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Pondoro Game Lodge
5.0 star property

Luxury hotel with full-service spa and free breakfast

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your current months are May, 2024 and June, 2024.
May 2024
June 2024

Pondoro Game Lodge

Photo gallery for Pondoro Game Lodge

Front of property – evening/night
Free daily full breakfast
Rock Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Interior entrance

Overview of Pondoro Game Lodge

VIP Access
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • SpaSpaSpa
  • Breakfast includedBreakfast includedBreakfast included
  • Parking includedParking includedParking included
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • LaundryLaundryLaundry

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

Perks for members at select top-rated stays

Our Silver and Gold members get perks at select VIP Access properties, on top of exceptional service.
Silver tier member
A perk like food and drink extras, free breakfast, or parking credits
Gold tier member
Room upgrades when available, plus Silver perks
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Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
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Room options

View all photos for Buffalo Suite

Buffalo Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

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 | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

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 | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

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 | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

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 | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

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 | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

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 | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

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

Similar properties

Room service – dining
Oase by 7 Star Lodges - Greater Kruger Private 530ha Reserve
Pool
Breakfast included
All-inclusive
Spa
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (5)
The price is ₹50,954
per night
8 May - 9 May
Oase by 7 Star Lodges - Greater Kruger Private 530ha Reserve

About the area

Balule Game Reserve

Located in Balule Game Reserve, Pondoro Game Lodge is in a national park and on a river. While the natural beauty of Greater Kruger National Park and Selati Game Reserve can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can head to Qualito Craft Distillery.
Visit our Balule Game Reserve travel guideOpens in a new window

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 boutique hotel by the river
Consider a stay at Pondoro Game Lodge and take advantage of free full breakfast, game and wildlife viewing and a poolside bar. Indulge in a body wrap, Ayurvedic treatments and a massage at the on-site spa. The on-site restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities such as ecotours. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as a terrace and an art gallery on-site.
Additional perks include:
  • An outdoor pool with sunloungers
  • Free self-parking
  • A safari, a round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge) and outdoor furniture
  • Game drive on-site, concierge services and a front desk safe
Room features
All guest rooms are individually furnished, and offer comforts, such as premium bedding and pillow menus, in addition to thoughtful touches, such as air conditioning and separate sitting areas.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with designer toiletries and deep-soaking baths
  • Furnished balconies or patios, separate sitting areas and eco-friendly cleaning products

All-inclusive details

This hotel is all-inclusive. On-site food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Gratuities and taxes

Gratuities are included and additional gratuities at guests' discretion are accepted.

Food and beverages

All à la carte meals, snacks and select beverages included
Bottled spirits included
24-hour room service (limited menu)
In-room minibar (all beverages included)
In-room liquor dispensers
Dining availability limited at one or more venues

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–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

No pets or service animals allowed

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 at the property

Important information

Optional extras

  • 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.

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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property 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

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

Does Pondoro Game Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Pondoro Game Lodge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Pondoro Game Lodge?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Pondoro Game Lodge?

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; check-in end time: 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Pondoro Game Lodge?

Checkout is at 11 AM.

Does Pondoro Game Lodge provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of ZAR 1395 per person applies.

Are there all-inclusive benefits at Pondoro Game Lodge?

Yes, the property is all-inclusive.

Where is Pondoro Game Lodge located?

Situated on the riverfront, this all-inclusive hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Greater Kruger National Park and 7.3 mi (11.8 km) from Selati Game Reserve. Makalali Game Reserve and Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate are also within 20 miles (32 km).

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