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Elephant Plains Game Lodge

Property class: 4

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Photo gallery for Elephant Plains Game Lodge

A room with a blue sofa, a coffee table, a wicker chair, a bedside table with a lamp, and a bed with a canopy. - Elephant Plains Game Lodge (Bushbuckridge)
A long dining table set with candles, chairs, and a chandelier. - Elephant Plains Game Lodge (Bushbuckridge)
A wooden deck with potted plants and a small rock garden. - Elephant Plains Game Lodge (Bushbuckridge)
A wooden deck with a pool, a thatched-roof building, and a glass door leading to a bedroom. - Elephant Plains Game Lodge (Bushbuckridge)
A dimly lit lounge area with multiple seating options, a bar with shelves of bottles, and a rustic ceiling. - Elephant Plains Game Lodge (Bushbuckridge)
Free full breakfast, game and wildlife viewing, and an airport shuttle are just a few of the amenities provided at Elephant Plains Game Lodge. The on-site restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy the 24-hour gym, as well as activities like hiking/biking. In-room WiFi (surcharge) is available to all guests, along with a terrace and a garden.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym

Off-peak, on budget: 30% or more off select hotels in our fall sale

Skip the crowds, keep the savings. AARP members save more after Labor Day. Book by Oct 7, 2026.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Rondavels (Double Rooms) (2)

A bedroom with a canopy bed, a desk, a chair, and a small table.

Rondavels (Double Rooms) (2)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Luxury Rooms (Double Rooms) (1)

A room with a blue sofa, a coffee table, a wicker chair, a bedside table with a lamp, and a bed with a canopy.

Luxury Rooms (Double Rooms) (1)

  • Garden view
  • 80 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Honeymoon Suite

A bedroom with a canopy bed, a wooden chest, a nightstand, and a wardrobe.

Honeymoon Suite

  • Garden view
  • 100 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Elephant Plains Game Lodge is in a rural area and in a national park. Skukuza Golf Course and AM Spa Kruger are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Londolozi Game Reserve and Orpen Gate. Discover the area's wildlife on a nearby safari, or try your luck with game drives and game viewing. Visit our Sabi Sands Game Reserve travel guide
View more Lodges in Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Map
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga

Getting around

  • Hoedspruit (HDS)
    157 min drive

Restaurants

  • Midday Restaurant @ Arathusa
    20 min drive
  • Bar @ Arethusa
    20 min drive
  • Breakfast at Singita Boulders
    63 min drive
  • Restaurant @ Arethusa
    20 min drive
  • Galago Lodge
    29 min drive

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi (ZAR 50 per day)
  • Available in some public areas: WiFi (ZAR 50 per day)

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • 24-hour gym
  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Library

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/game room
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Mosquito nets

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: 9 PM

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 9 PM

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours

To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation

If you are planning to arrive after 9 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

This property is located within a national park, and access is restricted to official gate operating hours. Guests who arrive after the gates have closed will not be able to enter the park or reach the lodge, so it is essential to contact the property after booking and again before arrival to confirm gate times. Guests who intend to participate in scheduled afternoon game drives must confirm the latest arrival time allowed with the property.

Guests with dietary restrictions or food allergies should contact this property in advance.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Administrative fee: ZAR 110 per person, per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for in-room wireless internet: ZAR 50 per day (rates may vary)
  • Fee for wireless internet in public areas: ZAR 50.00 per day (rates may vary)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property class

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Frequently asked questions

Does Elephant Plains Game Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this property has 2 outdoor pools.

Is Elephant Plains Game Lodge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Elephant Plains Game Lodge?

Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: 9 PM.

What time is check-out at Elephant Plains Game Lodge?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Does Elephant Plains Game Lodge provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle.

Where is Elephant Plains Game Lodge located?

Situated in a national park, this lodge is within 32 mi (52 km) of Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Orpen Gate, and Paul Kruger Statue. Paul Kruger Gate is 30.4 mi (49 km) away.

