Nestled next to the welcoming reception area, a crystal clear infinity pool offers a picturesque view of a nearby watering hole, a haven for many an elephant on a scorching hot day. An iconic Marula and surrounding flora are always host to a wide variety of delightful birding specimens, and one cannot but become engrossed in the cacophony of music the African bush has to offer. In the distance one can easily discern the vistas of the northern Drakensburg Mountains, offering remarkable opportunities for prospective photographers particularly at sunset.

Sprawling under a professionally-handcrafted African thatch roof, a contemporary finish is complemented by hand-crafted African decor. An ambience of home is achieved by numerous comfortable seating areas for prospective book-lovers, where views of the surrounding serenity and artisanship leave little to one’s imagination. A central coffee station and freshly baked traditional rusks provide the perfect companion to an exciting early start if one so desires, with the surrounding wildlife and landscape delivering serenity as day breaks.

A traditional “African boma”, or dining area, adjoins the reception area and welcomes one to a hearty central fire, where one can relax with a drink under the African sky very amiably after an afternoon safari. In the evening the light allows for breathtaking views of the stars, and acoustics of surrounding African wilderness create a perfect ambience which leaves much to the imagination as to what could be but a short safari away. This all seamlessly blends in with the main lodge through a rustic yet elegant wooden finish, and one immediately feels at home.

Tucked away and situated along the western boundary of the world-renown Kruger National Park, a pristine and untrodden wilderness awaits you within the Balule Nature Reserve.

This sub-tropical Lowveld eco-zone boasts an impressive biodiversity in both fauna and flora. With over 336 documented tree species in the region, ranging from ancient Baobabs to the massive Marula, the dominant woody savannah is accentuated with plenty to see and accommodates an impressive diversity of bird life. For the avid birder there are over 220 documented species to be found. Various raptors, such as the endangered Lappet-Faced Vulture, Pel’s Fishing Owl, and Martial Eagle, can be observed. This extends to larger birds, such as the Southern Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, and Saddle-Billed Stork, amongst a plethora of other species.

Rivers and occasional watering holes are sanctuaries for an eclectic array of wildlife…. pods of hippo, crocodile and frequenting elephants often make for an intimate viewing experience at Dean’s Dam. These interactions and more are often heard in the evening, where the characteristic whooping of scavenging hyena are also often complimented by the guttural roar of lions.

Located within close proximity to the conservation hub of Hoedspruit (20km), the reserve is easily accessible, yet the acoustics of the wilderness and striking visuals of the adjacent Northern Drakensburg Mountains cannot but make one feel secluded and very much attune with the surrounding wilderness.