Pondoro Game Lodge

From

$1,308

/ night

Select dates to see prices and availability

From

$1,308

/ night

About this property

Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. Encounter the local wildlife with a safari, then enjoy recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a steam room. Additional amenities at thi...

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Location

Balule Nature Reserve, off R40, Maruleng, South Africa

Abelana Game Reserve (12.2 miles)

Zebra Dam (24 miles)

Kolgans Dam (24.6 miles)

Amarula Lapa (27.6 miles)

Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate (28.3 miles)

Drakensig Golf Course (30.6 miles)

More location info

Room options

Water Suite

Room details

1 King Bed

Sleeps 2

1184 ft²

Balcony or Patio

Air Conditioning

Heating

Wi-Fi (Free)

Plunge Pool

Wildevy Chalet

Room details

1 King Bed

Sleeps 2

807 ft²

Balcony or Patio

Air Conditioning

Heating

Wi-Fi (Free)

Buffalo Suite

Room details

1 King Bed

Sleeps 2

1184 ft²

Balcony or Patio

Air Conditioning

Heating

Wi-Fi (Free)

Plunge Pool

Hardekool Chalet

Room details

1 King Bed

Sleeps 2

807 ft²

Balcony or Patio

Air Conditioning

Heating

Wi-Fi (Free)

Rock Suite

Room details

1 King Bed

Sleeps 2

1184 ft²

Balcony or Patio

Air Conditioning

Heating

Wi-Fi (Free)

Plunge Pool

Earth Suite

Room details

1 King Bed

Sleeps 2

1184 ft²

Balcony or Patio

Air Conditioning

Heating

Wi-Fi (Free)

Plunge Pool

Tree Suite

Room details

1 King Bed

Sleeps 2

1184 ft²

Balcony or Patio

Air Conditioning

Heating

Wi-Fi (Free)

Plunge Pool

Maroela Chalet

Room details

1 King Bed

Sleeps 2

807 ft²

Balcony or Patio

Air Conditioning

Heating

Wi-Fi (Free)

Guest reviews of Pondoro Game Lodge

9.8

Exceptional

Based on 121 verified reviews

Facilities

9.9

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Who stays here?

Business

Couple

66%

Family

17%

Group

11%

Solo

Kelly

Feb 18, 2026

Stayed 2 nights

Favorite game lodge in SA. Loved being by the river!

Sarah

Nov 10, 2025

Stayed 2 nights

A beautiful room and location but the experience was disappointing, considering the reputation and the cost. We often felt the staff was not listening to us, and did not feel as taken care of as we would have liked considering the promise of luxury. Food delivered to the room took over an hour and was cold. The re was no hot water for the outdoor tub and shower. The game drives felt repetitive, seeing the same areas again and again. Overall, not worth the enormous cost. On the plus side, we do recognize that the staff came to our aid when our rental car had a flat tire on the way in!

JAMES

Sep 3, 2025

Stayed 3 nights

We had the most incredible experience at Pondoro Game Lodge. From the moment we arrived, everything was absolutely phenomenal. The staff made us feel so welcome and cared for, going above and beyond to make every detail perfect. Our suite was stunning—luxurious, private, and designed with so much attention to comfort and beauty. The game drives were unforgettable. Our guide (Dewalt) and tracker (Andrès) were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, and thanks to them we were able to witness breathtaking wildlife moments that we’ll never forget. The food was exceptional—every meal was a treat, beautifully prepared and served with warmth. What truly stood out was the atmosphere of the lodge: intimate, peaceful, and filled with genuine hospitality. Pondoro exceeded our expectations in every way, and we left with memories we’ll treasure for a lifetime. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience.

PALOMA LYNETTE

Jun 2, 2025

Stayed 2 nights

Excelente

Anthony

Apr 16, 2025

Stayed 3 nights

10/10 recommend staying here. My husband’s and I stayed her for our honeymoon and had the most amazing time. The staff was incredible and super accommodating! The food was delicious, the safari guides were so knowledgeable and kept us so safe! I know we both will remember this experience for the rest of our lives. We will definitely be back for many years to come! Thank you Pondoro for the most amazing experience! We appreciate you!

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Everything you need to know for a smooth check-in.

Check-in

Check-out

From 13:00 to 17:00

Before 11:00

Good to know

Additional policies and info about this property.

Optional extras

Additional paid services you can request.

FAQs about Pondoro Game Lodge

Is parking available at the property?

Yes, free self-parking is available on-site. However, parking is limited.

What type of breakfast is offered and what are the serving hours?

A complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast is served daily from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Are pets allowed at the property?

No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.

What are the standard check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be available upon request, but additional charges may apply.

Is there an airport shuttle service available?

Yes, a roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge of ZAR 1395 per person (one-way) and is available 24 hours. Guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival to arrange the transfer.

What accessibility features are available for guests with disabilities?

The property features step-free entrances and wheelchair-accessible facilities in public areas. Specific details about room accessibility are not provided.

What is the location of the property in relation to key landmarks?

The lodge is located 28.3 miles (45.5 km) from Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate and is within reasonable distance of several attractions, including Zebra Dam (24 miles), Kolgans Dam (24.6 miles), and Drakensig Golf Course (30.6 miles).

Does the property have a swimming pool?

Yes, there is an outdoor swimming pool available. The pool is seasonal and operational hours are not specified.

What are the policies regarding children at the property?

Children 11 years old and younger are not permitted at this property.

Have a question?

Instant AI responses are based on hotel information

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. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools. This property is located within a national park, and access is restricted to official gate operating hours. Guests who arrive after the gates have closed will not be able to enter the park or reach the lodge, so it is essential to contact the property after booking and again before arrival to confirm gate times. Guests who intend to participate in scheduled afternoon game drives must confirm the latest arrival time allowed with the property. Guests with dietary restrictions or food allergies should contact this property in advance.

Check-in must be done by someone who is at least 18 years old.

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the lodge prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
Children 11 years old and younger are not permitted at this property.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property.
Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.