Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge offers a genuine wildlife retreat by the lake. Spot animals from the property, cool off in the outdoor pool, and enjoy a full breakfast daily. Attentive concierge services and multilingual staff enhance the experience.
Located in Hoedspruit, Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge is in a rural area and on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Selati Nature Reserve and Kapama Private Nature Reserve, while Nyani Cultural Village and Mafunyani Cultural Village are cultural highlights. Visit our Hoedspruit travel guide
Limpopo, Hoedspruit, 1451, South Africa, Hoedspruit, Limpopo, 1380
What's nearby
Selati Nature Reserve
1 min walk - 0.0 km
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
53 min drive - 64.1 km
Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate
31 min drive - 33.3 km
Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
36 min drive - 41.8 km
Jessica the Hippo
57 min drive - 53.4 km
Restaurants
The Bush Pub & Inn
Airport Restaurant
About this property
Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge
Upscale family-friendly lodge by the lake
You can look forward to free full breakfast, a free return airport shuttle and game and wildlife viewing at Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge. The on-site restaurant, Elandela, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and a poolside location. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a terrace and a coffee shop/cafe.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
An outdoor pool, along with sunloungers and pool umbrellas
A safari, supervised childcare (surcharge) and multilingual staff
Barbecues, concierge services and a front desk safe
1 meeting room, game drive on-site and a gift shop
Room features
All rooms are individually decorated, and include comforts such as premium bedding and air conditioning, in addition to perks such as free WiFi and separate sitting areas.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
Egyptian cotton sheets and memory foam beds
Bathrooms with free toiletries and hairdryers
Balconies or patios, wardrobes/cupboards and separate sitting areas
Free return airport shuttle from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM at scheduled times and on request
Food and drink
Free full breakfast available daily 9 AM to 10 AM
A bar/lounge
A coffee shop/cafe
A restaurant
Couples/private dining
Snack bar/deli
Restaurants on site
Elandela
Things to do
Ecotours
Game drive
Game viewing
Outdoor pool
Playground
Safari
Family friendly
Babysitting (surcharge)
Laundry facilities
Outdoor pool
Playground
Snack bar/deli
Supervised activities for children (surcharge)
Conveniences
Gift shop/newsstand
Laundry facilities
Limited-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Safe at front desk
Guest services
Concierge services
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Housekeeping (daily)
Multilingual staff
Proposal/romance packages
Tour and ticket assistance
Turndown service
Business services
Business centre
Meeting room
Outdoors
Barbecue grill
Garden
In a regional park
On a lake
Picnic area
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Terrace
Accessibility
No lift
More
1 floor
5 buildings
Designated smoking areas
Room amenities
Bedroom
Egyptian cotton sheets
Memory foam mattress
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Towels provided
Food and drink
Champagne service
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Limited room service
Minibar
More
Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
Desk
Individual decor
Iron/ironing board on request
Safe
Separate sitting area
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: 6 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport; guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 6:00 AM - 9:00 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 at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 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
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Payment types at the property
Important information
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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation
National rating
Quality graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organisation.
Property is also known as
Elandela Private Game Reserve Luxury Lodge Hoedspruit
Elandela Private Game Reserve Luxury Lodge
Elandela Private Game Reserve Luxury Hoedspruit
Elandela Private Game Reserve Luxury Lodge Hoedspruit
Elandela Private Game Reserve Luxury Lodge
Elandela Private Game Reserve Luxury Hoedspruit
Lodge Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge Lodge
Lodge Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge
Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge Hoedspruit
Elandela Private Game Reserve Luxury
Elandela Private Game Reserve
Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge Lodge
Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge Hoedspruit
Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge Lodge Hoedspruit
Frequently asked questions
Does Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
Is Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge?
Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge doesn't offer parking.
What time is check-in at Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge?
Check-in start time: noon; check-in end time: 6 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.
What time is check-out at Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Does Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's a free airport shuttle that runs from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM on request.
Where is Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge located?
Located near the airport, this family-friendly lodge is steps from Selati Nature Reserve.
