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Pondoro Game Lodge | Balule Private Game Reserve
Pondoro Game Lodge is situated on the banks of the Olifants River in the 50 000 hectare Balule Nature Reserve, open to the Kruger National Park. Pondoro is one of a handful of private lodges in South Africa situated on a perennial river. 8 Architecturally designed chalets provide an exclusivity while enjoying delicious meals, award winning wines and warm personal service. Safari drives are conducted by experienced guides and trackers in search of the ‘Big 5’ including the rare black rhino and other plains game. Pondoro is the only lodge to partner with the world famous all woman Black Mamba anti-poaching team. Serenity Spa at Pondoro offers an escape to a place of sophistication and indulgence, where one is surrounded by elegant decor and cascading waterfalls, in an environment with a breathtaking ambiance. Pondoro has a treehouse hide overlooking a spotlit waterhole in the middle of the bush for the more adventurous at heart. A sleepover can be booked as an extra activity.
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At Pondoro Lodge you will have the opportunity to choose from 5 truly luxurious suites.
Each of our suites has their own theme stolen from some of the most important elements of nature. The suites are aptly named Water, Buffalo(animal), Tree, Rock and Earth inviting guests not only the opportunity to experience nature, but almost live in it.
All our suites are air-conditioned and offer modern comforts in an exquisite African setting. Each suite has a private patio, lounge area, an outside shower and Jacuzzi built into the wooden deck in front of the suites facing the river.
Each suite offers complete privacy to compliment the romantic setting at Pondoro Game Lodge.
A big painting of a Buffalo made by Lize, the owner, dominates the headboard of this modernly styled room.
At Pondoro Lodge you will have the opportunity to choose from 5 truly luxurious suites.
Each of our suites has their own theme stolen from some of the most important elements of nature. The suites are aptly named Water, Buffalo(animal), Tree, Rock and Earth inviting guests not only the opportunity to experience nature, but almost live in it.
All our suites are air-conditioned and offer modern comforts in an exquisite African setting. Each suite has a private patio, lounge area, an outside shower and Jacuzzi built into the wooden deck in front of the suites facing the river.
Each suite offers complete privacy to compliment the romantic setting at Pondoro Game Lodge.
The Water suite is named after a waterfall that cascades silently down the headboard of your bed.
At Pondoro Lodge you will have the opportunity to choose from 5 truly luxurious suites.
Each of our suites has their own theme stolen from some of the most important elements of nature. The suites are aptly named Water, Buffalo(animal), Tree, Rock and Earth inviting guests not only the opportunity to experience nature, but almost live in it.
All our suites are air-conditioned and offer modern comforts in an exquisite African setting. Each suite has a private patio, lounge area, an outside shower and Jacuzzi built into the wooden deck in front of the suites facing the river.
Each suite offers complete privacy to compliment the romantic setting at Pondoro Game Lodge.
The Tree suite is named after a huge Jackalberry tree lying in front of the suite and emphasized by a huge leadwood stump that decorates the room.
At Pondoro Lodge you will have the opportunity to choose from 5 truly luxurious suites.
Each of our suites has their own theme stolen from some of the most important elements of nature. The suites are aptly named Water, Buffalo(animal), Tree, Rock and Earth inviting guests not only the opportunity to experience nature, but almost live in it.
All our suites are air-conditioned and offer modern comforts in an exquisite African setting. Each suite has a private patio, lounge area, an outside shower and Jacuzzi built into the wooden deck in front of the suites facing the river.
Each suite offers complete privacy to compliment the romantic setting at Pondoro Game Lodge.
A rock stack forms the headboard complemented by a beautiful stone bath and other artifacts in the Rock suite.
At Pondoro Lodge you will have the opportunity to choose from 5 truly luxurious suites.
Each of our suites has their own theme stolen from some of the most important elements of nature. The suites are aptly named Water, Buffalo(animal), Tree, Rock and Earth inviting guests not only the opportunity to experience nature, but almost live in it.
