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Balule Satellite Camp

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.

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Activities

There are no activities available from Balule, however…

See the Park’s Activities for a comprehensive list.

Facilities

  • There is no electricity in the camp, however, lanterns are provided.
  • There is a communal kitchen with scullery and gas stoves, and a communal freezer.
  • One ablution block is provided.
  • There are no shop, restaurant or ATM facilities available.
  • No reception office at camp.

See the Park’s Facilities for a comprehensive list.

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.

Travel Information

Travel routes and times from central Gauteng

Phalaborwa Gate

  1. Take the N1 toll-road to Polokwane (Pietersburg).
  2. 40km before Polokwane turn right onto the R71 and head for Tzaneen.
  3. After Tzaneen, head towards Phalaborwa and the gate. Allow between 6 to 7 hours for the trip to the gate.
  4. Balule camp is 85km 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!

Balule Camp is managed from Olifants Camp. Guests are required to report to Olifants or Satara camps for check-in.

Flora & Fauna

See the Fauna & Flora pages of the Park for more information.

Mammals

Olifants Mammals

The Olifants area plays host to most of the park’s classic larger game. As the name of the camp suggests, elephant are common in the area.Baboon and Vervet Monkey both inhabit the camp as do fruit bats and thick-tailed bush babies at night. Lion and leopard are regularly seen on game drives.Cape Clawless Otter has been seen from the Olifants lookout point on the gravel road to Letaba.

Vegetation

Olifants is situated in rugged veld on rhyolite / basalt soil. Lowveld cluster-leaf, Raisin Bush and Mopane are all prominent in the area. Just south of the river is the transition zone between thornveld and the mopane belt. Visitors can thus have the enriching experience of game viewing in both ecozones.

In the camp itself there is a plethora of trees and plants, some that are scarce elsewhere in the park. A variety of aloe species are a real highlight.Next to the filling station there is a Sesame Bush.This is probably the only accessible place in the park where it can be seen.

In early spring the Sjambok Pod (yellow flowers) and Weeping Boerboon (red flowers) are both in bloom so the veld is a contrast of colour. Also look out for tree euphorbia.

5 Things To Seek

  1. Hippopotamus
  2. Elephant
  3. Pel’s Fishing Owl
  4. Hyena
  5. Goliath Heron

Contact

  • Telephone: +27 (0)13 735 6606/7
  • Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6609

See Camp Contacts for more information.

Maps