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Reviews
Elandela Private Game Reserve & Luxury Lodge Reviews
8.6
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.0
Cleanliness
8.8
Location
8.6
Staff & service
8.4
Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 62 reviews
10 - Excellent
34
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 62 reviews
8 - Good
19
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 62 reviews
6 - Okay
5
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 62 reviews
4 - Poor
1
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 62 reviews
2 - Terrible
3
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Kevin
26 Dec, 2025
Great trips. Great lodging. Good to great food. Great guides who try hard to make sure guests see wildlife.
The staff was amazing and went well above expectations. We saw all of thebig 5 as well as numerous other animals. Great place to stay. Don’t book through expedia though and book through their site.
This place is a must go. From the moment you checkin and are greeted by Francisco to the time you leave, you feel like the most important person in the world.
The guides we had (Simon, Rudolph) were incredible and got us up close and personal with the animals.
We will be taking our family back!
Perfect from the moment we touched down at Hoedspruit airport . Waiting for us was Sandy who collected our luggage and whisked us off through the wildlife ( giraffes and warthogs meandering around the roads) and straight to Elandela where we we received a very warm welcome from Francisco and Sindy. We were shown around the spotlessly clean facilities , greeted by the staff and taken to our beautiful lodge facing the lake. Amazing large room with extra large bathroom with separate toilet, indoor and outdoor shower, large whirlpool bath , sun terrace front and back. Tea and coffee making facilities and well stocked fridge. First class restaurant serving excellent choice of food throughout our stay. Attentive staff ensuring we had an amazing stay. Excellent first class guides on the game drives who would find the impossible possible. So friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend Elandela. Cannot fault it. Everything absolutely first class all the way.
This is a little piece of paradise. Under Neville’s management nothing ever felt “out of control” or ever too much. Their hospitality, the service and concern for guests is what makes this place unique. The animals make it special.
Sindiso our guide made sure that every drive was filled with as much sightings and information as possible. He is very knowledgeable not only on the animals but on the birds and trees as well. Walking out of your room seeing the giraffes, lounging in the pool or on the patio with the zebra’s grazing close by and the hippos in the pond.
You certainly don’t go hungry either, Sibosiso the cook made sure we were always well fed and you could see and feel the love he put into his cooking. Sibosiso the server was always there with something refreshing to drink. The cleaning staff made sure our room was always picture perfect and clean. The gardeners were always cleaning up and making sure the grounds were perfect, and I mean artist perfect.
From beginning to end everyone at Elandela made our stay extremely memorable and we will definitely be back. I can not recommend this place strongly enough, these are the memories and friends you will never forget. Thank you for making my husband’s first safari special.
We had a good experience during our stay. We were here for a couple of days and had gone for 4 game drives (one @ Kruger NP). We specially liked the way we were welcomed in the lodge.
Lil disappointed with the food as we had very less options for Asian Vegetarians.
Were able to see big5 except Leopard and various other animal & bird species.
Had a great time @ bonfire during first night with their traditional song & dance.
Overall a superb experience!!
From arrival to departure we could not have been more pleased in every way. The guides on the drives were outstanding. Brenda, a coordinator could not have been more helpful.
The dining room was very nice.
The area is suffering an extreme multi year drought, which is causing dire consequences for animals and the landscape, both here and in Kreuger.
Recomendo muito a hospedagem no Elandela! O Safari faz tudo valer a pena!
A reserva do leao branco e dos rinocerontes é o melhor de tudo! A ranger Karina e John são incríveis.
Porem, apesar de ter amado o safari eu recomendo ficar em 2 reservas diferentes, foi o que fizemos e valeu muito a pena. No Elandela não tem elefantes, por isso eles oferecem uma visita ao kruger. Nós fomos lá mas nao conseguimos ver nenhum elefante la. A sorte é que tinhamos outra reserva ainda e pudemos vê-los de perto.
Quanto ao hotel, nosso quarto era bem confortavel. Só tenho duas sugestões:
Colocar cortina black out nos quartos e uma reposição melhor de shampoo, sabonete e etc.
