Balule Private Game Reserve, Kruger National Park

In the language of the Shangaan people, the name 'Balule' is the Tsonga word for Buffalo. You can see the 'Big Five' and many other animals in the Balule Game Reserve. The Balule Game Reserve covers 40 000 Hectares on the Western Boundary of the Kruger National Park. Here, African Wildlife roam freely in this Area, as there are no fences between the two Areas. This means exceptional; "Big Five game viewing in a private Area where guest numbers are limited".

Experienced rangers use their vast knowledge and bush craft on Balule game drives to search for the much sought after Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo) and other game such as Zebra, Wildebeest, and Giraffe. ("There are many other species!")

Open vehicles add a greater sense of adventure for close encounters with African Wildlife. Guests enjoy the sights, scents and sounds of the bush which is essential, for an exciting game drive. Most Balule Game Reserve Lodges offer; Dawn, Dusk or Night Game Drives. These are the optimal times for game viewing, in the cooler hours. (As an enticing offer there are refreshments are served at Scenic Spots!) Stops will be made to photograph the stunning sunsets and to listen to the night sounds. Powerful spotlights are used to locate elusive nocturnal animals like:' Leopard; Lesser Bushbaby; Scrub Hare; Large-Spotted Genet as well as Porcupine; Wild Cat; Civet and Aardvark. The Big 6 birds that are the largest and most eye-catching Avians you can see in the Kruger National Park are: 'the Lappet-Faced Vulture; the Saddle-Billed Stork; the Martial Eagle, the colourful Ground Hornbill, the Kori Bustard and the enigmatic Pel's Fishing Owl. Nocturnal Birds that can sometimes be seen include: Spotted Thick Knee (formerly called Dikkop) and the Bronze-winged Courser.'

A Balule Bush Walk, with an Armed Ranger, only adds more excitement of encountering these animals on foot. The focus is on tracks, scats and other signs of the wild  that are not normally encountered from a Game Vehicle. "You witness the daily experiences of the animals by sharing NOT only their game paths but waterholes and you can become deeply entrenched in their Environment!"

There are around 250 species of Bird in Balule Game Reserve which has a diverse Habitat of: 'Mountainous Forest, Riverine Forest or Bushveld Savannah.' The Area hosts the Big Six of the Raptor species, these are: 'Kori Bustard, Ground Hornbill, Lappet faced Vulture, Pel's Fishing Owl, Martial Eagle and Saddle Billed Stork.'