All our suites are air-conditioned and offer modern comforts in an exquisite African setting. Each suite has a private patio, lounge area, an outside shower and Jacuzzi built into the wooden deck in front of the suites facing the river.
Each suite offers complete privacy to compliment the romantic setting at Pondoro Game Lodge.
The walls in the Earth suite are painted in an earthy colour. Clay and earth are the overall theme with clay pots adding an African flavor while staying with the general theme.
Pondoro Game Lodge has three tastefully designed chalets decorated in keeping with the African aesthetic and overlooking the Olifants River.
All chalets have en-suite bathrooms (with a shower and bath overlooking the river), air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a wooden deck.
All the chalets are architecturally designed and has an outside bath or shower to fit with the vision of stimulating guests’ senses when living so close to nature. Every chalet is unique.
Hardekool, Maroela and Wildevy are Afrikaans words for the trees that are adjacent to the respective chalets.
Hardekool - the name is derived from the slow burning coals that the extremely hard wood produce. A romantic claw bath perched on top of the wooden deck in front of the chalet is the standout feature.
Pondoro Game Lodge has three tastefully designed chalets decorated in keeping with the African aesthetic and overlooking the Olifants River.
All chalets have en-suite bathrooms (with a shower and bath overlooking the river), air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a wooden deck.
All the chalets are architecturally designed and has an outside bath or shower to fit with the vision of stimulating guests’ senses when living so close to nature. Every chalet is unique.
Hardekool, Maroela and Wildevy are Afrikaans words for the trees that are adjacent to the respective chalets.
Maroela - Named after the famous tree of Africa whose fruit are much loved by many animals, especially elephants. African folklore believes that elephants can get inebriated by eating huge amounts of these very tasty fermented fruits. A huge eggshell bath and adventurous outside shower are a highlight.
Pondoro Game Lodge has three tastefully designed chalets decorated in keeping with the African aesthetic and overlooking the Olifants River.
All chalets have en-suite bathrooms (with a shower and bath overlooking the river), air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a wooden deck.
All the chalets are architecturally designed and has an outside bath or shower to fit with the vision of stimulating guests’ senses when living so close to nature. Every chalet is unique.
Hardekool, Maroela and Wildevy are Afrikaans words for the trees that are adjacent to the respective chalets.
Wildevy - A fig tree loved by monkeys and birds growing in abundance along the Olifants river. The figs can only get pollinated by a tiny little wasp creating a magical and mystical symbiosis where one cannot live without the other. Forget about a room with a view…the view from your outside claw bath will blow your mind away.
Property Facilities
Bar, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Pool, Restaurant, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Outside Shower, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Room Service
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Viewing Hide, Game Walks, High Tea, Safaris, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Golf
Pondoro Game Lodge is situated in Balule Private Nature reserve inside the greater Kruger National Park. Regular Big 5 sightings (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) are encountered during game drives. A reintroduction of African wild dogs and black rhino has also been done in the Pondoro traversing area. Morning and evening game drives are done in open game drive vehicles. All guides have more than 10 years experience. Pondoro has rights to traverse on more than 10 000 ha that includes a network of more than 350 km of bush roads.
All game drive vehicles are four wheel drive and this means that the Big 5 can be followed off road into the bush to get a closer view if necessary.
Pondoro vehicles are in radio contact with three other lodges and close cooperation ensure good game viewing. The vehicles in the traversing area are restricted to six to ensure that the bush ambience is never lost. No more than two vehicles are allowed at a sighting.
Pondoro is one of the few private lodges in South Africa situated on a perennial river (Olifants River). Because of this hippos and crocodiles are regularly seen during bushwalks with an armed guide.
