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Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

5.0 star property
Riverfront lodge with a full-service spa and free breakfast

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Photo gallery for Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

Front of property - evening/night
Rock Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated
Outdoor pool, sun loungers
Tree Suite | Living area | Books
Wildevy Chalet | Bathroom | Separate tub and shower, deep soaking tub, designer toiletries

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • All inclusive
  • Breakfast included
  • Gym
  • Room service

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

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
  • River view
  • 110 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Wildevy Chalet

Wildevy Chalet | Living area | Books

Wildevy Chalet

Highlights

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

About the neighborhood

Map
Balule Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS) - 98 min drive

About this property

Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park

Luxury boutique lodge by the river
Consider a stay at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park and take advantage of free cooked-to-order breakfast, game and wildlife viewing, and a poolside bar. Indulge in Ayurvedic treatments, a body scrub, and a Swedish massage at the onsite spa. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like 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 sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • A safari, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and a gift shop
  • Books, outdoor furniture, and concierge services
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and boast comforts such as premium bedding and pillow menus, in addition to thoughtful touches like air conditioning and separate sitting areas.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with designer toiletries and deep soaking tubs
  • Furnished balconies or patios, separate sitting areas, and eco-friendly cleaning products

All inclusive details

This lodge is all-inclusive. Onsite 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 liquor 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

Entertainment

Onsite entertainment and activities

Languages

English

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Oase by 7 Star Lodges - Greater Kruger Private 530ha Reserve

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  • Breakfast included
  • All inclusive
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The price is SAR 2,256
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includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

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

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Couples/private dining
  • Private picnics

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Books
  • 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

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • 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
  • Hot tub
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Spa open daily
  • 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.
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance

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 organized tours and activities
  • Mosquito nets
  • 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

  • Bathrobes
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

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

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Desk
  • 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 staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

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
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

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 solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
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 organization.

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
Pondoro Game Lodge All Inclusive
Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park Lodge

Frequently asked questions

Does Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?

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

What time is check-out at Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Does Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park 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 - Open to Kruger Park?

Yes, the property is all-inclusive.

Where is Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park located?

Situated on a river, this all-inclusive lodge is within 32 mi (52 km) of Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, Kruger National Park, and Phalaborwa Gate.

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Pondoro Game Lodge - Open to Kruger Park Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 53 out of 53 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 53 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10

Amazing stay!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10

Beyond Exceptional. All the staff go beyond to make you feel welcome and special. Chef makes gourmet meals every time and she is very good. One of the best experiences we had ever.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10

10/10 recommend staying here. My husband’s and I stayed her for our honeymoon and had the most amazing time. The staff was incredible and super accommodating! The food was delicious, the safari guides were so knowledgeable and kept us so safe! I know we both will remember this experience for the rest of our lives. We will definitely be back for many years to come! Thank you Pondoro for the most amazing experience! We appreciate you!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10

Absolutely amazing. We stayed at Pondoro in January in the beautiful Tree Suite with the most incredible views of the river. Every member of the staff was so friendly and hospitable. Our daily game drives exceeded all our expectations with the most experienced guides. The vegetation this time of year was so green and gorgeous. From sun up to sun down we were so well fed by the talented team of chefs. It was all such a dream. I hope we have the chance to return again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10

This place is first rate! The lodgings were excellent. The food was the best that we had in 5 stops in Africa. The staff was great, as were the game guides. And along a beautiful view of the Oliphant River, with all sorts of animals seen there!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10

We came here for our honeymoon. What an amazing experience we had. We had 2 game drives per day with fantastic guides/spotters. The food was top tier - nearly Michelin star level; I had the eggs benedict every single morning. They arranged the most romantic evening dinner in their wine cellar for us. This is probably the best place I have ever stayed.

10/10

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

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

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

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

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10

Das Prädikat "ausgezeichnet" ist fast zu wenig im Vergleich mit anderen Lodges. Lodge-Besitzer und das gesamte Team tun alles, um für den Gast ein außergewöhnliches Urlaubserlebnis zu gestalten. Danke an Liz, die Ranger Ray und Rud mit ihren Trackern, die erlesene Küche und das gesamte Service-Personal. Wir bekamen ein Upgrade und waren im Chalet "Rock" bestens untergebracht. Das Essen war sehr abwechslungsreich und geschmackvoll serviert - für Senioren eher zu viel; Mittags hätte ein Salat gereicht. Bei den Game Drives haben wir unter anderen viele Elefanten gesehen, auch ein Rudel von ca. 20 Löwen streifte um das Safari-Fahrzeug. Ganz zum Schluss klappten auch die intensiven Bemühungen der Tracker und Ranger mit einem freien Blick auf einen im Baum hockenden Leoparden das Big-Five-Erlebnis in 3 Tagen komplett zu machen. Herzlichen Dank dem Pondoro-Team für drei unvergesslich schöne Tage
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10

That was my best safari experience. Since the first contact with the Game Lodge, all was extremely professional and friendly. We booked a transfer from Hoedspruit airport that worked perfectly. The room was unforgetable, huge, beaultiful, comfortable, with river view and from the balcony we could see a lot of animals. All the meals were delicious, everything included. The staff is so friendly. I will miss this place forever.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10

O Pondoro e sua equipe me proporcionaram uma das melhores experiências da minha vida. O lodge é incrível e fica localizado à margem de um rio, o que te permite ver animais ao longo do dia, como os Hipopótamos que moram lá e elefantes e girafas que sempre aparecem. São apenas 8 chalés, o que deixa todo atendimento muito íntimo. Foi a equipe de hotelaria mais incrível que eu já vi e uma gastronomia impecável. Sam, nosso ranger e Dion, nosso tracker, fizeram dos nossos safáris uma experiência inesquecível, uma verdadeira aventura em busca dos Big 5. Falando em Big 5, tivemos a sorte de vê-los 2 vezes e uma delas foi no mesmo game Drive. Se você ainda está em dúvida entre ficar ou não no Pondoro, simplesmente vá. Espero voltar um dia para poder ficar pelo menos 3 noites. Fiquei apenas 2 e voltei com um gostinho de quero mais! :)
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10

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

10/10

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019