A comida é otima! Os jantares sao excelentes e de otima qualidade.
Mas concordo com alguns reviews que li que sao poucas opcoes. Nao pouca quantidade, pois tudo é muito bem servido. Mas poucas opcoes. No jantar, por exemplo, sò tem uma opcao de peixe e carne/frango.
No almoço comemos mac and cheese um dia e no outro quiche de legumes. Nao tinha opcao de escolha no almoço. Só 1 prato e paes.
Tinha uma vegetariana no grupo que avisou que era vegetariana e nao tinha nada diferente pra ela. No jantar, por ex, ela nao tinha prato principal. Somente entrada, sopa e etc.
outra sugestao é oferecer agua filtrada pelo menos nas refeiçoes e safaris. Está incluso 2 garrafas de agua por dia. Mas, como em outros hoteis e restaurantes, acredito que oferecer agua filtrada nas refeiçoes nao iria custar nada pro hotel.
Sehr schöne, gepflegte Anlage mit zuvorkommendem Service. Die Pirschfahrten waren interessant-besonderes Highlight waren die weißen Löwen.
Wir wohnten in der River Lodge und durften leider nicht die dazugehörige
Lake Lodge besuchen.
Befremdlich war die gewünschte Eintragung der Tips in eine Namenliste.
Incrível! Muito prestativos. Quarto maravilhoso e serviço excepcional!
Diego
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018
4/10 Poor
Verified traveller
21 Oct, 2018
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Wir haben zu dritt 800 Euro pro Nacht gezahlt. Das ist ja nicht gerade ein Schnäppchen. Die Zimmer waren im Grundsatz ok, aber es war alles total nüchtern und es fehlte leider die afrikanische atä
Die Häuser sind zweckmäßig modern eingerichtet, sehr groß, insgesamt sehr gut und sauber, Frühstück standart, das Abendessen fand im Freien statt (Braii), mit Tanzdarbietung, auf den Safaris sieht man viele Giraffen, Rhinos, nur Löwen bekamen wir nicht zu Gesicht, leider ist der Preis sehr hoch, doch mit einer der günstigsten Lodges weit und breit und für das Gebotene (2 Safaris, Braii) etc. erscheint es angemessen (650,- für drei Personen/Nacht)
Verified traveller
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018
6/10 Okay
Marcelo
2 Jul, 2018
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Razoavel
O quarto era confortavel,limpo porem não havia nenhuma estrutura de lazer apenas uma piscina muito pequena e sem deck.
Nos ficamos no River View Lodge e não havia nada para fazer depois que voltavamos do safari.
A comida era pouca e so tinha um menu com pouquissimas opções, nenhuma variedade! Os ranges sao otimos e da pra ve bastante animal apesar de nao ter elefante! Mas esperava q fosse melhor
Its hard to say something good when we do have the experience of having our bags turned over inside your roon and realize that part of our money is gone. 2700zar total. We were 5 people and all of us had our bags checked when we are not there. We felt hostage of that situation: all our stuff in a place where people you cannot trust have free access. The provided safe is so small you cant put a tablet inside and you lock it with a key. When we talked to manager they just make sure to show the paper that they make you sign saying that they have nothing to do with it. We went to police and did a registration.
Cool safaris, but I think It cant be classified as 4 stars because of security, average food, very simple towels and leaking bathrooms.
É difícil pensar em algo bom a dizer quando você tem a experiência de ter suas malas reviradas dentro do quarto e perceber que parte do seu dinheiro sumiu, no total de 2700zar. Éramos em 5 e todos tiveram suas malas revistadas enquanto estávamos fora. Nos sentimos reféns da situacao: todas as suas coisas num local em que pessoas não confiaveis tem acesso. O cofre do quarto não cabia nem um tablet e era fechado com uma chave. Quando procuramos a gerência, fizeram questão de mostrar o contrato onde eles não se responsabilizavam por nada. Fomos a delegacia e fizemos um B.O.
Safaris e lugar legais , mas acho que não podemos classificar como 4 estrelas por questões de segurança, comidas regulares, toalhas simples e banheiro com vazamentos.
