Discover Balule Game Reserve on foot

Our 6-day Walking Safari is an opportunity to explore two very different landscapes of Balule Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger. Explore the north and the south and enjoy walking safaris, game drives, a bush sleepout and a boat tour on the Olifants River*. The sandy plains and undulating granite hills of Balule are ideal for those not wanting more than a moderate walking challenge.

• 2/5 walking difficulty
• Get the best of both worlds by staying at Amava River Lodge and Tomo Safari Lodge
• Bush sleepout and boat tour* included!

For our first stop on the south of the reserve, we’ll have access to 7000 hectares of bushveld savannah.  For the second part of our Walking Safari, explore 5000 hectares of wilderness along 8km of the Olifants River on the northern part of Balule Game Reserve. Balule is home to 336 tree species, 220 birds and over 30 species of mammals, including the Big 5, hyenas, cheetah, wild dog and more!  

Airport transfer from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport is included. Transfers can be arranged between Balule Game Reserve and OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg for an additional fee. 

*subject to availability and water levels

Check-in at Tomo Safari Lodge on Balule Game Reserve and get settled in. Enjoy an afternoon at the lodge pool overlooking the waterhole followed by a sunset game drive before dinner. 

Full-day walking safari until late afternoon followed by an optional sleep-out where we will cook dinner over a campfire and sleep under the stars. 

Walk or drive back to the lodge from your sleepout spot for a sit down breakfast before leaving for Amava River Lodge. Get settled at Bundox and enjoy an afternoon by the river followed by an evening game drive. End the day with a riverside dinner back at the lodge. 

Depart at first light for an early morning riverside walk along the untamed Olifants River until midday. Have lunch and refreshments at the lodge and cool down by the pool. End the day with a boat tour and sundowners down the Olifants River (subject to availability) before having dinner at the lodge. 

Exploratory morning walking safari until mid-afternoon including a lunch out in the bush. Enjoy some downtime at the lodge in the afternoon before going for a late afternoon game drive with sundowners. Have your last dinner together at the lodge and do some astronomy with your guide (optional). 

Go for a short morning walk or game drive followed by breakfast at the lodge before check-out.