Search Hotels by Thornybush Collection in Balule Game Reserve

"From the moment we arrived we were greeted with warm hospitality. Everyone was extremely warm and welcoming. The lodge was huge, beautifully decorated, whomever curated their guest’s experience deserves a standing ovation. The food was delicious, the game drive was fun and exciting. We highly recommend as the service and experience exceeded our expectations. "

"This is a little piece of paradise. Under Neville’s management nothing ever felt “out of control” or ever too much. Their hospitality, the service and concern for guests is what makes this place unique. The animals make it special. Sindiso our guide made sure that every drive was filled with as much sightings and information as possible. He is very knowledgeable not only on the animals but on the birds and trees as well. Walking out of your room seeing the giraffes, lounging in the pool or on the patio with the zebra’s grazing close by and the hippos in the pond. You certainly don’t go hungry either, Sibosiso the cook made sure we were always well fed and you could see and feel the love he put into his cooking. Sibosiso the server was always there with something refreshing to drink. The cleaning staff made sure our room was always picture perfect and clean. The gardeners were always cleaning up and making sure the grounds were perfect, and I mean artist perfect. From beginning to end everyone at Elandela made our stay extremely memorable and we will definitely be back. I can not recommend this place strongly enough, these are the memories and friends you will never forget. Thank you for making my husband’s first safari special."

"Exceptionally clean and staff very friendly and helpful. Beautiful hotel and surrounding grounds very well kept. Loved and very much enjoyed my stay."

"The room was clean and well appointed. The staff were very friendly and helpful. "

"Nyati is beautiful, spacious, friendly, efficient and considerate of special dietary concerns. We stayed in Rhino Tents which were luxurious and comfortable. Staff went out of their way to make our experience amazing. Wildlife was everywhere but we felt safe on the resort and on safari. It was an experience of a lifetime!! "

"We had the most amazing time at Motswari — truly unforgettable! Every moment was special. All the meals were excellent, with breakfast and dinner set in different beautiful locations each day, which kept things exciting. Our guide and tracker, Owen and George, were outstanding — incredibly knowledgeable and made sure each drive felt unique. We were lucky enough to see the Big 5 within our first two drives, and got incredibly close to the animals. Elephants and giraffes even wandered right past our room, which was surreal. I’d recommend at least 3 nights to really soak it all in. The lodge’s location is also a big plus — close to Hoedspruit airport, so no need for a private plane. The only small downside is that there’s no phone in the rooms. Once escorted back at night, there’s no way to call staff for something simple like water. On our first night, a short circuit knocked out the lights and hot water, and while it wasn’t serious enough to blow the emergency whistle, it would’ve been nice to contact staff more easily. That aside, Motswari is an incredible place, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience."

"The facilities are in excellent condition, the staff is lovely, the breakfast is very good, and it's not far from the Kruger gate and shops. Unfortunately the people in the adjacent room to mine were blaring music or TV until late in the evening and I had to wear ear plugs to sleep. But the place itself is great. "

"Amazing staff and the food was terrific!"

"Super welcoming, friendly and safe. Very attentive to details. "