Africa Wild

What is interesting to see in the vicinity of Balule Rest Camp?

This is a short overview of AW Flavours of the Month in the Balule Rest Camp:

Bangu Windmill S90
Nsemani Dam H7
S39 Timbavati Road & Timbavati Picnic Spot
S90 Old Main Road

One of the few rustic camps left in the KNP, situated on the bank of the Olifants River... ± 12 km from Olifants Camp.


A camp that is divided in two - by a fence. A relatively 'ordinary' fence is the only thing that separates 'chalet' and camp 'dwellers' from their 'wild neighbours', in more ways than one.


Check-in must be done prior to arrival at either Satara (if approaching from the South) or Olifants Camp (if approaching from the North).


And should you be so lucky as to share a camp with LVB and his parents, you will be happy to hear that you will also share his Mom's delicious potbrood.


Titus gets my vote too. A stalwart that is apparently not receiving what he so richly deserves.

What a gem. Game is not always plentiful, but you go to a place like Balule to relax. Having said that, I have seen Cheetah, all big 5 (including lions making a kill 10m from the fence, badger etc all within 5km from camp). The sound of hippos at night is sure to make you feel part of the bush.

The low water bridge is perfect to sit at as the sun sets and just enjoy pure beauty and the birdlife is amazing!!! One can sit there until 5 minutes before gate closing. One might even get very lucky and spot the elusive Pels fishing owl from there. Be on the listen for it at night.

No electricity at all makes that most "partygoers" gives this small little camp a pass. Good thing!!!

Titus, the camp attendant is a real positive for Sanparks. Opens and closes the gates for each guess (even the rude one), and is a real nice person to chat too. He is as much part of Balule as the big Baobab in the corner. IMO he should be mentioned in the same breath as Rodger and Frank. Offer to take his cellphone to Olifants for a charge, buy him a 2L coke or some airtime - and you will see true appreciation with a smile a wide as the grand canyon.

Balule rates as one of my favourite camps!!!

Balule is in a very well-populated big game area, with excellent visibility all year round due to sparse vegetation. The Olifants River provides a permanent water supply and predators are common. Many roads intersect the region, which is at the cusp of the northern mopaniveld and the central savannah.

What to look for:

Hippopotamus, scrub hare, hyena.
Fever Tree

In my opinion, one of the best camps in Kruger... Plain, down and close to earth. A haven for purists.


Bungalow side of Balule Camp











The Kitchen




Room with deep freezers




The Ablutions

Indeed a beautiful rustic camp. Last year we stayed in Hut number 6 and that is the most private on closest to the fence (last one in the row).

This year we stayed in number 4...not private at all. The braais of numbers 3 and 4 are approximately 4 meters apart which isn't ideal at all. If I can't book number 6 in future I will rather go camping at Tsendze.

will be there in December ,where do you pre book the camp site at Olifants

PRWIN wrote:will be there in December ,where do you pre book the camp site at Olifants

There is no pro booking of sites at Balule. Once you get there you pick any available spot.

thanks sprocky

Yes, you can only pre-book the huts (1-6) by contacting Olifants camp.