Nyala Safari Lodge

Nyala Safari Lodge rests comfortably on the banks of the seasonal Mohlabetsi River in the Greater Kruger’s Balule Nature Reserve. Distinct in design, this 5-bedroomed Lodge offers thatched accommodation in an iconic rondavel style, an archetype of Kruger accommodation. Nyala’s main area has a wrap-around viewing deck mimicking the curves of the river and runs the full length of the lodge. The entire lodge is shaded by Weeping Boer-bean and ancient Jackalberry trees, ensuring respite from the heat during the sizzling summer months. There’s also a swimming pool on-site and a deck area to ensure the most is made out of those balmy summer days.

Don’t be surprised to spot bushbuck and vervet monkeys while lounging around the pool area. Just metres away from the main area is a thriving waterhole, where wildlife is known to put on a spectacle for onlookers. The boma area of Nyala Safari Lodge is strategically placed to take advantage of waterhole views and offers the perfect place to sit under the stars around a crackling campfire after your evening game drive. Boma and swimming pool aside, the rest of the main area comprises a dining section, open plan kitchen, lounge, and viewing deck with hammocks.

Dotted among the riparian vegetation are 5 well-appointed Chalets, furnished with sandy beige interiors and earthy tones designed to harmonise with the Balule Bushveld. Expect Egyptian cotton linen, light wooden furniture, and ornate bathrooms, four of which have deep-set luxurious baths. While each room has a hint of uniqueness, all have indoor and outdoor showers and views of either the bushveld, pool or river. Activities include two game drives a day which depart at first light and late afternoon when the nocturnal predators are most active.

About Balule Nature Reserve

Balule Nature Reserve was established by a group of like-minded, private landowners in the early 1990s. From the start, their objective was to create a larger, open system with no fences to hinder animal movement thus creating a much healthier habitat for fauna and flora.

The Reserve has since grown from the initial 11,000 ha to 55,000 ha, approximately 150 km of fences have been removed and it consists of both private and commercial properties. In 2004, the Eastern boundary fence was removed and Balule was officially incorporated into the Kruger National Park (established in 1898).

Thus, Balule is now part of an open system that covers over 2 million hectares in South Africa and is widely regarded as one of the most successful conservation areas in the world.

Balule is mostly made up of mixed Acacia and Combretum woodlands, which sustain 94 mammal, 280 bird, 72 reptile and 128 tree species, not to mention the insect, fish, amphibian and other plant species.