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Reviews

Elephant Plains Game Lodge Reviews

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

10

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 62 out of 64 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 64 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 64 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 64 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 64 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Like an elephant, I will never forget this stay

From the welcome to the farewell, everything was exceptional. Nell was a knowledgeable and engaging guide and we saw all the animals we wanted to see and more - amazing sightings of elephants, rhinos, leopards and lions to name a few. The rooms were comfortable and meals were delicious. The staff went the extra mile to cater to our needs - a special shout out to Carmen who ensured that everything we required was arranged with a smile. I would recommend Elephant Plains to anyone visiting South Africa.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Experience of a lifetime

My fiancé and I stayed for 2 nights at Elephant Plains and loved every minute. As I have never loved nature, I was skeptical and restricted the stay to 2 nights, but have left with khaki fever thanks to the safari guide (Matt) and tracker (Dumi). We went to Kruger National Park afterwards and realised how we were spoiled by Elephant Plains. Elephant Plains offers quality intimate close viewings that will give you the experience of a lifetime. At the lodge, the staff were extremely helpful, ensuring that the only thing we needed to think about were the unforgettable game drives. Our only regret with the stay is that we didn’t stay for longer. My fiancé and I have discussed since and we would happily return for a longer trip when we honeymoon.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Unforgettable Safari Experience at Elephant Plain

We had an incredible stay at Elephant Plains. Shuna was an amazing and fun host, and Darren and Colbert were outstanding guides. Thanks to their efforts, we saw the Big Five within the two short nights we were there. The food by Tilly was fantastic! It was probably the perfect safari experience for us, and we would definitely come back. The location is quite remote, and getting to the hotel can be challenging due to potholes. Additionally, there's limited flexibility in booking because it's so popular, and I believe they should allow for changes or cancellations rather than requiring bookings a year in advance. Despite these minor issues, our experience was unforgettable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was our 5th visit to Elephant Plains. It's the most affordable option in the Sabi Sands and an excellent place to stay. Since our 2022 visit, they have updated the rondovels. They're super comfortable with everything you need. Staff were great. They seem to have simplified the food options (an improvement) and the quality is great. You go to the Sabi Sands for the exceptional leopard sightings and amazing safaris. This place does not dissapoint - in one drive we had 2 leopard cub sightings, a female on a kill, close elephant encounters and lions. It's worth every cent! For self-drivers (at May 2025), the roads to Gowrie Gate are horrendous and haven't improved much in 10 years. Map out your journey before hand. We used both Google Maps and the maps provided by EP. Gowrie Gate entry was R510 (cash or card) and the conservation fee added to your bill at EP was R620 so factor that in too. Elephant Plains is a must do!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You couldn’t ask for a better safari lodge! The room was spacious and comfortable, the food was good and the game drives were absolutely amazing!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An incredible stay and experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Theresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We had a lovely stay at Elephant Plains! The lodge is a dream, the staff are wonderful, and the game drives exceeded all our expectations.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome people, outstanding location, very knowledgeable safari guides & spotters. Highly recommended in EVERY way. Can‘t wait to come back !!!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Meghan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A fantastic choice in Sabi Sand

Wonderful game viewing, attentive and friendly service, delicious food. The luxury room was gorgeous, stylish and very comfortable. A fantastic experience all around, we did not want to leave!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Warda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Amazing
Stayed 1 night in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mikhail

