Balule Private Game Reserve

Safaris in South Africa are sure to be an unforgettable experience, allowing nature lovers to experience the raw majesty of the African bushveld. After a day of adventures, however, a luxurious home away from home allows rest and recuperation, before the next exhilarating game viewing begins. The tours listed below are ideal for single travellers, as well as small groups that are looking to experience the magic of a Kruger National Park safari, while keeping costs low.

In the early 1990's, various landowners in the present Balule section of the Kruger Park came to appreciate the need to drop fences between their properties. This made great ecological sense: the animal gene pool was extended, overgrazing was avoided and it allowed for movement of animals over a greater area. The very absence of fences was aesthetically pleasing to landowners and the shared animals meant that game that had never been seen in a particular area were now present.

By the end of the decade, almost all the landowners had voluntarily joined in to this venture and as a result of a ban on hunting, the animals became less skittish. Now only being exposed to open 4x4 safari vehicles, filled with tourists armed only with photographic equipment, the animals were more relaxed and sightings improved.The two game reserves to the east of Balule are Olifants and Klaserie. The fence between the Kruger Park and Klaserie was the first to come down, and the success of the fence removal prompted Kruger Park authorities to realise that a fenceless park was the way to go. After a short time, Balule Reserve was also incorporated, and almost overnight, an impressive 40 000 hectares had been added to the Kruger National Park. Elephants were seen at Tremisana Game Lodge within three days of the removal of its fences.

Our following tour options stay at the 3* Tremisana Game Lodge situated within the Balule Private Game Reserve. Click on the tour to see a detailed itinerary with costs.

3 Day Kruger Park Budget Safari (KNP07)

4 Day Kruger Park Budget Safari (KNP08)

5 Day Kruger Park Budget Safari (KNP09)

A rhino and her calf have a drink in Balule Private Game Reserve

An aerial view of Tremisana Game Lodge which is within Balule Private Game Reserve

All rooms at Tremisana Game Lodge are comfortable and have en-suite bathrooms

The beautiful gardens and swimming pool add to the comfort of your stay at Tremisana Game Lodge

Kudu having a drink at a waterhole in the Balule Private Game Reserve

Afternoons at Tremisana Game Lodge can be spent relaxing on the patio looking out into the bush

Dinners can be enjoyed outside in the boma around the fire at Tremisana Game Lodge

Another fantastic sighting while on safari in Balule Private Game Reserve

We also offer safari options that explore other private game reserves along the borders of the park, including Kwa-Madwala, Timbavati, Thornybush, Kapama, Manyeleti, Sabi Sands and Mala Mala.

Please contact us should you have any further questions or requests:

Accommodation at three star Tremisana Game Lodge:
Tremisana Game Lodge was a founding member of the Balule Game Reserve, and it is the largest lodge in this section. Tremisana boasts 15 chalets and a two bedroom guesthouse, and is therefore able to accommodate a maximum of 40 guests. Ideal for large groups as well as single or small group travellers, Tremisana remains one of the leading lodges in the Balule Reserve. Every unit is en-suite, with a shower, toilet and basin. All rooms are also air-conditioned for those hot summer days.

Perhaps one of the most striking features of Tremisana is the beautiful gardens. The presence of numerous bougainvilleas and various palms and cycads give the camp a subtropical feel. Tremisana Game Lodge’s atmosphere is very relaxed, with water features adding a soothing effect. At night, the subdued light from the illuminated, paved walkways lends a romantic and magical flavour to this outstanding camp.

Game Viewing at Balule:
Many other lodge owners in Balule Reserve are amazed at the excellent sightings of animals at Tremisana. Despite its relatively small size, the area around Tremisana always seems to produce impressive sightings. All of the Big Five have been seen on the property, as well as cheetah and wild dog. The presence of lion, elephant and buffalo necessitates the maintenance of an electric fence around the camp. Tremisana Dam also attracts a large number of animals all year round. There is a hide at the dam that has its own ablution facilities and a floodlight, which illuminates the whole area around the dam, so guests who really want to experience night time wildlife at the watering point may sleep over. During the day, our specially trained game rangers will delight in taking guests out on twice daily safari drives on open 4x4 game viewing safari vehicles, or on guided bush walks.

Wildlife at Balule:
At Balule, you will find a diverse range of wildlife, both big and small. It is home to the Big Five as well as other plains game, such as zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, warthog, cheetah, wild dog and a wide variety of antelope species. Hippo and crocodile can also be found in the water sources. The wide variety of bird species is also enough to please any avid bird watcher. At night, you are likely to see nocturnal animals such as the lesser bushbaby, scrub hare, large spotted genet as well as porcupine, wild cat, civit and aardvark.