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#5 of 14 lodges in Ladysmith
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge. Superbly sited overlooking a waterhole, Elephant Rock is a charming boutique safari lodge offering luxury accommodation for up to 10 people. Experience a home-away-from-home true bush lodge experience for the entire family including extraordinary game viewing, on game drives; exquisite cuisine; and high standards of service - all at exceptional value for money. Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge boasts five well appointed luxurious suites, including one family unit. All suites are well spaced for total privacy and include an en-suite bathroom, private deck and outdoor shower, and all have great views of the waterhole or the indigenous bushveld. Enjoy the magnificent viewing deck, relax whilst viewing the many species of game and birdlife or just cool off in the pool. Delicious meals are prepared by the in-house chef and can be enjoyed in the open boma, under the stars on the viewing deck, or in the comfort of the main lodge. The Big Five and other game are plentiful and roam freely over the Nambiti Private Game Reserve on which Elephant Rock is situated. Nambiti is a 10 000 hectare reserve of diverse wildlife habitat and includes the Big Five – lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant and leopard, as well as cheetah, hyena and many other species. Bird life abounds with over 250 recorded species. Nambiti is ideally situated, 3 ½ hours from Durban and 4 ½ hours from Johannesburg, in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal battlefield country, including Rorke's Drift, Isandlwana, Elandslaagte and Ladysmith. Activities: Fishing: Enjoy some quiet time at one of the many well-stocked dams fishing for Bass, or Yellowfish. Fishing rods are available at the Lodge. Battlefield tours: For the history enthusiast, trips to any of the nearby battlefields, including Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana, can be arranged.
What a wonderful year end break. Elephant Rock Lodge was a safe haven for our family holiday away from all the crowds during the December festive season.
With the peak in infections we were pleased to find a small and intimate lodge to stay at. Covid protocols were followed to the strictest measure and made us feel safe during our stay.
The rooms were disinfected and extremely clean upon our arrival. They are very spacious with lovely walk through cupboard area and large bathroom. There is a bath along with indoor and outdoor showers. Each room has air conditioning, a fridge, hairdryer amongst other things. There is also tea and coffee making facilities. I loved the safari chic room decor! The attention to details were excellent as they have 2 prong plugs in the room along with mosquito repellent and even washing powder so you wash items such as masks. Well done!
Room 3 has a lovely deck over looking the watering hole close by. We also had room 1 which was a little more set back but also had hanging chairs and view point cut through to overlook the watering hole.
The food was incredible. Each afternoon the menus were put up and orders taken for the next meal. Such a great idea! If I couldn’t decide on a meal a smaller portion was provided of both. All the food was delicious and a difficult choice! The chef makes the most incredible bread and pastries even in the hot weather!
The lodge has a stunning deck overlooking the watering hole and idilic rock pool. After the evening game drives we so enjoyed having a drink at the Nona before dinner.
The game drives with Keegan and Stephanie were wonderful and we learnt so much durning our time with them. Each sighting you managed to get us in the perfect position and I saw things I have never seen in years of Bush holidays. I will alway look out for the bag worm!
Rene, thank you for looking after our family with such care, personalized service and making the most delicious G&T’s!
Stacey, thank you for all the help with booking and getting to the lodge.
I would highly recommend trying out Elephant Rock Lodge!
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Date of stay: December 2020
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Room Tip:Â Room 3 has a lovely deck overlooking the watering hole. It is not as set back as room 1.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a wonderful experience at Elephant Rock. From the moment we arrived every aspect of our three day stay was superb. The hotel is charming . There are only 5 accommodations for a maximum of 10 guests . The bungalows are thatched with high ceilings beautiful with a porch with hanging chairs overlooking the pond animals come to. There is a huge bathroom with tub and separate shower and a private outdoor shower and a dressing room. The staff could not have been more attentive . Stephanie was our expert informative guide. Graham was the ranger but he seemed to be everywhere the make everything run smoothly. The cooking and serving staff were outstanding . You choose your preferred lunch and dinner from a menu early in the day and they are cooked to order. When I wasn't feeling well I asked for chicken soup which was not on the menu and 45 minutes later they had made it and served it to me just like a grandmother would . The game drives were very thorough , 3 hours each ,twice a day. and we saw all the big animals .. Make sure to bring a WARM coat and hat as it is VERY cold in the wind on the safari vehicle even though in the middle of the day it is very hot.Fantastic place and good value in comparison to other safari resorts.
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Date of stay: November 2019
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Spent the Halloween weekend at Elephant Rock Lodge. You feel welcomed and at home from the very beginning. Keegan our Ranger met us at the car park and took us through to the lodge, were we were greeted by Rene and Stacey with a refreshing drink. The lodge overlooks a watering hole and there's almost always some wildlife activity down there. We stayed in chalet 3 which had an awesome view of the watering hole. The room was spacious and very comfortable, equipped with an air conditioner and a mini fridge. The bathroom was very large with a shower and tub with lovely views, there's even an outdoor shower. Thank you to Rene for the hospitality which was first class and the wonderful food that was five star. I loved the special touches with the table settings and themed decor every night. Was a real treat to see Halloween decorations and even with sweeties on the tables. The game drives were awesome, I was really impressed with Keegan's knowledge of the wildlife, especially the prolific bird life in the area. He went out of his way to make sure we got to view as much of the wildlife as possible. Loved the special touch of the added late night drive to look for the resident aardwolf. What an adventure. We got to see 4 out of the Big 5 and almost spotted some cheetah in the tall grass, even had an encounter with an elephant and a hippo right in the middle of road at night, now that's not something you see everyday.
