Introduction

Embark on a thrilling 3-day fly-in safari to Pondoro Lodge, nestled in the scenic heart of the Greater Kruger National Park. This exclusive, owner-managed lodge features just eight spacious chalets set along the largest perennial river, offering intimacy and tranquility.

Enjoy extraordinary culinary experiences, an extensive wine cellar, and personalized service. Your package includes convenient return local flights from Johannesburg, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable safari experience from start to finish.

Highlights

Return Local Flights from the Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport

All entrance and conservation fees included

All Beverages

Luxury Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily

Day 1

Day 1 Johannesburg - Pondoro Safari Lodge

Departing from the Johannesburg OR Tambo at mid-day on a 50min flight to the Hoedspruit Airport. The flight route to the Kruger National Park in the Mpumalanga Province takes you over the wide-open spaces of the Highveld, down the escarpment and through the scenic Lowveld region.

Arrive at Hoedspruit Airport, were you meet your safari guide and enjoy a 20min road transfer to the Pondoro Lodge. Check in for a light lunch. Freshen up and relax before it’s time to depart on a late-afternoon game drive.
After sunset you will return to the lodge where a starlit dinner will await.

You overnight in your luxury accommodation at Pondoro Game Lodge and your lodging includes lunch and dinner.

Video: The Kruger Safari Co - A message from our Sales Manager

Activities Day 1

Morning

Transfer by Air, Johannesburg Airport to Hoedspruit Airport

Mid Day

Lunch is always a highlight, so relax and enjoy our food.

15:30pm / 16:30pm depending on season

Afternoon Open Game Drive, Balule Nature Reserve

Evening

This evening we'll be serving you a dinner to remember.

Activity Times, All timing is an estimate and subject to change depending on the season

Accommodation – Day 1

Pondoro Game Lodge

A safari to Africa is about intimacy, tranquility and romance of a bygone era and this small, exclusive does exactly that with its eight chalets spread out along the largest perennial river in the Greater Kruger National Park. Pondoro Game Lodge is owner managed with attention to detail, extraordinary culinary experiences and wine from an extensive wine cellar. The lodge caters for vegetarians and all meals are served on a wooden deck overlooking the Olifants River.

Meal Plan Lunch & Dinner All drinks

Day 2

Day 2 Morning and Afternoon Safari Drives

Wake up early, enjoy a hot beverage and rusks before departing on a morning game drive to catch the rising sun and spot some nocturnal animals still out hunting.

You will return for a late breakfast at the lodge and can spend the rest of the day lazing around. Your afternoon game drive will depart at about 16:00 and return after sunset just in time for dinner around the fire.

You overnight in your luxury accommodation at Pondoro Game Lodge and your deal includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Activities Day 2

05:30am / 06:30am depending on the Season

Get up before the sun and go on an early morning game drive in Balule Nature Reserve. It’s when animals are active and the light is at its most beautiful.

Morning

Sit down and relax this morning while we serve you breakfast.

Mid Day

It's time for a break, so sit back and enjoy the good food as we serve you lunch.

Afternoon

Afternoon Game Drive, Balule Nature Reserve

Night

Tonight we'll be serving you a dinner to remember.

Activity Times, All timing is an estimate and subject to change depending on the season

Accommodation – Day 2

Pondoro Game Lodge

Enjoy staying at Pondoro Game Lodge as your base while you're here.

Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner All drinks

Day 3

Day 3 Morning Safari Drive and Return to Johannesburg

On the last day of your stay you will get up early too, enjoy your hot beverage and rusks, and depart on the final game drive.

After experiencing another African sunrise, you return to the lodge for breakfast before departing to the Hoedspruit Airport for your departure flight to Johannesburg.

Activities Day 3

05:30am / 06:30am depending on the Season

Get up before the sun and go on an early morning game drive in Balule Nature Reserve. It’s when animals are active and the light is at its most beautiful.

Morning

This morning we'll serve you breakfast, which is always one of the most enjoyable meals while on safari.
Transfer by Air, Hoedspruit Airport to Johannesburg Airport

Vehicles

Our vehicles

Embraer 190

The Embraer 190 is a narrow-body, twin-engine jetliner manufactured by the Brazilian aerospace company Embraer. It's a regional aircraft, but known for its spacious cabin and efficient design. The E190 typically seats between 96 and 114 passengers, depending on the configuration.

Pondoro Game Lodge

The Pondoro Game Lodge uses fully open safari vehicles, each seating up to six guests (unless a different arrangement is requested). These open vehicles offer an unobstructed 360-degree view, allowing you to fully experience the sights and sounds of the reserve.

Map

South Africa

Start Point: Johannesburg Airport

Day 1 - 2

Balule NR Pondoro Game Lodge

Day 3

Johannesburg Airport (No accommodation)

End Point: Johannesburg Airport

3 Day Pondoro Lodge Fly-In Safari

3 Day Pondoro Lodge Fly-In Safari

3 Day Pondoro Lodge Fly-In Safari

Introduction

Highlights

Day 1 Johannesburg - Pondoro Safari Lodge

Activities Day 1

Morning

Mid Day

15:30pm / 16:30pm depending on season

Evening

Pondoro Game Lodge

Day 2 Morning and Afternoon Safari Drives

Activities Day 2

05:30am / 06:30am depending on the Season

Morning

Mid Day

Afternoon

Night

Pondoro Game Lodge

Day 3 Morning Safari Drive and Return to Johannesburg

Activities Day 3

05:30am / 06:30am depending on the Season

Morning

Our vehicles

Embraer 190

Pondoro Game Lodge

Map

Pricing

Detailed Price Information

Overview Tour

3 Days / 2 Nights

3 Day Pondoro Lodge Fly-In Safari

From Price

Included

Tour starts per person from	R 32,800.00 - (Rate for 2026) R 36,100.00 - (Rate for 2027)
Additional Price Information 2026 R 32800 per person sharing R 44100 per single traveler 2027 R 36100 per person sharing R 48500 per single traveler

Ready to Share

3 Day Pondoro Lodge Fly-In Safari 3 Day Pondoro Lodge Fly-In Safari

Introduction

Highlights

Day 1 Johannesburg - Pondoro Safari Lodge

Activities Day 1

Morning

Mid Day

15:30pm / 16:30pm depending on season

Evening

Pondoro Game Lodge

Day 2 Morning and Afternoon Safari Drives

Activities Day 2

05:30am / 06:30am depending on the Season

Morning

Mid Day

Afternoon

Night

Pondoro Game Lodge

Day 3 Morning Safari Drive and Return to Johannesburg

Activities Day 3

05:30am / 06:30am depending on the Season

Morning

Our vehicles

Embraer 190

Pondoro Game Lodge

Map

Pricing

Detailed Price Information

Overview Tour

3 Days / 2 Nights

3 Day Pondoro Lodge Fly-In Safari

From Price

Included

3 Day Pondoro Lodge Fly-In Safari

3 Day Pondoro Lodge Fly-In Safari