Overview–southafrica

Balule Private Nature Reserve

A patchwork of private properties that combined into one nature reserve in the 1990s, Balule now shares an open border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park and is part of the same ecosystem. All major safari animals are present, and game drives are conducted in open safari vehicles, which can go off-road to get the best possible experience.

Best Time to Visit

The dry months during winter (May through September) is the best time for wildlife viewing in Balule. The vegetation is thinner, and animals gather around water sources. As winter progresses, animal spotting tends to improve. September is a great month, in particular, as it is warmer than the rest of winter. Prime wildlife viewing time happens to be in the ‘off-season’ for tourism, which makes it all the more attractive.

May to September –Dry Season – Winter

Wildlife is easier to spot as vegetation is thinner and animals gather at water sources
Fewer tourists in camps and on roads
Sunshine and virtually no rain
Low humidity and mild weather
Malaria isn't a high risk
Dusty and dry
Warm clothing is essential for early morning game drives

October to April –Wet Season – Summer

The landscape is green and fresh
There are plenty of baby animals
Migratory birds arrive making birding excellent
Wildlife viewing is better in the Dry season
More tourists are around at this time, especially during the school holidays
Middle of the day is humid and hot
Taking antimalarial medication is necessary

Scenery

The main habitats in the parks are savannah woodland and grassland. Scenic highlights are the perennial Olifants River, which runs through the center of the park, and the Drakensberg escarpment, which forms a dramatic background.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Jan

Feb

Dec

Mar

April

Oct

Nov

Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: May to September (Dry season)

High Season

From: October to March (Not overly crowded)

Size

From: 500km² / 195mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Balule NR shares open borders with Kruger Park and is, therefore, part of a huge ecosystem and home to all major safari animals – including the Big Five. The Olifants River attracts an abundance of wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, waterbuck and giraffe. Lion are often nearby. Leopard and cheetah are also present but less easy to see.

Wildlife Highlights

The reserve has an impressive hippo and crocodile population. The former can be found wallowing in the river during the day, and the latter can usually be spotted on the riverbanks. Civet and honey badger are just two of the rarer creatures sometimes encountered.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The dry months of June to September make up the prime time for wildlife viewing in Balule. In particular, the period from August to September (the end of the Dry season) is a recommended time for a visit as temperatures rise and animals concentrate around the Olifants River after the dry spell.

General Wheather

Winter and summer occur at opposite times in Balule Nature Reserve as they do in North America and Europe. The summer months, October through April, are wet, hot and humid and recognized as the Wet season. The winter months, May through September, are mild and warm, and this is the Dry season. During the winter, the nights and early mornings are cold. Thundershowers are common during the Wet season, although it would be a rarity for it to rain the whole day.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

There is essentially no rainfall during the winter and very little humidity. Animals have difficulty finding water in the bush, so they group around permanent water sources during this time.

May – May means summertime is at its end. Lower temperatures become normal. Expect temperatures of about 12°C/54°F in the morning and 28°C/82°F in the afternoon.
June, July & August – Warm clothing is very important for cold morning game drives in open vehicles as it averages 11°C/52°F in the mornings. Afternoon temperatures are around 24°C/75°F and these months often have lovely, bright skies.
September – The first rains quench the dry ground and temperatures slowly rise to an average of about 27°C/81°F during the afternoon. Mornings are fair with temperatures around 15°C/59°F.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

Summer brings hot, humid conditions that can be uncomfortable at times. It isn’t unheard of for temperatures to rise above 40°C/104°F. Average daytime temperatures are around 31°C/88°F. Afternoon storms occur frequently, although they rarely last long.

October & November – Temperatures rise, and rain becomes a daily occurrence, usually in the afternoon. Temperatures typically range from 18°C/64°F in the morning to 30°C/86°F in the afternoon.
December, January & February – This is the time of the highest temperatures and the most rain. Massive downpours should be expected in the afternoon. Temperatures can rise above 40°C/104°F, with daytime averages of 33°C/91°F.
March & April – As the weather cools, the rains taper off but continue into April. This is a time of lovely weather and clear, bright skies. Nights are fair with an average temperature of 15°C/59°F, while daytimes are around 31°C/88°F.

Prons

Excellent wildlife viewing with all of the Big Five present
Part of the vast Greater Kruger ecosystem
Game drives, night drives, and walking safaris are available
Several accommodation options to choose from

Cons

Expensive packages and no self-drive option
Some properties are small and cluttered with man-made constructions

How To Get There

O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg is the arrival point for most visitors to Balule Nature Reserve. From here a connecting flight to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport (HDS) can be arranged. Most accommodations provide transport from Eastgate Airport, which takes up to an hour depending on the exact location of the lodge.

Hiring a car is an alternative option, and you can do this in Johannesburg. Balule is located alongside the R40 between Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa, west of Kruger National Park. The 450km/280 mi drive from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes approximately 5 hours*.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), and what tickets would cost.