A few tips: The weather can be unpredictable and it can be cold in the early morning and late afternoon, I suggest you always layer your clothing when going on the game drives. So carry scarfs, hats, light jerseys, jackets. The drinks are very reasonably priced and no safari is complete without the obligatory gin and tonic, of which they have variety. If you prefer something more specific, make a note of it on your reservation questionnaire. The gift box is really well worth it and you will have 2 souvenir flute glasses to take home. A stay of 2 nights or longer is recommended in my opinion.
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had the most outstanding stay at Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge!! We were greeted by Graham and Evan at our car, they helped us with our luggage and explained what we could expect from our stay. On arrival to the lodge, we were greeted by Stacey and Rene, who gave us a refreshing drink. Once we had checked in, we had a delicious lunch and we were given a menu with a delicious array of choices for our dinner. Our game trips were early evening and early morning. Graham and Evan went above and beyond to show us so much game. Their knowledge was incredible and they were very forthcoming to share their knowledge. The short stop during the trip for refreshments was lovely. We especially enjoyed the stop overlooking the waterfall. We stayed in Room 4, which was an interlinking villa so our daughters could stay in the adjacent room. We had a spectacular view of the waterhole and our room was very comfortable and clean. The outdoor shower was a big hit with our family. During the day, my husband and daughter did some fishing in the waterhole. They managed to catch some bass. We also swam in the pool, which was very relaxing. The fire pit was lovely to sit around after our evening safari. We would definitely recommend this lodge, the staff are friendly, professional and always went above and beyond. Thank you for making our stay so special!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm not sure if it's the 5 star , attentive personal service , or the delicious and varied menu, teamed with a very good selection of wine for a small lodge , in a beautiful location overlooking a watering hole ; alternately the well informed ranger almost guaranteeing my favourite sighting of lion ( no pressure ) , the large array of birdlife , the peace of the endless grassy vlei , steaming face wipes as we emerge from the game vehicle , warm welcoming hosts ensuring our comfort , roaring log fire to drive away the cold , which all blend to create an experience which is the highlight of my calender ! This was my first 3 night stay , and I would suggest that this is the sweet spot , as regards length of stay . Elephant rock staff go above and beyond , to personalise the visit . The rooms are spacious , well appointed and extremely comfortable . Covid protocols are strictly adhered too , which further enable the guests to completely relax ! I would look no further than Elephant Rock in Nambiti for your mandatory game experience, right here in the middle of Kzn . To top it all , the price is extremely competitive! Well done ER team : you promised and delivered once more . Can't wait to go back ! Leanne St Clair
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our weekend exceeded all expectations. The place is beautifully situated, the food is fantastic and the staff are so friendly. Our Ranger Steph was amazing, so eager to get us the best game sightings, all the while following the reserve protocols with absolute patience. What impressed the most was the fabulous way everything is organized and the small personal touches that really made the experience memorable. We wanted a dream experience in the bush and we certainly got one. As we said goodbye we were already planning our next visit.
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We visit SA regularly and always include a visit to a game reserve. Elephant Rock was the best yet with a wonderful situation and ever friendly and helpful staff. The accommodation was attractive, a good size and set nicely into the bush with a food choice and quality that will not help your waistline. The ranger (Steph) was very knowledgeable not only about the game at Elephant Rock but also about animal life throughout Africa and the wider issues that affect wild life. An education!
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Date of stay: January 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A return visit to recharge the very flat batteries after lock-down! Masks, Social distancing and sanitising carefully observed. Stephanie was an excellent and patient guide with very sharp observation of both animals and birds. Renee ensured that the delicious food suited particular dietary needs. Stacy and Steve in the office were always on hand for extra requests and queries. Peace and quiet all day and Wi-Fi available in the Lodge for those who had to keep in contact with the outside world. Highly recommended to all
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Date of stay: November 2020
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â All rooms in elevated position with excellent views, accessed by a few steps
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
One of the smallest lodges on the reserve but it caters for your every need. The team are warm and friendly in all that they do to assist and you every need is catered for. They have gone the extra mile to ensure social distancing at meal times and have even set up individual coffee/tea stations for each room in the dining area. It certainly causes them a lot of extra work but they do it with a smile. Keegan was our ranger and he was very knowledgeable and kept us entertained on the drive. Because of it's size, this is not necessarily the best resort for kids as there is no large spaces for them to run around in but the rock type pool was more than sufficient to keep the boys occupied (9 yrs and 11 yrs) plus Stacey had a puppy which was a hit...oh yes and don't forget to ask Keegan about his 10 pet snakes!!!! What more can I say, a great experience and it's certainly a resort we will come back to visit again.
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Date of stay: November 2020
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a wonderful lodge for a quiet break in the bush! It is small and intimate - the accommodation is very comfortable, spacious and has a lovely view of the waterhole, the outdoor showers are fun, the birds around are amazing! The staff are great, the food is top class and the game drives are great. Stephanie, our guide, was informative, friendly and helpful and great at finding those special views!! The Covid-19 protocols are spot on and they are well prepared to deal with guests. We had a most wonderful, relaxing and blessed time! Thank you Stacey, Rene, Zanele and Stephanie and all the other staff that we couldn't see! Highly recommended
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Date of stay: November 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â All rooms have a view of the waterhole
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Ladysmith area.
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 6,570 - RÂ 7,188 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalLadysmith
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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