Nyala Safari Lodge

Tucked away in the Balule Private Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger, Nyala Safari Lodge is an intimate wilderness retreat. Distinct in design and thoughtfully curated, Nyala blends luxurious comfort with the untamed wild.

Five air-conditioned, rounded rondawel-style chalets are nestled in the shade of ancient Jackalberry and Boer-bean trees, each offering a private veranda with views over the bush or riverfront. Designed for slow days and unhurried afternoons, these spaces invite guests to unwind and settle into the rhythm of the wild. Sleeping a maximum of 10 guests, Nyala is an intimate and exclusive safari experience.

Styled in light, earthy tones with natural fabrics and organic textures, the rooms blend effortlessly into their wild surroundings. Their gently spiralling shapes echo the curves of nature, while both indoor and outdoor showers allow for sunlit or moonlit bathing beneath vast African skies. Four of the five chalets also feature deep soaking bathtubs, perfect for complete relaxation after a day on safari.

Each room includes a tea and coffee station, ideal for enjoying a morning brew from bed or an afternoon cup in privacy. Watch resident bushbuck quietly graze nearby or awaken to the dawn chorus of birdsong with your hot drink of choice.

At the heart of the property lies the main lodge, a welcoming space where guests are encouraged to feel at home in the wild. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day, alongside fresh muffins and homemade banana bread. Complimentary local wines, beers, and soft drinks are stocked in the fridges on the outside veranda.

All gourmet, plated meals are served on the raised deck overlooking the winding Mohlabetsi River. Dine beneath star-filled skies as wildlife moves quietly through the riverbed below.

During the heat of the day, the rim-flow pool offers a refreshing retreat, set among the vibrant garden and trees. Sun loungers provide a peaceful spot to cool off as birdlife flits overhead. Nyala effortlessly balances the thrill of safari adventure with moments of absolute relaxation.

Mimicking the curves of the Mohlabetsi river, the main viewing deck has various relaxation spaces for guests to unwind and enjoy the surrounding wilderness. Watch as elephant herds come drink in the river below with a glass of wine in hand or with a good book and binoculars on the spacious seating.

Evenings are spent gathered around the large fire pit, soaking up the magic of the bush after dark. Enjoy the sounds of the wild echoing all around as shooting stars trace across the Milky Way overhead. There is also an enclosed boma area, perfect for campfire storytelling and special evenings cooking on the open fire.

Expertly guided game drives take place twice a day in state-of-the-art safari vehicles. Safaris depart at first light for approximately three hours and again in the late afternoon when predators are most active. Each drive includes a relaxed coffee and sundowner stop, enjoyed out in the wild.

A recent TripAdvisor guest said, "Amazing! We had an absolutely amazing stay at Nyala! The entire staff there just blew us away. The attention to detail, knowledge, and overall experience we had was incredible. The chef was truly a genius - the meals she did with extra special attention to dairy free was way beyond what we had expected. I know Our dairy free guest appreciated being able to eat the same as everyone else - and the dishes were flavorful and unique (we haven’t gotten the level of food for dairy free at the other places we’ve stayed). Nicholle was an amazing guide full of knowledge -and Polite was absolutely amazing as well, again everyone going way beyond our expectations, making our stay incredible!"