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Pondoro Game Lodge

5.0 star property
Luxury hotel with full-service spa and free breakfast

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Photo gallery for Pondoro Game Lodge

Front of property - evening/night
Free daily full breakfast
Rock Suite
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Interior entrance
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • SpaSpaSpa
  • PoolPoolPool
  • Breakfast includedBreakfast includedBreakfast included
  • LaundryLaundryLaundry
  • All-inclusiveAll-inclusiveAll-inclusive
  • RestaurantRestaurantRestaurant

Explore the area

Map
Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380
  • Popular LocationHoedspruit Wildlife Estate37 min drive
  • Popular LocationJessica the Hippo61 min drive
  • AirportHoedspruit (HDS)68 min drive
  • Popular LocationPhalaborwa Gate70 min drive

Room options

View all photos for Buffalo Suite

Buffalo Suite

Buffalo Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Wildevy Chalet

Wildevy Chalet | Living area

Wildevy Chalet

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
  • 75 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Tree Suite

Tree Suite

Tree Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Water Suite

Water Suite

Water Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Rock Suite

Rock Suite

Rock Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Maroela Chalet

Maroela Chalet

Maroela Chalet

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
  • 75 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Hardekool Chalet

Hardekool Chalet

Hardekool Chalet

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
  • 75 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Earth Suite

Earth Suite

Earth Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Pillow menu
  • 110 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Balule Game Reserve

A luxury stay in Balule Game Reserve awaits you at Pondoro Game Lodge. You'll be 0.1 km (0.1 mi) from Greater Kruger National Park and 11.8 km (7.3 mi) from Selati Game Reserve. Highlights at this all-inclusive hotel include a full-service spa, a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. .A pampering day can include hot stone massages, Swedish massages and body wraps along with access to the hot tub and steam room. At the hotel's own lounge bar or poolside bar, you can enjoy a drink. Enjoy the gym and pool loungers as well as access to ecotours and a safari. Plus you'll find free WiFi in public areas and laundry facilities. Free full breakfast is available daily between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .With a stay at this 5-property class Balule Game Reserve hotel, you'll be 25 km (15.5 mi) from Makalali Game Reserve and 27.5 km (17.1 mi) from Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate.

What's nearby

  • Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate - 37 min drive
  • Makalali Game Reserve - 46 min drive
  • Jessica the Hippo - 61 min drive
  • Grietjie Game Reserve - 63 min drive
  • Phalaborwa Gate - 70 min drive

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 68 min drive

About this property

Pondoro Game Lodge

Luxury hotel with full-service spa and free breakfast
Pondoro Game Lodge is an all-inclusive hotel. Room rates include meals and beverages at on-site restaurants and bars. Other items and amenities, including taxes and gratuities, and access to recreational activities and entertainment may also be included. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

Pondoro Game Lodge offers its guests a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. WiFi is free in public spaces.

A library, a terrace, and gift shops/newsstands are also featured at the luxury Pondoro Game Lodge. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 5-star Balule Game Reserve hotel.

  • 8 guestrooms or units
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Front desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Pondoro Game Lodge offers 8 air-conditioned accommodations with a safe and complimentary bottles of water. Rooms open to furnished balconies or patios. This individually decorated and furnished accommodation has separate sitting areas and includes desks. Beds feature premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Coffee/tea makers and minibars are provided. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower with a deep soaking bath, dressing gowns, slippers and designer toiletries. Additionally, rooms include a hairdryer and free toiletries. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Services include hot stone massages, Swedish massages, facials and body wraps. The spa is equipped with a hot tub and a steam room. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and Ayurvedic. The spa is open daily.

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Ecotours
  • Full-service spa
  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Gym
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Safari

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • On a river
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Ayurvedic treatments
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Spa open daily
  • Spa tub
  • Steam room
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • No lift

More

  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Designer toiletries
  • Dressing gowns
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

Outdoor space

  • Furnished balcony/patio

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products available
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; check-in end time: 5:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

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
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Pondoro Game Lodge

Children and extra beds

  • Children 11 and younger are not allowed at this property. All guests older than 11 are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club. Cash is not accepted. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Children 11 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

National rating

Quality graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organisation.

