Balule Game Reserve

Forming part of the Greater Kruger Park in the Limpopo Province, the Balule Game Reserve offers unfenced borders with Kruger, allowing free movement of wildlife and authentic safari experiences. A Big Five safari destination, this reserve is renowned for its abundance of wildlife. During game drives, safari vehicles can go off-road to get the best possible sightings for guests.

Must-Visit Areas in Balule Game Reserve

From dawn and dusk game drives to nighttime adventures and bush walks, during your explorations, these areas are fantastic stops for wildlife sightings:

Olifants River: A Wildlife Hotspot

The Olifants River is a lifeline in the nature reserve that attracts diverse wildlife. Crocodiles and hippos are regulars in the water and on the banks, safari-goers will see elephants and giraffes, as well as waterbucks, bushbucks, and impalas. This river also attracts waders and other water-associated bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching safaris.

Maseke Game Reserve: Big Cat Sightings

The geology of this reserve is fascinating! Rocky outcrops, old mica mines and caves, koppies, and granite boulders feature across this landscape. These unique rocky environments attract leopards, who use them as dens for their young. So, when driving near these areas, keep your eyes open for big cat families!

When’s the Best Time to Visit Balule Game Reserve?

The dry season, from May to September, is the best time for a safari in Balule Game Reserve because of the cooler temperatures and better wildlife visibility. During this time of the year, animals congregate around the few remaining water sources, making them easier to find. For a birding safari at Balule, visit during the wet season (November to April) to see the migratory birds that come to the reserve.

Wildlife Found in Balule Game Reserve

This is a Big Five destination, so while on safari here, you have the chance to see lions, leopards (although rare), elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Other animals that inhabit this reserve are hippos, crocodiles, and over 250 bird species, including the trumpeter hornbill, purple-crested turaco, black-collared barbet, African green pigeon, and plum-coloured starling.

How to Get to Balule Game Reserve

Fly to Hoedspruit Airport from either Cape Town or Johannesburg. From there, it’s just over an hour’s drive to the game reserve.