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Do you want to see the big five while being treated as a royalty? Book the Elephant Plains Game Lodge. Their facility is excellent, location is great, and the level of service is awesome. They will be waiting for you when you arrive because they know that you’re coming and they will pamper you on every step of the way: from the room personalized for your visit to the dining options tailored to your diet to sundowners and welcome back drinks. They make you feel like a family and you would not want to leave. Ever.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had an amazing experience at Elephant Plains. It was our first legit safari and first safari lodge. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The facilities are excellent and comfortable. You are in a beautiful location where you can see animals from the balconies. We saw elephants, antelope, waterbuck, and even a leopard from the pool balcony. On our actual game drives we saw all of the big 5 several times (over our 3 day stay)! Couldn’t have hoped for anything better than what we got at elephant plains!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lacey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay at Elephant Plains Game Lodge was unforgettable. From the warm welcome to the seamless rooming experience, everything was handled with care and professionalism. The highlight of our trip was the remarkable safari adventures (game drives), where we had the chance to see elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, leopards, and more up close—a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. The delicious meals, tailored to accommodate vegetarian preferences, were excellent. The staff also went above and beyond, assisting with retrieving our luggage from Johannesburg and providing thoughtful support with laundry and toiletries. Their hospitality and attention to detail made our stay exceptional. We are truly grateful for this amazing experience and will gladly recommend Elephant Plains to anyone visiting the area. We can’t wait to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Foi maravilhosa!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Manfred

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Das absolute Highlight unseres Südafrika Urlaubs! Tolle Safaris bei denen wir nicht nur die Big 5 sahen sondern von unserem Führer viele Informationen erhielten. Da die Rezeptionistin erfahren hatte das wir Hochzeitstag haben, bekamen wir die Honeymoon Suite. Ein Traum! Besonders erwähnen möchte ich noch die absolute Freundlichkeit wirklich ALLER Mitarbeiter und Mitarbeiterinnen! Das ist gelebter Kundenservice! Wir kommen auf alle Fälle wieder 😀! Eine absolute Empfehlung von mir!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Guido

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Schöne Unterkunft, sehr nettes und kompetentes Personal, gutes Essen. Gut organisierte und lohnenswerte Game Drives. Kaizer und Dumi waren tolles Guides und Tracker. Aussicht von den Balkonen der Lodges könnte besser sein.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Fred

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful stay

We went to Elephant Plains for New Years Eve. Wonderfull experience and best Leopard sightings ever
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfekter Service, tolle Location, tolle Erlebnisse
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

experience

Our family of 5 had an amazing experience with Elephant Plains. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that we had a great time, and that our little boy was taken care of. We loved the game drives, there was so much to see and explore, and many of the famous “big five” were roaming freely the the surrounding area. One of our highlight was the 6 or so giraffes that we saw walking along the main road on our way out to wave us off!!! Overall a fantastic experience and we hope to be back again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Wing Sze

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect Stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best lodge we stayed at in Sabi. Amazing service, delicious food, exciting game rides. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alex

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic location in Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Guides were incredibly knowledgeable and went out of their way to make our trip perfect. Up close to leopards, lions, rhino and buffalo. Food was excellent! Lovely quiet property with view over a waterhole. Two swimming pools with one close to our room was very convenient. Beautiful deck around the restaurant. Such a great experience that my partner proposed ❤️ Perfect in every way!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Top Tiersichtungen mit Leoparden an allen Tagen,Big Five innerhalb weniger Stunden,Tolles Team vom Guide ,,der Managerin ,der Köchin,sogar der Wagen wurde gewaschen.Tolles aufmerksames Team.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is in a simple word Amazing. It was a magical stay we bonded with the staff they made us feel very welcome and the place is just perfection. I will comeback and do another Safari in South Africa in the future and I will make sure to stay In the same lodge. Elephant Plains has excellent facilities, amazing food and a staff that just makes you feel welcome and like you are the only thing that matters to them. Thank you for making our stay so magical and a big thanks to Darryn, Max and Derek. Thanks to them we got to see the big five and much more. An experience we will never forget. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Verified review

8/10 Good

Pearl

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's a great place and provide great rides. Andrew, ranger, and Dion, tracker, were amazing. There is only one problem for this place-- condition of the road to get there. We drove by ourselves and deeply regretted it. It looks like an hour drive by google map, but it took up to 4 hours. The road supposed to be a paved road, but it had a million of potholes. We were nervous for the whole time if we were on the right track. I wished we would have been warned about it beforehand. But other than this, Elephant Plains is great. We saw a leopard and a cub for the first ride. We had great time staying there.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019