Serenity Spa at Pondoro offers an escape to a place of sophistication and indulgence, where one is surrounded by elegant décor and cascading waterfalls, in an environment with a breathtaking ambiance. Revitalize your mind, body and soul with classic spa treatments where an exclusive personal approach is taken incorporating innovative and authentic spa and face treatments which range from a glass covered steam room, a spa bath under the wide African sky to a massage in the privacy of your room.
We have a well equipped gym allowing a perfect workout with an amazing view of the bush.
This facility is fully air-conditioned and has a range of cardio machines and free-weights.
We offer sleep-outs at our Tree house hide as an additional activity. There is a solar panel light overlooking the waterhole and guests will be taken there after dinner and picked up again during morning safari. The sleep-out rate is an extra R2995 per night and can be booked beforehand or at the lodge.
It has become obvious over the years that guests visiting Pondoro do not only want to experience a safari, but that there is a need to understand what goes on behind the scenes of protecting a wildlife reserve. Guests can now get the chance to meet the people that helps to protect Africa’s precious wildlife.
Pondoro has partnered and became a sponsor of the world famous all woman Black mamba anti-poaching team and their affiliate project the Bush Babies Environmental and Awareness Program and we are very excited to announce a Black Mamba Anti- Poaching tour done every Wednesday and Saturday. Guests will be able to meet the Black Mambas, find out why they are so effective and discover the rationale behind this ground breaking initiative. This includes a visit to the Nonwane research facility, a presentation and a lot more. This is a great opportunity for our guests to do their bit to save Africa’s wildlife and more specifically its rhinos. (All funds will go directly to the Black Mamba Anti-poaching unit.)
o R850 per person for 2022
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
5 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
The Oyster Box | Umhlanga
Standing proud on Umhlanga’s beachfront, overlooking the historical Umhlanga lighthouse, The Oyster Box has long been one of South Africa’s best-loved and most distinguished hotels. This 86-room hotel is renowned for its generous hospitality, attentive service and exceptional cuisine. The elegant rooms, decorated with antiques, feature private balconies (many with sea views), flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, tea and coffeemaking facilities, and fresh fruit and flowers. Suites add separate lounges; some have private plunge pools. There's a complimentary buffet breakfast, a fine-dining restaurant and multiple eateries/bars. Other amenities include a spa with a hammam, an oceanfront outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness centre. There's also a 24-seat cinema and a kids' activity programme.
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The elegant Classic Garden Facing Rooms, all overlook the hotel’s lush, tranquil gardens.
Each charming Classic Sea Facing Room has a balcony that opens on to uninterrupted views of Umhlanga’s historic lighthouse and KwaZulu Natal’s breath-taking coastline. These rooms have a bath or shower and a single vanity.
Our beautifully appointed Luxury Sea Facing Rooms each offer a balcony that opens on to uninterrupted views of Umhlanga’s historic lighthouse and KwaZulu Natal’s breath-taking coastline. All rooms offer a double vanity feature in the bathrooms along with spacious separate shower and bath.
These beautiful Junior Cabanas are located on the lower ground level with stunning sea views and leading out onto the grassed area in front. All rooms consists of a four-poster king bed with an en-suite bathroom offering a shower and single vanity.
The stunning Sea Facing Cabanas present gorgeous king size Four Poster beds and are all located on the lower ground floor, boasting individual spacious balcony terraces and exceptional beachfront views.
The Oyster Box is designed for the absolute comfort of each family. There are 5 private Sea Facing Family Rooms, each with not only a master bedroom, but an additional room or loft for the younger members of the family.
Individually decorated, all of the striking and eclectic Sea Facing Suites comprise of one well-appointed bedroom with a lavish separate lounge
Individually decorated, the Sea Facing Deluxe Suites comprise of one bedroom with a luxurious separate lounge. The Deluxe suites are located on the lower ground and boast their own private plunge pools and terrace.
These spectacular Superior Garden Villas are nestled in the hotel’s lush gardens and all have an inviting private plunge pool, terrace, gorgeous lounge, complimented by a bar and an opulent spacious bathroom. 4 of the 8 villas can be converted into a 2 bed-roomed villa by reserving an additional Garden Villa Lofts.
