KNP HISTORY: History of camps

« Joep Stevens is a keen historian who was introduced to the Kruger National Park by his parents in 1966. This ignited his interest in and passion for the Park.

Balule (24,054001S 31,733013E) – the quaintest of camps where time has stood still

In Issue 16 of KRUGER MAGAZINE, we featured the history of Orpen and its satellite  camps, Tamboti and Maroela. In Issue 17 we look at the history of Balule Camp.

Origin of Balule

Balule has a rather colourful history that dates back to when the road between north and south was established shortly after the Kruger National Park proclamation in . Colourful, not only because for much of its 90-odd years of existence, it served visitors ‘of colour’ or ‘non-whites’, but its purpose is related to the pontoon that was established there in September to enable vehicles to cross the Olifants River, for the first time connecting the south and the north of the Park. During the early years, when roads were dusty, unsurfaced and untarred tracks and motorised transport still somewhat of a novelty, the 51 miles (= 82km) between Satara and Letaba, together with the pontoon that has its own technical or climatical risks, overnight facilities were deemed a requirement. Keep in mindto .