This camp is small and offers the visitor a measure of exclusivity. No day visitors are allowed and entrance permits have to be obtained at Olifants or Satara.
Balule Bushcamp Thatched Huts
Balule bush camp is a fenced camp in the Kruger National Park. The camp is divided into two sections by a wire fence and dense vegetation. Each section is accessed through its own gate.
Six of these basic huts are built around a central grassy patch which is shaded by a Sausage Tree (Kigelia africana). The fruit of these trees form gigantic sausages and can weigh up to 7 kilograms. Visitors are advised to keep a lookout for these fruits and refrain from sitting or standing directly under them as injuries have been reported when these fruits fall from the trees. Several benches are placed under the shade of the Sausage Tree.
The windowless, round huts are basic and each is equipped with three single beds. Linen is provided for, but not towels. Wire mesh covers the space between the wall and the thatched roof, providing for airflow. Occupants of the huts share ablutions which are well maintained and spotlessly clean. There is no electricity at the camp and oil lamps provide light in the ablutions.
A communal kitchen equipped with gas stoves, wash basins and a freezer nestles in the corner of the hutted section of the camp. There is a kettle to provide visitors with hot water. From here visitors can watch the surrounding bush and animals while they cook their meals.
Campsites at Balule Bush Camp
The eighteen campsites are situated around a central cordoned off area which house the communal kitchen. There is no electricity and campers have to be self- sufficient when visiting.
The campsites are large, well kept and on fairly level gravel with no grass cover. On the left side of the camp a few trees provide shade, but further in the campsite there are very little shade. Water is on tap and easily accessible from all the sites.
A communal kitchen is in the middle of the camp with gas stoves and washbasins provided. Freezing facilities are also available. Shared ablutions are close to the gate and they are well kept and neat.
Wildlife at Balule Bush Camp
Balule Bush Camp is situated between Olifants and Satara Camps in the Kruger National Park, an area abundant with wildlife, making this prime country for spotting the Big Five. Hyaena patrol the fence around the Balule Camp especially at dusk and dawn. Visitors are almost guaranteed to find Elephants on the access routes to the camp and Lions hunt at the Olifants river which is less than a hundred meters from the camp fence. The dense vegetation in the area assures prolific bird life.
