Greenfire Game Lodge

Greenfire Game Lodge offers you an unforgettable up-close encounter with African wildlife and the bush in prime Big 5 territory. Game viewing can be done on foot or on open vehicle safaris, with some flexibility in deciding between the two. At all times, you'll be accompanied by expert, passionate and enthusiastic wildlife guides who are there to share the smallest details - and larger-than-life experiences - that untamed Africa has to offer, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned safari visitor.

Comfortable accommodation

Recently refurbished, Greenfire Game Lodge can sleep up to 18 people in modern twin-bedded en-suite safari units with glass frontage, each with its own private viewing deck overlooking a dry riverbed. The en-suite bathrooms offer hot showers and flush toilets. An inviting splash pool area makes up the heart of the camp, where guests can relax and swap stories of the day. Meals are plated and served either alfresco under the stars or in the spacious dining room. The camp has been carefully designed to fit harmoniously into its natural surroundings. There is an electric fence to keep out the larger game, but smaller game and predators such as lion, leopard and hyena can easily walk under the fence - a rare occurrence but one that adds to the wilderness experience.

Game activities

Game viewing by vehicle enables you to see more wildlife in a shorter period of time, whereas the bush walks allow you to experience first-hand the real African bush and its finer details: the smells, the tracks, the sounds and the incredible sights - like spoor, nests, dung and territorial markings, or coming across a herd of elephant resting in the shade. As far as practically possible, guests are given the flexibility to enjoy their choice of guided activity each day to get the most enjoyment out of the safari experience.

Due to the sensitive environment and their commitment to best practice in conservation, the game drive vehicles at Greenfire are not permitted to go off-road. Game drives and walks depart twice daily, at sunrise and again late afternoon-early evening, when game viewing is at its best. Late afternoon drives stay out into the early evening to get the chance to view the shy and elusive nocturnal creatures by the spotlight. All guided game activities are 3-4 hours in duration; meals and leisure time are enjoyed at the lodge.

Optional excursions to the Kruger Park and local attractions such as the Blyde Canyon and Bourkes Luck Potholes can easily be arranged (extra cost).

Small group bush walks

Walking groups are kept to a maximum of eight (no minimum) and you'll be accompanied by experienced, armed rangers and trackers. There is a minimum age of 16 for these walking safaris; there's no maximum age limit but these walks generally last three or four hours, so you need to be reasonably fit, especially during the peak summer months (Nov - Mar). Sometimes, a walk may be combined with a game drive.

Balule Private Game Reserve

The Greenfire Game Lodge is situated in the private Balule Nature Reserve, which is part of the Greater Kruger Park. There are no fences between Balule and the Kruger National Park. The reserve is game rich and home to the Big 5. It covers more than 40,000 hectares and the Olifants River runs through its centre for some 20 km. One of the main attractions of the reserve is its privacy, as it's not open to day visitors.

Getting there

By road - A daily shuttle service operates between Johannesburg and the lodge (excluding Christmas Day). Please let us know if you'd like more details about this. For self-drive clients, the lodge is approximately six hours' drive from Johannesburg.

By air - There are daily flights to Eastgate Airport (at nearby Hoedspruit) and transfers by road from here to the lodge can easily be arranged (from the airport to the lodge takes about one hour).

Our take on Greenfire Game Lodge

We have dealt with Greenfire Lodge for many years and were very impressed when we visited there recently. This lodge sets high standards and offers good-value-for-money at a reasonable price, as well as some flexibility regarding choice of activities. The meals were excellent. The entire safari experience reflects their superb operational ethics, high service delivery and a real passion for sharing the best of Africa with their clients. We have no hesitation in recommending Greenfire for an unforgettable safari experience.