Pondoro Game Lodge

Seeing giraffes and baby elephants right beside the deck at the lodge was such a treat, and the safaris were just as good. Rul and Erik really know their work. We saw the Big Five and even more animals. I travel a lot, and the hospitality at Pondoro Game lodge was some of the best I’ve experienced. Everyone seemed to love their job and knew their area inside out, from reception and the game drivers and trackers to the chefs. Leone, JD, Rul, and Erik were especially lovely to spend time with, as were the restaurant staff. The attention to detail was incredible, and the food was EXCELLENT. I can’t say enough good things about it.

We were incredibly lucky to spot a leopard two days running, and it made for an unforgettable safari. Our rangers were lovely and knew so much about wildlife and where to look for the best animals. The staff were outstanding. Many thanks to Pondoro and the team for their amazing hospitality.

Even a month after leaving Pondoro, I’m still talking about how amazing our stay was. Sully and Eckson, our guide and tracker, worked so hard and knew an incredible amount about the animals. We loved spending time with them, and Pondoro should be proud to have employees who make guests feel this welcome. The service from everyone was spectacular, and we’ll always remember our time with Sully and Eckson. In our first 24 hours, we saw the Big 5. Over the whole stay we also spotted leopards, male and female lions, buffalo, elephants with lots of babies, giraffes, zebras, impalas, hippos, rhinos, and loads of different birds. I liked the routine of two drives a day. The food was incredible, and we especially enjoyed the homemade morning juices. From the eating area you could watch elephants and giraffes during meals. They also had thoughtful touches like warm wet towels after a safari, hot water bottles and fleece blankets in the morning, and ponchos when it drizzled. We stayed in the Maroela Chalet, which was great. It had a huge bathroom and a comfortable bed, and being close to the main lodge made getting to meals convenient. I’m so glad I got to do this bucket-list experience, and Pondoro was a great place to stay.

Our game drives with Rul and Eric were a highlight. He was knowledgeable and engaging, and each outing felt exciting and memorable. We got close to lots of animals, including giraffes and elephants, and often saw them near the lodge too. Patricia welcomed us warmly when we arrived, and her kindness and attention to detail set the tone for the whole three-night stay. The whole team was friendly and professional, and we felt well looked after. Every meal was delicious, thoughtfully made, and nicely presented. Our rooms were spotless, well organized, and very comfortable. The care put into every detail helped us relax. Pondoro exceeded what we expected, with a lovely mix of comfort, adventure, and great service. We came as two couples and left with memories for a lifetime. Highly recommended!