Balule Nature Reserve

Overview

Balule Game Reserve is adjacent to the world-famous Kruger National Park but without any fencing, the Game Reserve is completely part of the National Park's Ecosystem.The game viewing experience is excellent with the presence of the Big 5 and all other species. It is also well known for exceptional bird watching.This reserve offers open vehicle drives as well as off-road drives for an amazing experience.

Why Go:

  • A variety of accommodation available
  • Excellent value-for-money
  • Amazing game viewing, including the Big Five
  • Game drives both, during the night and day
  • Olifants River attracts a variety of wildlife all year round
  • Ability to experience the wilderness in the Greater Kruger Ecosystem

Wildlife

Balule has a natural eco system, as all the animals are free to walk on and off the reserve. Giraffes, Wildebeests and Waterbucks, are abundant and this becomes the reason for the presence of predators in great numbers. Big herds of Buffaloes can also be spotted.

More About the Wildlife

Scenery

The vegetation in the park, features savannah woodland and grassland. The most astounding scenery is of the Olifants River, which permanently flows through the park, there is also an amazing view of the Drakensberg Mountains that border the park.

Best Time to Visit

Winters (May to September) in Balule have mild conditions and are mostly dry with rare precipitation; it gets cold at night so packing warm clothes becomes essential. Meanwhile, summers (October to April) are hot and humid with lots of rainfall.

More About the Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

In Balule, summer is from October to April – these months are characterized by rain, humidity and heat. Winter, on the other hand, between May and September, tends to be pleasant with milder conditions and little rainfall. At this time of year, the mercury drops at night, so you may need an extra blanket on your bed.

More About the Weather and Climate

Wildlife & Animals

No fencing between Balule Game Reserve and Kruger National Part means that there is a big ecosystem to be experienced, which is a habitat for all the major animals you expect to see on a safari. This includes the Big Five. There is also a large number of animals attracted to the Olifants River; there are chances to spot wildlife such as Elephants, Waterbucks, Lions and Giraffes.
Abundant Common Occasional Rare None
  • Elephant

    Elephant

    Common
  • Giraffe

    Giraffe

    Common
  • Hippo

    Hippo

    Common
  • Buffalo

    Buffalo

    Common
  • Zebra

    Zebra

    Common
  • Wildbeest

    Wildbeest

    Common
  • White Rhino

    White Rhino

    Occasional
  • Black Rhino

    Black Rhino

    Rare
  • Lion

    Lion

    Occasional
  • Leopard

    Leopard

    Rare
  • Cheetah

    Cheetah

    Rare
  • Hyena

    Hyena

    Common
  • Wild Dog

    Wild Dog

    Rare

Best Time to Visit

The Dry Season from May to September is the ideal time for game viewing. The reasons for this are, there being lesser vegetation, and that the temporary water bodies dry up during this season. September is the best month to visit in this season, as it is relatively warmer. The dry season is also good because there aren’t many tourists at Balule Game Reserve.
  • Best Time to GoMay to September
    (Dry season)
  • High SeasonOctober to March
    (Not overly crowded)
  • May to September

    Dry season

  • October to March

    Not overly crowded

  • April to September

    Wildlife viewing is excellent

  • April to May

    Very little rain and mild weather

  • September to October

    Very little rain and mild weather

  • June to August

    Cool mornings and nights

  • December to February

    Hot and steamy

May to September
- Dry Season – Winter
  • Fewer tourists in camps and on roads
October to April
- Wet Season – Summer
  • Sunshine and virtually no rain

Weather & Climate

The seasons in Balule occur in opposite times as compared to Europe and North America. During the summer (October to April), it is hot and humid with frequent showers; however, it won’t usually rain the entire day. In winter (May to September), it can get cold at night and early in the morning.
Climate Chart
- 500m / 1,640ft
Averages based on 50 years of monthly climate data, taken from 1km² (0.39mi²) interpolated climate surfaces.
© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.
Dry Season
- May to September - Winter

With less rainfall and low humidity, animals have a hard time finding water, which means they congregate near permanent water sources.

  • May During this month, rainfall gets less frequent and temperatures start to fall. The temperatures usually fall between 12°C/54°F and 27°C/81°F.
Wet Season

The summer season is humid and hot, with rainfall being frequent, the humidity can become a problem in this season.

Temperatures tend to go above 40°C/104°F. On an average, afternoon temperature is 32°/90°F

  • June to August The temperatures continue to get colder, nights are usually around 10°C/50°F while afternoon highs get to 25°C/82°F, warm clothes are essential for morning and night drives.

Getting There

Balule Game Reserve is easily accessible by road and air. The reserve can be reached in about 6 hours by car from Johannesburg. Daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban fly to three international airports nearby. Road transfers can be provided Johannesburg and from local airports to the various lodges in Balule Game Reserve.

Getting to Balule Nature Reserve by Air

To book your International and local flights, it is best to discuss options with our agents. They will be able to secure best tariffs and match it with your safari dates.

Click on Enquire Now for a free consultation.

 

Getting to Balule Game Reserve by Road

• Follow the N4 towards Nelspruit.
• Take the Belfast off-ramp and drive through Belfast, Dullstroom, Lydenberg and Origstad.
• Make your way over the Abel Erasmus Pass.
• Drive through the Strydom Tunnel and on to Hoedspruit.
• At Hoedspruit, turn left at the 4 way stop onto the R40 towards Phalaborwa.
• Approximately 17km further on, turn right into the Olifants West gate.
• This is the entrance to the Balule Nature Reserve.

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