Wildlife of Balule
Balule Game Reserve shares open borders with Kruger Park and is, therefore, part of a huge
ecosystem and home to all major safari animals – including the Big Five.
The Olifants River attracts an abundance of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, waterbuck,
and giraffe. Lion is often nearby. The reserve has an impressive hippo population which can
be found wallowing in the river during the day. Civets and honey badgers are just two of the
rarer creatures sometimes encountered.
Balule offers great overall birding with more than 250 species recorded. The perennial Olifants
River, which runs through the centre of the park, attracts many waders and other water-
associated birds. The area is also excellent for raptors (eagles, in particular).
Elephant
CommonGiraffe
CommonHippo
OccasionalBuffalo
CommonZebra
CommonWildbeest
CommonWhite Rhino
OccasionalBlack Rhino
RareLion
OccasionalLeopard
RareCheetah
RareHyena
CommonWild Dog
Rare