4 Day Greater Kruger Safari - Budget Balule Tented Lodge

Budget Balule Tented Lodge

4-Day Greater Kruger Safari – Budget Adventure in Balule Nature Reserve

Experience an unforgettable 4-day Greater Kruger Safari in South Africa without breaking the bank. This authentic African safari takes you deep into Balule Nature Reserve, part of the renowned Greater Kruger Park. Enjoy thrilling 4×4 game drives, guided bush walks, and the charm of a tented safari lodge overlooking a waterhole.

Tour Highlights

Stay in a comfortable tented lodge in Balule Nature Reserve
Go on guided 4×4 game drives in open safari vehicles
Enjoy a guided bush walk in Big Five territory
Spot wildlife at a floodlit waterhole near your lodge
Relax in the splash pool between safari adventures

Day 1: Travel from Johannesburg to Balule – Begin Your Greater Kruger Safari

Your adventure starts with a scenic road transfer from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to the Balule section of Greater Kruger. A professional guide meets you at Three Bridges, where your safari kicks off in a 4×4 game vehicle. Wildlife sightings often begin on the way to camp.

Check into a tented safari lodge nestled in the bush, complete with a splash pool and a private bathroom. After lunch, unwind before heading out on your first Greater Kruger Safari game drive. As dusk sets in, enjoy sundowners in the wild and spot nocturnal animals on your way back. Dinner is served under the stars in the boma around a crackling campfire.

Included: Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Afternoon game drive with sundowners

Day 2: Game Drives in Balule Nature Reserve

Day two is dedicated to exploring the wildlife-rich Maseke section of Balule, a prime area in the Greater Kruger ecosystem. Set out on a morning game drive at sunrise to catch the bush at its most active. Traverse diverse landscapes where elephants, leopards, zebra, and antelope roam freely.

Return to the camp for a hearty breakfast and downtime. Cool off in the splash pool or lounge with a view of the waterhole before heading out on an afternoon game drive. As the sun sets, keep an eye out for lions, giraffes, and rare antelope species. Return to camp for dinner and share stories around the fire.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives in Greater Kruger

Day 3: Bush Walk & Afternoon Safari Drive

Rise early for a guided bush walk—an intimate and educational experience in Greater Kruger Park. Learn how to identify animal tracks, understand the local ecosystem, and experience the thrill of walking in Big Five territory (for ages 16+). Your guide shares insights into local flora, fauna, and traditional uses of plants.

After breakfast, enjoy time to relax before a light lunch and your final afternoon game drive. Look out for elusive predators, elephants near the Olifants River, and an array of birdlife before returning to camp for a last dinner under the stars.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities: Guided bush walk, afternoon game drive

Day 4: Final Game Drive & Return to Johannesburg

Start the day with coffee and snacks before heading out on your final Greater Kruger Safari game drive. Capture last-minute wildlife sightings before returning to camp for breakfast and a refreshing shower. After checkout, transfer back to Johannesburg, ending your safari at OR Tambo International Airport.

Included: Breakfast
Activities: Morning game drive

About Balule Nature Reserve

Balule Nature Reserve is a vital part of the Greater Kruger region, with open borders to Kruger National Park and surrounding reserves. This 9000-hectare area features rocky ridges, mopane forests, open plains, and the Olifants River—creating a habitat for an impressive diversity of wildlife including the Big Five, wild dogs, and rare antelope species.

Safari Lodge Overview

Your stay is in a Meru-style tented camp designed for an authentic bush experience. Each tent has electricity, comfortable beds, and a private open-air bathroom. The lodge offers a splash pool, shaded lounge, and al fresco dining. It’s unfenced, allowing wildlife to pass through freely for a true Greater Kruger Safari feel.