Our pretty garden-facing Garden Villa Loft Rooms are available as separate accommodation or, with the combination of a Superior Garden Villa, ideal for the out-and-about visitor. Each room is individually and superbly decorated. All Garden Villa rooms offer a 4-charming king size Poster Bed and ample space.
The epitome of indulgence; this grandeur and stylish Presidential Suite is split over two exquisitely decorated levels and boasts a private elevator. The extravagantly decorated master bedroom includes a relaxing seating area and an intimate personal study. There are two lavish marble bathrooms – his and hers. Unparalleled sea views complimented by opulence and tranquillity beyond compare. Other incomparable features of this gracious suit include a private rim-flow swimming pool, an elegant lounge, and a tasteful dining room with seating for 8 guests, complimented further by a bar and a beautifully equipped kitchen. There is also an additional bedroom. This unrivalled décor incorporates white timber floors and marble and white Caesar stone.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Business Centre, Conference Centre, Disability Services, Gym, Internet Access, Kiddies Club, Library, Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Heated Towel Rails, Heater, Internet, Mini Bar, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle, Babysitting Service, Chauffer Service, Credit Card Facilities, Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service, Room Service, Room Service (24 hours)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Cooking Courses, Fine Dining, High Tea, Massages, Walks
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Battlefield Tours, Beach, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Canoeing, Child Friendly Activities, Cooking Courses, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Deep Sea Fishing, Fishing, Game Viewing, General Sightseeing, Golf, Health and Fitness Centre, Helicopter Rides, Hiking, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Jet Skis, Kayaking / Paddling, Mini Golf, Mountain Biking, Museums, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Squash Court, Surfing, Tennis Court, Windsurfing, Wine Tasting
If you’re a foodie looking for something a little ‘out of the ordinary’, need a unique event menu, or are keen to impress somebody special - then don’t miss the opportunity to take a front row seat with Executive Chef Kevin Joseph and his ace Team, for an extraordinary dining experience at The Chef’s Table in The Kitchen at The Oyster Box.
Your evening begins in the elegant Oyster Bar with pre-dinner drinks and live music from our resident musician, before being taken ‘behind the scenes’ where your culinary journey begins, with a tour of the working kitchen and your amuse bouche of Champagne and Canapes.
As the drama of this busy kitchen in ‘full service’ mode unfolds, watch as the Chefs prepare a delicious 5-course paired menu before your eyes. The Chef’s Table is available for groups of between six and 10 guests, from from Monday to Sunday for Dinner only.
Direct beach access to a swimming beach
Children between the ages of four and 12 years, have access to the supervised Holiday Club during their stay. .
Other vacation activities include story-telling, face painting, art and craft activities, pizza-making and movie screenings. Special programmes are offered during peak periods such as school holidays, Easter, Christmas and New Year.
The Holiday Club is open daily from 10h00 to 19h00
For a more intimate dining experience, the Wine Cellar, with its glass ceiling, is sunken just below the Oyster Bar and is unique for dinner parties, corporate functions, tastings or special events and offers a Chef’s Table for up to 10 guests.
Bespoke menus are created for every occasion and the resident Sommelier will present a selection of wines from the Diners Club Diamond award-winning wine list, which boasts the finest selection of South African and international vintages.
An intimate, 24-seater cinema/screening room is available to hotel guests. Each month a new schedule is set, running a new movie five times a day (10h00, 14h00, 18h00, 20h00 and 22h00).
24 hour access
We are dedicated to restoring beauty and balance through individual treatments and spa journeys, personalised for each of our guests by exceptionally skilled therapists. Our commitment to wellbeing focuses on holistic principles, combining ancient wisdom and modern expertise.
