Balule Parsons Nature Reserve in on the R40 - a scenic 5 hour drive from Johannesburg and forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. It is easily accessible with daily flights from Johannebsurg to Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa. There are direct flights available from Cape Town to Hoedspruit on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Arrangements can be made for collections from the airport and transported in comfort to the lodge.
At the Heart of Raptor Retreat Game Lodge is the Main Lodge where guests can gather to either dine or catch- up on their adventures. Relax with a drink on the deck or slump into one of the voluptuous leather couches.
The Main Lodge features a huge deck that looks out over an open plain where animals come to graze or drink at the water hole. The large lounge area features comfortable seating, a fireplace, full DSTV and a modest library of DVDs and books for those rainy days. Hearty meals will be served twice a day in the dining area, or on the deck, where you will experience good old-fashioned home cooking. Any special dietary requirements should be arranged beforehand during the booking process. Game drives can be booked at reception and will leave from the car park outside. You will also be able to purchase toiletry items you may have left behind. Free wi-fi & internet access.
Accommodation at Raptor Retreat Game Lodge:
The accommodation at Raptor Retreat is some of the best the industry has to offer. We currently have two private luxury units: the Elephant Lodge (sleeps 2 people) and the Buffalo Lodge (sleeps 2 people).
Each air-conditioned room has high thatched ceilings and a huge, built-in king-size bed as well as a large sliding door that opens onto a private deck with double recliners. The deck is nestled in amongst the trees giving you the feeling of being right in the thick of the bush. One could expect an elephant or lion to stroll past any minute.
Slip into your own splash pool and cool off under the hot African sun whilst watching game graze nearby. Complimentary teas,coffees and still water are provided as well as a fully stocked bar fridge. On request, lunch can be served on your private deck at an additional cost. The open plan wet bathroom features sliding doors, duel basins, a large shower and bath.
Screens are strategically placed to ensure privacy and complimentary toiletries of superior quality are provided. A safe for your valuables, wooden coat-hangers, a large laundry bag, insect repellent, insecticide, beautiful cotton swimming towels, an extra blanket and a hairdryer have been provided.
Self catering accommodation at Raptor Retreat Game Lodge:
We have two Self Catering Accommodation Units - the Rhino Cottage & Hippo Cottage -that can each sleep up to 4 people, for those that just like to do things on their own.
Each spacious self catering unit has 2 bedrooms (King Size Beds) with 2 en-suite bathrooms (shower only) with large sliding doors opening onto private decks, lounge area, well equipped kitchen, dining area, private boma with braai area, and splash pool. There is air-conditioning in bed rooms, and ceiling fan in living area.
Each unit has a full DSTV. Undercover parking is supplied. Units are fully serviced twice daily. Lonely seclusion does not mean, however, that you cannot join in with the other guests - the main lodge facilities are also open to self-catering guests as well as the game drives and other activities offered.
Meals can also be pre-booked (24 hour advance notice is needed) and enjoyed at the main lodge dining room. A large laundry bag, insect repellent, insecticide, beautiful cotton swimming towels, bath towels, blankets and a hairdryer in each room have been provided, as well as tea, coffee, milk & sugar and bottled Water. Complimentary toiletries of superior quality are provided.
For those that want to take relaxation to another level, we offer spa treatments to sooth away those city aches and pains, in the privacy of your room. Go on a game drive in the early mornings and enjoy amarula coffee with homebaked rusks, or enjoy a sun downer on the late afternoon game drive whilst taking in the breath-taking views of the Olifant River Valley.
Other interesting (and nearby) activites;
Explore the Panorama Route, visit the Khamai Reptile Park, Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre, Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre or the Echo Caves. The Phalaborwa Gate is 44 km and the Orpen Gate is 80 km away, enabling us to offer excursions into the Kruger National Park as a day trip or overnight stay. Guests can also do a self-drive excursion into the Park and be back in time for dinner. Bird watchers paradise!
Need some action? Do a balloon safari, fly with a micro light aircraft over the area, visit different caves in the area, or go river rafting on the Blyde River. For the more adventurous kloofing is available in Magoebaskloof or experience the famous sky walk trails, which consist of several suspension bridges and slides the views are simply breathtaking!
If golf is your game, you can visit any of the four Golf Clubs in the area. Hans Merensky is a prominent Golf Club where you can spot wild life wandering around the fairways and greens.
