Elephant Plains Lodge

The lodge is adjacent to the dry Manyeleti River with views across a plain and waterhole. It is in the northern section of South Africa's most famous private game reserve, the Sabi Sand, which shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger—allowing wildlife to move freely across a vast ecosystem. Elephant Plains is accessible via Gowrie Gate, making a flight and transfer from Hoedspruit airport ideal, and the waterhole outlook is especially productive in the dry season when animals concentrate at reliable water sources.

The rooms are decorated in an African theme and provide exceptional accommodation in one of South Africa's finest safari areas. Twenty-four guests are accommodated in six luxury chalets, five rondavels, and the Manyeleti honeymoon suite. All rooms at Elephant Plains Lodge are fitted with fans and air-conditioners to ward off the hot African sun, with en-suite bathrooms and thoughtful touches like mosquito nets and private sitting areas or decks that face onto the bush for unrushed viewing between activities.

The central area, which consists of a dining room, lounge, and library, is splendidly decorated and provides a warm, inviting ambiance. The lodge boasts an in-house spa that offers a wide variety of treatments. A well-equipped gymnasium is located in the main complex. Mealtimes are a taste explosion with a combination of local and international dishes—breakfast and lunch are usually served in the dining room or on the deck, while dinners are typically enjoyed outdoors around a cozy campfire in the boma. A curio shop, a pool overlooking the bush, and a well-chosen wine selection round out the relaxed, classic safari feel.