Set on the banks of the Olifants River, this luxury lodge occupies 40,000 ha of Balule Private Game Reserve Inside the greater Kruger National Park, it offers a rock pool and spa with waterfalls The thatched cottages at Pondoro Game Lodge feature an African decor with rich fabrics and nature-themed decoration Each has a private wooden deck Air conditioning and bathtubs are standard A fusion of traditional African and modern European cuisine can be enjoyed on the wooden deck overlooking the river Guests can taste fine wine from Pondoros extensive wine cellar or grab a snack at the bar Bird-watching and nature walks are some of the activities that the lodge can arrange Visitors can opt for a morning and evening game drive, both in open-topped Land Rovers The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is 131 km away