Set on a sweeping bend of the Olifants River in the far north of the Balule Game Reserve—part of the world-renowned Greater Kruger—this new tented camp offers breathtaking views both upstream and down from its elevated perch on the southern bank.

Imagine 5,000 hectares of exclusive wilderness of Greater Kruger and eight kilometers of the Olifants River to explore at your leisure, with just five private safari tents at its heart. This exclusivity ensures a quiet, uncrowded experience—a rare luxury in the Greater Kruger. Here, you’ll feel like you have the wilderness all to yourself.

Each tent has spacious decks overlooking the river with only an imperceptible insect-proof mesh between you and wild Africa. Designed with a blend of natural wood, classic canvas, and modern elegance, the tents feature twin or queen-size beds, luxurious linens, en-suite bathrooms with showers, flushing toilets, hot and cold running water. With ample space, light, and standing fans for ventilation, the result is flawless tented chic and absolute safari perfection.

Amenities:

√ Elegant en-suite bathrooms with showers overlooking the bush
√ Tea and coffee station
√ Comfortable workspaces in each tent

√ Five spacious safari tents with private river-facing decks
√ Three tents have twin-size beds
√ Two tents have Queen-size beds
√ Standing fans for ventilation
√ Two communal lounges
√ Pool

For the best safari experience, visit between July and October when the weather is cooler and drier. During this time, you’ll see plenty of wildlife around waterholes, and the bush isn’t as thick, making animal sightings easier. From July to September days are warm, around the mid-20s Celsius, but nights can get quite chilly, dropping below 10 degrees Celsius. If you’re into birdwatching, plan your stay between November and April. These months bring in lots of migratory bird species but be prepared for temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius and bring your sunscreen!

Stillness is a rare luxury in today’s fast-paced world. Here, in the wild heart of Africa, the calm you crave surrounds you, allowing you to truly switch off. The gentle flow of the Olifants River sets the rhythm of your stay, where every moment is designed for you to simply be.

Unwind on your private deck as elephants wade through the river. Cool off in the pool, taking in panoramic views of the wilderness. Let the melodies of birdlife become your soundtrack as you relax in our riverfront lounge or indulge in al fresco dining under the stars.

Adventure awaits each day, with morning and afternoon/evening game drives (maximum of 6 guests per vehicle) that wind through breathtaking landscapes teeming with wildlife. Pause for coffee beside the river or atop a koppie, and as the sun sets, toast to another unforgettable day with sundowners in the bush. For those seeking deeper connection, guided bush walks reveal the secrets of the land beneath your feet.

At Amava River Lodge, this is how life is meant to be—untamed, unhurried, and waiting for you.

Amava River Lodge is ideally located within the Balule Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Situated between Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa in Limpopo Province, this 5500-hectare private reserve shares open borders with Kruger, offering a truly immersive safari experience. The landscape features rugged ridges, boulder koppies, and the Olifants River to the south, with scenic Mica caves scattered across the terrain.

The camp is easily accessible for both fly-ins and self-drivers, with several options for reaching the reserve. The camp is approximately six hours by road from Johannesburg, following the recommended route via Polokwane and Tzaneen. Amava River Lodge is also conveniently located a 45-minute drive from Eastgate Airport, with transfers available upon request. For those who prefer to self-drive, they should drive directly to the Grietjie Balule Entrance Gate.

Secure parking is available at the Grietjie Balule Entrance Gate, where our guide will meet you with an open game viewer to transfer you to the camp.

GPS CO-ORDINATES: Hideaways Amava River Lodge, Balule Game Reserve – 24°04’48.7″S, 31°04’36.6″E

From ZAR 9680.00 per person sharing. Fully Inclusive.

SADC rates are available on request.

Accommodation per person sharing 01 Mar 2026 – 28 Feb 2027
Double/Twin ZAR 10 850.00

Exclusive Use Basis 01 Mar 2026 – 28 Feb 2027
Minimum nightly rate (1 – 10 guests) ZAR 95 840.00

Single Supplement
A 50% single supplement applies

Child Policy
• Children accepted from +16 years; Children aged 12 – 15 years are allowed, and the camp would need to be
booked on exclusive use basis

√ Shared Transfers – Minimum 2 clients
**Private transfers can be arranged at an additional cost** Per Person
√ Road – One-way, Hoedspruit Airport – Amava River Lodge, Greater Kruger ZAR 1 085.00

√ Private Vehicle per day Price on Request

√ Shared Activities – Minimum 2 clients Per Person
√ Olifants River Boat Cruise ZAR 1 200.00
√ Olifants River Boat Cruise (Private max 10) ZAR 12 000.00
√ Morning Bush Walk (book in advance) **please note minimum 4 clients √ Bush walks** ZAR 2 180.00
√ Khanya Conservation Experience FOC

Includes:
Accommodation, all meals, water, soft drinks, beers, ciders, mixers, and house wine, 2 shared game drives per day, Kingly Conservation Experience, road transfers to/from Grietjie Balule Entrance Gate to Amava River Lodge, private vehicle and guide if booked on exclusive use basis

Excludes:
Imported and premium brand drinks, transfers, boat cruise on the Olifants River, morning bush walk, Grow Africa Levy ZAR 275.00 per person per night, bed levy ZAR 125 per person per night