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Guys, have a look here - New measuring weir in Olifants River.

I might have been there at a bad time, but there is a lot of construction activity to and fro over the bridge and I cannot help wondering if game might be keeping away while this all goes on.

I know it's not everyone's cup of tea but I love going to Balule. My wife and I have been in Kruger regularly for the last ten years but we always feel most at home in Balule. Throughout the night elephant, hyaenas(patrolling the fence) lion and buffalo regularly pass by.
It's always a good place to leave from early in the morning. We have seen many lions and often 2 male cheetah down the old main road (S90) to Satara. Leopard is often across the river on the dirt road to Olifants and near to the Olifants Bridge on the tar.

This is the best way to experience KNP.

It is a TRUE experience of nature. Next to Tamboti, a really special gem in the jewelry box of KNP.

I stayed there for two nights on my April 2008 trip and I will make it one of my "must stay at camps" in future.

Here are some pics of the camp. Sorry about the pics being a bit dark, it was really overcast while we were there.





Lots of shade available but remember to watch out for flooding if you have a floor tent... some areas turn into mini dams.

We are staying at Balule next week, pls advise the following:

1. Does the sunset drive out of Olifants pick one up at Balule or does one have to drive to Olifants catch the sunset drive and is one then able to self drive back to Balule in the dark? Or is it is just not possible to do a sunset drive if staying at Balule.

2.Is there still a river walk from Balule.If so please advise approx times and costs.

3.is it better to check in to Balule at Satara or Olifants(coming from the south)?

4. Which is the most popular hut at Balule(and the next most popular)?

stevhil

Balule 16 March

They do collect you at Balule, and drop you off afterwards, so you can do a sunset drive from Balule.


Not up to date on costs - but yes, one books at Olifants and then leaves from Olifants around 9/9.30am with the guides, who then drive you to the spot they walk from.


One can only check in at Olifants - so allow enough time to get to Balule. Its about a 10km drive, very scenic.

Steve, you have chosen one of Kruger's best kept secrets.

I think that hut number six has the nicest position. It is such a small camp, however, that there is little to worry about.

Have a lovely trip.

We are arriving there in about a month. Was wondering if this camp provides cooking utensils for use at the braai. We're staying in one of the huts. Or what is a long distance traveler like me to do?

A very warm welcome to you Travellini

Utensils are not supplied for travellers, so it would be important to get the basics. There is also no electricity, so stocking up with some form of lighting would also be essential. There is a communal freezer and boiling water is available in the communal kitchen.

Are you staying at any other camps? Many things can be purchased in Phalabora, Havyview or Hoedspruit. I find that the prices are better and the range of goods is wider than the camp shops.

You would need the basic cutlery, plates, cups and utensils. Don't forget the barbeque equipment either. I also like to have a flask for coffee on the drives.

I would also suggest a cooler bag of sorts. It is possible to stock up on ice regularly at the camp shops. I find that keeping things cool can be rather a challenge.

It is very dark, so headlamps and some form of communal light would also be important.

Hello

A question ......... are the stands/sites numbered and can one book a specific site (a la Tsendze) or is it first come first serve ?

Graham

First come first served! One word of advice, check the prevailing wind direction as well as you can. This is not for fire hazard or possible dirt blowing into your face while having a braai or the direction of the braai smoke maybe blowing into your face. It is for a sound sleep and not being woken up suffocating on the horrid smell of Hyaena passing wind in close proximity.

Just the newest space view!

Hi

Can somebody please tell me how to go about checking in at Balule?
It is close to Oliphants but is listed as a satellite for Satara - do I have to go all the way down to Satara to check in, as this is out of the way.

Thanks

It is a satellite of Satara, but you can check in at Olifants.

From what I remember on the booking information it says check in for Balule is at any of the main camps, preferably Satara. Other satellite camps have specific main camps or gate to check in.