Balule Camp
All-in-One
This page displays all information relevant to this park/camp, except the following:
"The place to be"
Deep in the heart of the Kruger National Park, in the most exquisite topography, lies a small satellite camp. Named 'Balule' after the Tsonga word for the Olifants River, this camp is one of the best places for guests to experience nature first hand. Situated more or less in the centre of the Park, just south of Olifants Camp, Balule lies close to the mighty Olifants River. With only the most basic of facilities and no electricity, a low fence is the only barrier that separates you from the wilderness, resulting in a true back to basics experience. It is this unique wilderness feel of the camp that makes it a firm favourite with backpackers, the caravanning community and other visitors who want to get away from it all.
5 Things to Seek
- Hippopotamus
- Elephant
- Pel's Fishing Owl
- Hyena
- Goliath Heron
Contact Satara
Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6306/7
Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6304
Contact Olifants
Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6606/7
Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6609
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Accommodation
Campsites
• 15 x tent or caravan sites, without power points. Communal ablutions and cooking facilities. Maximum of 6 people per site.
Huts
• 6 x rustic 3-bed huts with communal ablution facilities. The huts have no windows - only vents. There are no cooking utensils, crockery or cutlery, but a communal kitchen with scullery and gas stoves is available. Limited space is available in a communal freezer.
Balule camp is managed form Satara camp and has no Reception area. Guests are required to report to Satara or Olifants camps for check-in. Accommodation at Balule camp is ideal for backpacking, camping and caravanning communities looking for a self-catering bushveld experience.
To view the accommodation prices, refer to Tariffs
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Activities
There are no activities available from Balule, however...
• Guided Game Walks or Game Drives can be pre-arranged with Olifants camp
• Groups of 10 people or more can book activities from Satara
These activities will ensure an exciting bush experience. All bookings, as well as further details for these activities are available from reception at Satara or Olifants.
Facilities
There is no electricity in the camp, however, lanterns are provided
• A communal kitchen with scullery and gas stoves
• One ablution block
• Communal freezer
• There are no shop or restaurant facilities available
• No Reception office at camp
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Tariffs
-
Tariffs for Kruger outdoor activities and guided game walks / drives
- View pictures of Balule accommodation and availability
Tariffs from 1 November 2007 to 31 October 2008 |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit type | No. of units | Rate | Base | Max. beds | Add. Adult | Add. Child |
|
12 |
R120,00 |
1–2 |
6 people per site |
R40,00 |
R20,00 |
|
|
6 |
R190,00 |
1-2 |
3 single beds |
R80,00 |
R40,00 |
|
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How to get there
Travel routes and times from central Gauteng
Phalaborwa Gate
Take the N1 toll-road to Polokwane (Pietersburg). 40 km before Polokwane turn right onto the R71 and head for Tzaneen. After Tzaneen, head towards Phalaborwa and the gate. Allow between 6 to 7 hours for the trip to the gate. Balule camp is 85 km away from the gate. Allow about 3 hours for the drive to the camp, however if you want to enjoy the game viewing possibilities give yourself more time!
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Vital Information
There is no electricity - lanterns are provided.
Warnings
Please ensure that your stay is happy and safe by taking note of a few simple warnings. You will be sharing your stay with many exciting and unusual creatures but without knowledge some of them could be dangerous:
- Bats, Spiders, Snakes, Scorpions, Malaria Zone
If you must walk around at night please DO NOT DO SO WITHOUT A TORCH.
Remember: by feeding any wildlife, you are signing their death warrant as they become aggressive!
Climate
Kruger is in a summer rainfall area. Such precipitation is usually convectional and can result in heavy downpours. The summer months (October to April) are hot and often balmy. Winters are warm and mild, although visitors going on night-drives will require warm clothing.
Day visitors
Day visitors are not permitted in Balule. However, Olifants has a designated picnic area for day visitors. It is located behind the camp’s reception offices. Clear signage in the camp will direct you. Gas cooking facilities are available for rent.
