individuals who throw themselves into the firing line of this war on rhinos, and are actively preventing the poaching of these endangered animals every single day. They’re the Black Mambas, a team of women from the local community who work for 3 weeks at a time protecting the Balule from poacher activity. Dressed in full camo, these rangers actively remove snares, inspect the fence line, bust poachers’ camps, and report any sign of suspicious activity to the authorities.

And guess what? Since the inception of the Black Mambas anit-poaching unit, not one single rhino has been poached in the period of time that they’ve been patrolling their territory. In addition, thousands of snares have been removed from the bush, poachers have been arrested, and their camps destroyed. Most importantly, the Black Mambas are an example to the community of the importance of  local involvement in the fight against poaching.

Click here to find out more about the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching unit.

2. Game viewing – the big five

The Balule Nature Reserve is home to all of the big five. In particular, there is an abundance of lion prides and elephant herds. The mighty Olifants River flows through the middle of the reserve and a mega-pride of lions called the Olifants West Pride are often spotted close to the river. Huge bloats of hippo, crocodiles and herds of elephant enjoy the many waterholes and access to a permanent water source. The predators in the Kruger Park are habituated to vehicles and tourists, making sightings of big cats and wild canids a pleasure.

Over 147 species traverse the Balule. Visitors are bound to enjoy close encounters with elephant, rhino, hippo, buffalo, zebra, kudu, giraffe, waterbuck, impala, and wildebeest. A number of raptor and owl species are frequently seen, including scops owl, pearl-spotted owlet, giant eagle owl, fish eagle, brown snake eagle, bateleur, hawk eagle.

Visiting the Balule has plenty to offer ALL types of safari lovers !

3. It’s an accessible reserve

There are daily flights from Johannesburg (O.R Tambo) and Cape Town airports to Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa airports. It’s about a 6 hour drive from Johannesburg to the Balule and airport transfers can be arranged to the various lodges in the Balule.

4. Sunsets and scenery

We’ll let the photos do the talking with this one ! Brazen sunsets, perfect night skies and endless landscapes are just a few of the things to expect while on safari in the Balule.

5. An abundance of luxurious, yet affordable lodges

Ezulwini Billy’s Lodge and Ezulwini River Lodge are two of the lodges located in the heart of the Balule. Billy’s Lodge has an elevated wooden walkway which winds its way to a huge viewing deck overlooking a waterhole. Elephants, buffalo and huge predators are often seen from the lodge. Billy’s also has a secret wine cellar built into natural rock. It is here where guests can learn about the history of the Balule and indulge in a bit of wine tasting.

Ezulwini River Lodge is built on the banks of the Olifants River under a riverine forest of trees making bird watching easy! Private plunge pools and decks with sun loungers keep things exclusive, while open-plan en suite bathrooms have bathtubs, plus indoor and outdoor showers.