Property is also known as

Pondoro
Pondoro Game
Pondoro Game Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game Lodge Hoedspruit
Pondoro Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive
Pondoro Game All Inclusive Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game All Inclusive
Pondoro Game Lodge
Pondoro Game Lodge Hotel
Pondoro Game Lodge Hoedspruit
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive
Pondoro Game Lodge Hotel Hoedspruit

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Pondoro Game Lodge?

Pondoro Game Lodge offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Pondoro Game Lodge?

Yep, Pondoro Game Lodge has a free self car park.

Is there a spa on site at Pondoro Game Lodge?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Pondoro Game Lodge. It has a hot tub and a steam room. You'll enjoy heaps of services like body wraps, body scrubs and facials, as well as hot stone massages.

Does Pondoro Game Lodge have a pool?

Pondoro Game Lodge has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger and with a coldie from the bar.

What makes Pondoro Game Lodge a romantic place to stay?

A hot tub and couples dining, as well as deep-soaking baths and premium bedding in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Pondoro Game Lodge.

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at Pondoro Game Lodge?

No, but there are deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms.

Does Pondoro Game Lodge serve breakfast?

You bet, free full brekkie is served daily between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Pondoro Game Lodge?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Pondoro Game Lodge?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at Pondoro Game Lodge?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Pondoro Game Lodge?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Pondoro Game Lodge Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Maddison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Just incredible
The most amazing boutique luxury destination in the Balule game reserve (part of Greater Kruger). For an all inclusive hotel I didn’t have high hopes for the food however it surpassed all my expectations and was incredible, including catering for vegetarians. The game drives were incredible and a shout out to Anton and Selby who found us every animal. The small touches like break with coffee/drinks and snacks in the game drives makes it a personalised experience. The rooms have so much space and the beds are incredibly comfortable. The schedule for the days is the same for consistency. We loved meeting other couples and loved that the game drives were with the same driver/spotter and couples for the duration, it really allows you to form great bonds with other people there. Breakfast at the big dining table is also a nice touch. Could not recommend Pondoro more, they truly create the most unique experience and have thought of everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dagmar

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

candace, Blumenort

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our bucket list dream trip and Pondoro made that happen. Pondoro facilities and staff are amazing. Attention to detail is one of the many things that stand out. We were in the Tree suite. So cool! Game drives we amazing. Sully and Dion, our guide and tracker worked so hard to find us all and the big 5. If you are reading this and contemplating a stay at Pondoro. Just do it.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jan-Christoph

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

joe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A dream come true
The hospitality was top notch. Armand, Johanna, Lize and the staff were absolutely amazing and attentive. The room (Buffalo Suite) was beautifully decorated and had a perfect view. We saw giraffes, elephants, antelope, babboons from our window. Very romantic setting. We also enjoy the early morning and evening game drives qnd were able to see the Big 5 the first day thanks to Ru and Andrei. We hope to visit again!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

ali

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have traveled to many countries in the world. This hotel was the best hotel that I have ever stayed. Everyone was so friendly. They went out of their way to make our trip memorable. I definitely recommend staying in this hotel. I have never written review in past. This is the first review that I am writing. I recommend this hotel to all of my friends.

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The perfect place for safari
We were highly impressed with Pondoro, both for accommodation and quality of game viewing. Our tracker and guide we’re exceptional. We regularly saw the big 5 (and so many leopards, which we’ve struggled to see else where) and a whole range of additional animals from hippos in the river outside the room to a family of porcupines. Our guide always seemed to manage to get us to the viewing before other cars and positioned us perfectly for photos. It was incredible. The accommodation is fantastic, we were upgraded to Earth, a larger suite with a jacuzzi where we watched hippos from (magical). The room had a lounge area, a huge bed, roll top bath and a indoor and outdoor shower. More than you could possibly need! Service was outstanding, everyone was so friendly and helpful and seemed really happy to talk about the animals you’ve seen (even though they must hear about this everyday!). Their passion was great! Finally I’ll just say that the food and wine was superb - we eat constantly, there is so much tasty food! And they set up beautiful special dinners for you. It’s something I’ll remember for a long time. We were very sad to leave and hope to return. Thanks again to all the wonderful staff that made our stay so special!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2019