Lovely enjoyable stay from start to finish. The game driver Tallin had a great deal of knowledge about all the animals which was very interesting. Managed to see a lot of different animals.
Verified traveller
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2018
6/10 Okay
BRUNO
12 Jan, 2018
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Decepçao
Nao me senti segura nos safaris oferecidos pelo hotel. O guia parava o jipe muito próximos aos animais (leões e rinocerontes), desligava o veículo e ficava o celular mostrando fotos e videos para os hospedes. Se acontecesse qualquer imprevisto, não haveria tempo hábil para absolutamente nada.
Saímos as 6 horas da manhã para o safari e não foi oferecido NADA de café da manha. As 9 horas, no meio da savana, tomamos um cafezinho aguado e um pao doce ruim. Almoço e jantar em pouca quantidade e foi servido frango (frio) nas duas refeições.
Meu marido teve uma gastroenterite durante a hospedagem e nenhum funcionario demostrou qualquer interesse em ajudar com medicamentos ou refeição diferenciada. Lençol com manchas vermelhas, parecendo sangue. Não indicaria este hotel para amigos e familiares.
It was the worst experience of my life. This guys charged everything , included the water while safari. The food servive was horrible. They served almost nothing on the lunch. I keeped myself hungry allthe time. The breakefast was also horrible. AT THE LAST DAY, I JUST LEFT MY ROOM FOR FEW MINUTES TO TAKE THE BREAKFAST E LEFT MY LUGGAGE OPEN AND I TWO EMPLOYES GOT IN MY ROOM AND HAD STOLEN US$200,00. The hotel's manager did nothing to help me or my friend that also had been stolen.
Foi a pior experiência da minha vida. Fomos furtados pelas camareiras , que se aproveitaram de um momento de distração em que fomos para a piscina e para tomar o café da manhã, e se apropriaram de 200 dólares meus e 200 do meu amigo que estava no quarto ao lado - quartos 3 e 4. A comida é horrível: servem pão e patê de frango no almoço e nada mais. No jantar, frango empanado e frio. O café da manhã é padrão de hotel de 1 estrela - não há pães, queijos, frios em geral. Não repõem frutas. Pedimos outra banana e disseram que era a última. Durante o safari, o cara conhecido como big "John", um dos guias, dormiu ao volante e quase capotou a van que nos transportava. Tudo é cobrado, inclusive bebidas durante o safari. A questão de ser tudo incluso é em verdade uma grande enganação. Incluem apenas o mínimo e pra se ter uma ideia, a água durante um safari de 5 horas , com calor de 40° , não é gratuita...tivemos que pagar. NÃO RECOMENDO.
Rodrigo Gasiglia de
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2018
6/10 Okay
Judy, Maryland
7 Jan, 2018
Liked: Staff & service
Casual, simple but very nice, memorable experience
Extremely fun views from our lake room, many animals frequent the common area - hippos, zebra, giraffe, monkeys all ran around at different times -- very exciting! Staff tries very hard all the time, and food above average due to creativity, but not fancy. Game drives fun with many animals, and knowledgeable guides. Great place to stay, however there is a gap in expectation between the website description and the actual lodge. The lodge is small and so flexibility in meals/eating options, free-time activities, bar limited. Also, rooms are nice, but simple touches are missing -- burnt out candles in room, towels not replaced, mini bar with waters not refilled, etc. Also, dinner is served without main course options, also always eating our main course before we had our water/drinks, no music, candles not lit etc. Small stuff that may sound a little ridiculous, but a little discouraging because of website expectation, frequency of 'issues' and since these are easy, inexpensive fixes for the lodge. However it is a casual, intimate, quite lodge which offers a very authentic bush feel. I would recommend for the 'down to earth' traveler who doesn't demand 5-star pampering, but would like to feel welcomed with the local people who work at Elandela. They will welcome you with sincerity, cleanliness and kindness at Elandela, however you must offer them patience, happiness and an 'open mind' to the style of their culture.