Lodges in Balule Game Reserve

We had an amzing stay. The experience was very personalised staff very attentive and welcoming. The rangers were very well trained.Thegame drives are a true adventure, tracking down the big 5!

What a paradise! We loved every minute at Maninghi Lodge. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like kings and queens by Paul, Victoria, and the wonderful staff. We felt our stress just melted away. It is truly a beautiful setting. The river, the breeze, the animals .... everything is magical. We saw lots of animals right in front of the lodge - hippos, monkeys, waterboks, warhogs, elephants.... The game drives are also amazing. Paul is an extremely experienced safari guide. We particularly loved the sundown drinks with all the animals roaming around us. The food was so delicious. From breakfast to dinner, every meal was prepared with care. We loved the traditional potjie dinner and the wonderful open fire BBQ. Paul and Victoria went out of their way to make sure that our every needs were satisfied.

We absolutely LOVED our stay here! Before booking, I sent Sausage Tree quite a few questions and they were always quick to respond – and unfailingly friendly and patient. Things only got better once we arrived to a warm welcome and had a chance to take in the grounds. The camp is gorgeous, and with only 5 tents, it also feels very intimate. One of my absolute favorite aspects about the camp is that the owner and our game drive guide/tracker ate their meals with guests, family-style. It was awesome getting to know them and hearing all their stories! You will arrive as a stranger and leave feeling like you are part of the family. Now to the game drives: Our guide and tracker, Themba and Polite, were fantastic! Not only were they incredibly fun and knowledgeable, but they also had an uncanny ability to somehow spot completely hidden animals and identify every bird by its sound. Themba and Polite not only found the Big 5 for us, but if we mentioned another animal we wanted to see, they would try their hardest to find it for us. They seem to know every inch of the huge Balule Nature Reserve on which Sausage Tree is located so every day we saw new scenery and learned something new. Also, even when we got very close to the animals we never felt we were at risk, as Themba and Polite are well versed in the signs animals give off and understand when it is safe to get closer and when to back off. It was such an adventure! The camp is surrounded by a fence so you can walk around by yourself, but since you are in a tent you can still hear the animals while you sleep. And speaking of the tents – this is definitely a glamping experience. The tents have a comfortable bed, electricity/Wi-Fi, and a separate indoor bathroom with a tub. Last but not least, the food: wow! I am a vegetarian and the camp’s main chef, Peter, always went out of his way to create special meals for me.

- Great and lovely staff - Wonderful and diverse food - Very nice vibe within the lodge

My husband and I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Milima Big 5 Safari Lodge in the Greater Kruger area in South Africa, and it was, without a doubt, one of the most remarkable experiences of our lives. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the lodge and its surroundings. The lodge perfectly blends luxury and nature, offering an authentic yet comfortable safari experience. Accommodation: The rooms were beautifully appointed, providing a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. Waking up to the sounds of nature and the sight of the stunning landscape right from our window was a daily delight. Staff: The staff at Milima Big 5 went above and beyond to ensure our stay was memorable. Their warmth and hospitality made us feel right at home. They were attentive, friendly, and always available to assist with anything we needed. Food: The culinary experience was a highlight in itself. Each meal was a delightful adventure, with a variety of delicious dishes that catered to all tastes. The quality and presentation of the food were exceptional, adding to the overall luxury of our stay. Wildlife Experience: The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the wildlife. Guided by our fantastic guide, Sydney, we embarked on thrilling game drives, witnessing an abundance of animals in their natural habitat. Sydney's knowledge and passion for wildlife enriched our experience, making each sighting more special. Milima Big 5 Safari Lodge is more than just a place to stay; it's a gateway to a magical and unforgettable safari adventure. We left with hearts full of joy and memories that will last a lifetime. We highly recommend this lodge to anyone looking for an extraordinary safari experience in South Africa.

This is the most beautiful place to spend time. We loved our chalet, it was a real bush life experience but it was cosy, clean and luxurious. We loved seeing the animals from our balcony and listening to them as we fell asleep. The staff are truly outstanding. We felt so taken care of. Our room was spotless and serviced every day. We were transferred to and from the airport and they even set up a special dinner to celebrate our honeymoon with Muweti bubbles! The food was delicious and it was such a treat to sit around the fire and have Hardus and Niel cook for us. They are both amazing guides and we learnt so much from them, from Valeria as well! Thank you to the whole team for making our first safari unforgettable. We will definitely be back!

Every single staff member was amazing. They were so professional, welcoming, and just good at their jobs. Special shout out to Bianca, the chef. Awesome food with impressive presentation. Also, shout out to Lee Ann, the general manager but most important to us, the game trail guide. Her expertise is unbelievable. Masodini is a must see and experience. If I could rate it higher than five stars, I would.

The staff was friendly, welcoming and more helpful. The place is perfect for unwinding, bonding as a family.

The facilities are brand new and the lodge really exudes the owners' wish to create a superior and memorable experience