Elephant Plains Private Game Reserve
About
Elephant Plains Game Lodge is a luxurious, owner-run safari destination nestled in the northern reaches of South Africa's renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which shares an unfenced border with the iconic Kruger National Park. The lodge, which has been in the family for 57 years and opened its doors in 1998, is situated on the banks of the dry Manyeleti riverbed, offering guests picturesque views of an open area and a frequented watering hole. With a maximum capacity of 24 guests, Elephant Plains prides itself on delivering personalized service and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable bush experience.Accommodation at Elephant Plains caters to diverse preferences, featuring five charming Rondavels set within the original family holiday camp's landscaped gardens, six elegant glass-fronted Luxury Suites with private viewing decks, and the exclusive Manyeleti Honeymoon Suite, complete with a private splash pool and daybed. All units are well-appointed with amenities such as air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and mosquito nets. The main lodge area provides a reception, dining facilities, a lounge, a bar, a well-stocked wine cellar, a curio shop, two swimming pools, a gym, and a games room. For relaxation and rejuvenation, the African Health Spa offers a range of treatments overlooking the waterhole, while a dedicated fitness facility is available for those wishing to maintain their exercise routine.The lodge is world-renowned for its exceptional Big 5 game viewing, offering guests frequent opportunities to encounter lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. The riverine habitat surrounding the lodge is particularly favorable for leopard sightings, and keen birdwatchers can delight in over 300 bird species. Daily activities include two three-hour game drives in open vehicles, led by experienced rangers and local Shangaan trackers, and guided bush walks that allow for a closer exploration of the smaller wonders of the veld. Unique offerings also include photographic safaris with professional wildlife photographers and captivating stargazing sessions using an 8-inch Orion Intelli Telescope. Elephant Plains is family-friendly, providing a "Mini Tuskers" children's program with various engaging activities and special menus.The cuisine at Elephant Plains is a highlight, blending international dishes with traditional South African specialties. Meals are served in various scenic settings, including the dining room, the pool deck overlooking the plains, and atmospheric dinners around a log fire in the boma under the African sky. The lodge is accessible by road, with self-drive guests directed through the Gowrie Gate, and also features a well-maintained 1200m gravel airstrip for private chartered flights, making it a convenient and comprehensive safari destination.
