Ku Sungula Safari Lodge

Located in Balule Private Game Reserve, Ku Sungula Safari Lodge with its authentic rondavel accommodation and waterhole-facing guest terrace is ideally situated for an intimate and rewarding Big Five game viewing experience in South Africa's Greater Kruger.

Cosy, rondavel accommodation

Ku Sungula Safari Lodge has five thatched, air-conditioned, en-suite rondavels. Four of the rondavels overlook the seasonal river from their elevated positions while the fifth wheelchair-friendly family rondavel which sleeps four is located in the centre of the camp. Each rondavel has its own private terrace and the king-sized beds are draped with mosquito nets. There are also overhead fans and tea- and coffee-making stations on wooden safari writing desks in each room.

Guest area

The guest lounge offers open spaces with cosy chairs to relax in and tea- and coffee-making facilities, a bar, a restaurant, a shaded guest terrace beneath two towering indigenous trees and a swimming pool that overlooks the dry riverbed and waterhole. Meals are normally served al fresco on the terrace during the day and in the boma by the firepit beneath the stars at night.

Game viewing

Game drives at Ku Sungula take place in Balule Private Game Reserve twice a day in open safari vehicles. Expertly guided by experienced safari guides who are permitted to take the vehicle off-road, you may be able to venture closer to prime Big Five sightings. You also have the option of going on a guided bush walk which allows you to experience the African bush from a different perspective on foot. The Olifants River which snakes through Balule draws plenty of game all year round, especially in winter from June to August when it's dry and the wildlife gravitates towards the few remaining sources of water. With some 250 bird species on record, birdwatching is also rewarding.

Optional activities

Ku Sungula Safari Lodge offers a number of optional activities such as

• a full-day guided Kruger National Park safari
• a full-day guided excursion along the Panorama Route
• a two-hour boat trip on the Olifants River
• an hour-long hot air balloon flight over the Blyde River area
• a micro-light flight over Big Five territory around Hoedspruit and the Klaserie Nature Reserve
• a horseback riding safari in a wildlife estate

Getting there

By road - The trip from Johannesburg to Ku Sungula Safari Lodge takes approx. five (without stops) to six (with stops along the way) hours by car.

By air - Ku Sungula Safari Lodge is about 25 km away from Hoedspruit Airport. Speak to us about a transfer from the airport to the lodge.

Our take on Ku Sungula Safari Lodge

You can't beat Ku Sungula Safari Lodge's value for money. Their authentic South African rondavels are cosy and clean, the staff are friendly and accommodating, the food is delicious and the property is well maintained. Game viewing inside Balule Private Game Reserve is rewarding. The perennial Olifants River draws plenty of game and the scenery is more diverse than in other reserves, presenting glimpses here and there of the Drakensberg Mountains in the distance.