Balule Satellite Camp Kruger National Park
Our thoughts
Balule Satellite Camp is one of Kruger National Park’s hidden gems, a quiet, rustic haven set on the banks of the Olifants River.
For travellers who prefer a more authentic bush experience, Balule offers exactly that: peace, simplicity, and a deep connection with nature.
What’s hot
Authentic bush experience
Beautiful setting
Excellent wildlife and bird viewing
Quiet and peaceful
Charming simplicity
Shady, comfortable camping
Good location for a drive
Great for disconnecting
Spectacular sunrises and sunsets
Close to larger camp amenities
What’s not
No electricity
Basic accommodation if you are not camping
No shops or restaurants
No on-site reception
Limited comfort
Remote location.
Seasonal challenges
No Wi-Fi or entertainment
BALULE GALLERY
Captured in this moment are two kingfishers, tirelessly flying to and from the river as they hunt for fish. Each takes turns scanning the surface before plunging into the water with astonishing speed. Between dives, they rest briefly on nearby branches, their feathers glistening with droplets. This ongoing exchange between air and water reveals the daily rhythm of life along the river’s edge — a delicate balance of instinct, patience, and precision.
Frequently asked questions
Where is this campsite located?
Balule is in the central region of Kruger National Park, between Olifants and Satara rest camps, overlooking the Olifants River.
How are the ablutions at the campsite?
The ablutions are fine, there is hot and cold water.
Are there braai/kitchen facilities?
There is a communal kitchen with scullery and gas stoves. There is a communal freezer. There are braai (barbecue) facilities available. No cooking utensils / cutlery are provided, so you'll need to bring your own.
Are pets allowed?
No pets allowed!
Is there water connection at the camping site?
There is a tap at the campsite.
Is there a swimming pool?
There is no swimming pool
Is the campsite fenced?
Yes, Balule is fenced, but you’ll still feel close to nature. Hyenas, honey badgers, and other wildlife often patrol the fence line at night.
Is there electricity at campsite?
No. Balule has no power points, so bring solar lights, gas cookers, or power banks for an off-grid experience.
Is there a shop?
No. Balule is self-catering only. The nearest supplies, fuel, and restaurant are at Olifants Rest Camp (11 km away).
Is there other accommodation available besides camping?
Balule offers 15 campsites and 6 rustic huts. The huts are basic, with shared ablutions and no electricity.
Is there a restaurant ?
There is no restaurant
Is there wifi available at the campsite?
There is no wifi signal
How do I book?
Book through the official SANParks website or at any Kruger rest camp reception. Advance booking is recommended — Balule fills quickly.
Balule Campsite Review
Although Balule is a fenced camp, it maintains a true wilderness atmosphere. There is no electricity at the campsites, so guests rely on solar lights, gas, or lanterns, which adds to the magic of the evenings. There are no powered sites for caravans or tents, making it ideal for campers who are self-sufficient or enjoy off-grid camping. Sites cannot be reserved individually — you simply arrive and choose your preferred spot.
We travel with a rooftop tent, so our priority was to find a shaded area with a tree high enough for our setup. We also like to camp near the fence, always hoping to spot hyenas or other nocturnal wildlife walking past at night.
The camp staff were friendly and available to open and close the gate when needed. During our stay, we met several fellow campers travelling from the northern to southern regions of Kruger — it was a pleasant surprise to meet up with some of them again at other campsites later in our trip.
Balule is conveniently located close enough to the Olifants River viewpoint, so we often spent our evenings there, enjoying the sounds of the river and the view of hippos and crocodiles below. It’s an easy 15-minute drive back to camp before the final gate closure.
One thing to keep in mind: if it rains, the Olifants River can rise quickly, making the low-water bridge temporarily impassable. When we arrived, the river was already brushing the top of the bridge — less than an hour later, it had risen another metre, a reminder of how dynamic and powerful Kruger’s landscapes can be.
Wildlife Around Balule
Balule lies in the heart of the central Kruger region, one of the park’s most wildlife-rich areas. The Olifants River attracts a wide range of animals, especially during the dry winter months when water is scarce elsewhere.
Common sightings include:
Elephants bathing or drinking along the riverbanks
Hippos and crocodiles in the water below
Buffalo herds moving between the river and grasslands
Giraffes, zebras, and impalas grazing in the surrounding savanna
Baboons and vervet monkeys around the camp and along the river
Predators are often in the area too — lions are frequently heard roaring at night, and leopards are known to move through the riverine thickets. Spotted hyenas regularly patrol the fence line after dark, and black-backed jackals call in the early mornings.
For bird enthusiasts, Balule is a rewarding stop. The Olifants River valley hosts over 450 bird species, including:
African fish eagle, Goliath heron, and saddle-billed stork along the river
Pearl-spotted owlet, woodland kingfisher, and southern yellow-billed hornbill within camp
In summer, colourful migratory birds such as European bee-eaters and cuckoos add life to the skies
Whether you’re sitting quietly at your campsite, exploring nearby loops, or watching the sunset over the Olifants River, Balule offers an unfiltered Kruger experience — wild, peaceful, and completely immersive.
Balule may be simple, but that’s exactly its charm — it’s a place where you can truly unplug, unwind, and go beyond the typical Kruger experience.