The Spa at The Oyster Box uses a variety of internationally-recognised treatment products as well as its own exclusive, signature range of all natural, body-care products and professional spa treatments B|Africa. This deluxe range combines indigenous African plant extracts and the natural goodness of West Coast Atlantic sea-salts.
B| Africa uses sustainable harvesting practices on renewable indigenous species, such as oil from the baobab tree, marula oil, avocado butter, honey, rooibos, Mongongo nut and Ximenia kernel oil. In addition, the range includes carefully-crafted B|Africa Spa treatment packages.
Our state of the art, 24 hour complimentary Business Centre, located on the first floor adjacent to the cinema, is available to all hotel guests. There are two desks, each with a computer, printer and a refreshment station offering thoughtful details such as dried fruit and mineral water, as well as tea and coffee on request. The Business Centre offers complimentary internet and the entire hotel has complimentary wireless Internet if you prefer to work from your room. The Business Centre also has a fax, black and white photocopier and secretarial services as available on request. Shipping and packaging, laminating and binding can be arranged directly with our concierge deck at an additional cost.
Clock Library
The legendary Grill Room has been renowned for its fine dining and outstanding cuisine for almost 70 years.
The menu is an inspired combination of classic favourites, created by Bea Tollman, president and founder of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the restaurant’s Signature Dishes and contemporary creations, inspired by current global trends.
Classic Grill Room touches include the authentic Gueridon service, where food is prepared and presented at the individual diner’s table and the Classic 1920’s Hors d’ Oeuvres Trolley, with an extensive range of 18 ‘old world’ appetizers.
The beautiful Ocean Terrace restaurant, with gorgeous views across the Indian Ocean, serves a Bistro-style menu and is perfect for casual, al fresco and family dining. With something to suit every palate favourite dishes include freshly baked pizzas from the wood-fire pizza oven, sustainably sourced seafood and a host of perennial favourites such as fish and chips. The Ocean Terrace also serves a delicious English Breakfast daily, as well as an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner.
Also on offer in the Ocean Terrace, the incredible Curry Buffet, including authentic Tandoori Chicken, continues to attract fans from far and wide. Using delicate hand-blended combinations of spices and fresh herbs, the extensive selection of Curries includes, meat, fish and vegetarian option - making each curry a masterpiece!
The Ocean Terrace is also the perfect backdrop for a relaxed sundowner overlooking the rim flow pool and sea.
Inspired by The Oyster Box’s original, colonial architecture with four magnificent tole and ceramic chandeliers purchased from the Savoy Hotel in London, natural sunlight and towering Palms, The Palm Court is the venue for the legendary High Tea each afternoon. It’s also a favourite meeting spot for casual dining and the ideal place to enjoy the Evening Indulgence treat.
High Tea is a lengthy, leisurely affair with live piano music a welcome addition to the occasion. All pastries and baked goods are prepared on the property by executive pastry chef, Joanita Venter and her team. The high tea table is a visual and taste spectacle of sumptuous treats, with everything from freshly baked scones, pastries, quiches and cakes, to finger sandwiches and savouries.
Richly inviting with its dark wooden panels and details in leather, crimson and gold, the Lighthouse Bar has a large terrace for spectacular views of the iconic lighthouse and the Indian Ocean. With live music, delicious light snack meals and exotic cocktails, this is the hottest bar in KwaZulu-Natal.
Overlooking the infinity pool and Indian Ocean, the stylish Oyster Bar specialises in Champagne and Oysters, freshly harvested from our own Oyster beds and also offers a light menu, delicious cocktails and live music.
This authentic old world bar is full of charm and character. It has remained a firm favourite with the locals for over 40 years, serving delicious hearty snacks and the finest selection of whiskeys, beers and cigars.
Your Stay
4 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
5 Star
Hotel
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English, Zulu
No. Rooms: 86
Special Interests: Beach / Coastal, Birding, Fishing, Golf, Gourmet, History & Culture, Leisure, Relaxation, Shopping, Watersports, Wine
