Pondoro is set on the banks of the Olifants River inside the Big 5 Balule Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Morning and evening game drives are done in open game drive vehicles, and regular Big 5 sightings (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) are encountered during game drives.

Because the lodge is situated on a river, hippos and crocodiles are also regularly seen during bushwalks, and 3 bush hides overlooking waterholes can also be visited.

Between game drives, nature walks and peaceful afternoon naps, enjoy a dip in the sparkling rock pool, a spot of sun bathing or browse through the library. The Pondoro bar is the ideal spot to quench your thirst and grab a snack.

The Serenity Spa offers an escape to a place of sophistication and indulgence. Revitalize your mind, body and soul with classic spa treatments which range from a glass covered steam room, a spa bath under the wide African sky to a massage in the privacy of your room.

The lodge has 3 standard chalets overlooking the Olifants River. Each standard chalet has been beautifully decorated with an African theme, and all have en-suite bathrooms (with a shower overlooking the river), air-conditioning, mosquito nets and a wooden deck.

For guests looking for the ultimate luxury, there are 5 spacious suites, which are all air-conditioned and architecturally designed, offering modern comforts in an ancient setting. Each suite has a private wooden deck, a lounge area and an outside shower for those who are adventurous at heart.

There is also a Treehouse hide where you can spend the night under the starry African skies. This is a unique opportunity that will add an unforgettable experience to your safari as you look out for any nocturnal visitors to the waterhole or listen to the sounds of the African bush as you lay in bed.

Address

Pondoro Game Lodge,Near Hoedspruit, Balule Nature Reserve

Directions

From Hazyview: Follow the R40 towards Klaserie and Hoedspruit. After approximately 17 km from Hoedspruit, look for the thatched gate on the right hand side of the road which is the entrance to the Balule Nature Reserve - Olifants West Gate, then sign in at the gate. For self-drive visitors, there is a R250 per person Conservation Fee and a R100 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change).

Follow the gravel road for 9 km. Turn left at the Pondoro sign, and follow this road for 6 km. Turn right at the T-junction and follow the road for a further 1 km to Pondoro.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

From Eastgate/Hoedspruit Airport: From the airport, turn right out of the airport and then turn right onto the R40 towards Hoedspruit, and follow the directions as above.

From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Follow the Schoemanskloof option on the N4 and then take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing.

Follow the R36 to Ohrigstad, go through the Strydom Tunnel and take the R527 to Hoedspruit. Turn left onto the R40 Phalaborwa/Mica road, and continue along this road until you see the thatched gate on the right hand side of the road which is the entrance to the Balule Nature Reserve - Olifants West Gate. Follow the directions as above.

From Kruger National Park/Orpen Gate: Exit the Park, and continue along the R531. Turn right onto the R40, and follow the directions as above.

PLEASE NOTE : On some signposts/maps, Belfast MAY also be referred to eMakhazeni.

Closely situated to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, the Peermont Mondior is part of the Emperors Palace - a sensational resort that combines the timeless classical elegance of Rome with eclectic Monte Carlo architecture, providing a world-class entertainment experience for everyone.

Feast on a fabulous variety of dishes at the culinary parade of restaurants. With international buffets, fine dining, contemporary Asian to classic Mediterranean, chic cocktail bars and relaxed family eateries, the possibilities are endless.

The Palace also showcases a celebration of local and international shows, productions and musicals in a multitude of superbly appointed entertainment venues including the Centre Court arena, Theatre of Marcellus, Red Roman Shed and The Barnyard Theatre.

Peermont Mondior guests also have access to the majestic Emperors Palace Casino, where every turn of a card and spin of a wheel, deals a winning combination of excitement and thrills.

The 4* Peermont Mondior features 150 spacious rooms and suites which are all fitted with cutting-edge technology and furnished in an elegant and contemporary African style.

The chic Oriana restaurant offers breakfast and light meals and guests can enjoy a delectable cocktail at the Silver Moon Bar.

A complimentary shuttle service between the airport terminals and the hotel runs daily between 06:00 and 23:00.

Address

Peermont Mondior,Emperors Palace, 64 Jones Street, Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport

Directions

From Johannesburg:  Take the R24 towards OR Tambo Airport. At the airport, the road splits - keep to the left hand lane and follow the R21 East Rand/Boksburg lane. Follow the road until you reach the Griffiths Road off-ramp. Take this, and turn left at the top of the bridge. At the T-Junction, turn left onto Jones Road.  The entrance to Emperors Palace Resort is on your left - turn here and follow the signs to the Peermont Mondior.

Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove is located at the edge of 3 km of sparkling ivory sands on the western tip of Mahé in the bay of the famous picturesque Beau Vallon Beach. Lush gardens create an inspiring atmosphere for a romantic idyll or a serene getaway.

Beyond the simple relaxation afforded by the sand and sea, an exhilarating choice of water sport activities and spa awaits your discovery. All non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and snorkelling are offered at no extra cost to guests.  A variety of water sports can also be arranged at an extra cost in the vicinity of the Beau-Vallon Beach. Additionally, the resort offers an outdoor swimming pool and a lighted outdoor tennis court.

The resort's Fitness and Zen Spa centre features a gym, steam bath, plunge pool, and 2 double massage rooms with open-air showers. 

The 2 restaurants and bars allow you to explore innovative pairings of flavours and aromas, or else you can go for a short wander to the local bars and restaurants situated nearby.

The 68 tastefully furnished guest rooms and suites all offer views of the Indian Ocean and lush vegetation. The open plan Superior Ocean View rooms have magnificent views of the Beau Vallon Beach and either a private balcony or terrace. The spacious open plan Deluxe Ocean View rooms rest amongst verdant tropical fauna, with a private garden terrace with beachfront views. The Junior Ocean View Suites also have a private garden terrace. The Deluxe Garden View Suites have double doors opening onto a private balcony with sun loungers surrounded by pristine gardens dotted with vibrant Alamanda flowers.

The Executive Ocean Front Suites, all perched alongside the beachfront, offer the luxury of space and a private terrace with direct access to the beach just a few steps away, or choose an Executive Ocean View Suite with a private balcony.