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Elephant Plains

Sabi Sand

Elephant Plains Game Lodge Tourism Grading Council of South Africa

Elephant Plains Game Lodge offers you comfortable style and exclusivity in one of the world's few remaining unspoiled wilderness areas - the world famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which forms part of the 2,2 million hectare Greater Kruger National Park. Over many years our strict conservation policies and successful wildlife management has resulted in a multitude of African game species to be found in this area. Here you will come face to face with Africa’s famous Big Five - Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard. Rare species such as the endangered wild dogs and cheetah are also seen regularly. The area is typical African savannah with a large variety of antelope, birds and reptiles to be found.

Elephant Plains overlooks a scenic plain where a whole array of game and birds frequently visit the waterhole. The Lodge is home to a maximum of 22 guests ensuring personalised service and maximum comfort.

The lodge comprises six luxury suites, each with a lounge area and private deck with views of the riverbed. A further five original rondavels are set in a beautifully landscaped garden. All rooms have en suite bathrooms with shower, bath and air-conditioning.

The highlight of your visit is the thrill of close encounters with wildlife from the safety of open 4x4 vehicles. Daily activities include the early morning and afternoon game drives in search of the Big Seven. A bush walk is offered every day after breakfast, which will open up a new world of smaller fauna and flora. The afternoon game drive affords you the opportunity to have a sundowner at a carefully selected venue in the African bush. Evening meals are served around a fire in the boma under the vast African sky . Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style in the thatched lapa. Adjacent to the swimming pool, the wooden deck offers spectacular views overlooking the waterhole and scenic plain. The care with which each meal is prepared together with the setting of the open-air boma or thatched lapa, ensures an unforgettable dining experience. At Elephant Plains Game Lodge you can be sure of an experience that will live up to the Africa of your dreams... creating a lifetime of memories!

Come and relax in our African Health Spa, let yourself be pampered by our qualified somatologist in a beautiful African setting. Treat yourself to one of our unique treatments; our African Back Massage, the Ultimate Elephant Plains Relaxation, Reflexology, a selection of facials, etc.

Transfers available to & from Elephant Plains
Optional excursion in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve The Main Lodge: The lodge is situated on the banks of the Manyeleti river offering unforgettable views of sunrise and sunset across the plain. The pool deck overlooks the watering hole opposite the camp where animals come to drink daily. The main lodge houses the reception, dining room, bar/lounge, wine cellar, library and curio shop.

Room Descriptions:

Standard Accommodation:
The lodge features five spaciously appointed thatched chalets tastefully decorated with an African theme. Every chalet has its own distinct character and comfortable charm, and looks out over the beautifully landscaped garden. All chalets have en-suite bathrooms (bath and shower) air-conditioning, overhead fans and mosquito nets.

Luxury Accommodation
The natural design and architecture of these six glass-fronted suites falls softly on the eye, decorated in warm, earthy tones they blend in superbly with their natural surroundings. These exclusive open-plan suites each have a lounge, double bedroom, en suite bathroom (inside/outside shower) and a private sun deck that offers spectacular views over the riverbed. All luxury suites feature air-conditioning, overhead fans, wood fires, mosquito nets and a safe. One suite has been specially prepared to accommodate our disabled guests

Inclusions / Exclusions:

Rates Include:
Accommodation, all meals, morning and evening game drives, bush-walk, tea and coffee, Tourism Levy and 14% VAT.

Rates Exclude:
Drinks ordered from the bar, Child minder, Laundry service, Telephone/fax service, Secretarial services.

Extra information

Entry is through Gowrie Gate, which is the only entrance gate in to the northern section of Sabi Sand. Due to river crossings, it is not possible to use any of the other gates in the Sabi Sand or to travel through the reserve. Please use Gowrie Gate ONLY (open between 05:00 and 23:00).

Arrival and Departure Times
Check in time is 13:00 & 15:00 (to allow afternoon game drives to leave on time) and check out time is 11:00. Any variations of these times must be advised prior to guests' arrival and is at the sole discretion of the manager. Please forward a contact cell phone number for self drives to the lodge. Also make sure you have a map and directions to the lodge.

Game drives are conducted in open 4-wheel drive safari vehicles - Landrovers. The rangers use short wave radio to communicate with each other. The 4-wheel drive vehicles enable the rangers to drive off-road and provide guests with up close game viewing and great photographic opportunities. During night drives we use spotlights to find nocturnal animals.

Malaria precautions are necessary during the summer months as we are in an endemic area. All rooms have mosquito nets over the beds for additional sleeping comfort, however, insect repellent and anti-malarial tablets are recommended (repellents available in our shop). We run an environmentally friendly program at the lodge treating the whole camp and surrounding dams, we therefore have few mosquitoes.

Clothing and Accessories
Dress code is bushveld casual and lightweight, though a sweater may be needed during the evenings. Summer (September to April) is hot to very hot with temperatures ranging 20 - 40 C with rainfall (waterproofs are a good idea), protection from the sun is vital. Winter (May - August) is mild to warm and pleasant with temperatures ranging between 5 - 35 C. However during winter the night drives and early mornings can be cold and warm clothing is essential. A camera and binoculars will add pleasure to your stay.

What to Take
Comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, sunblock, cameras and binoculars, anti-malaria precautions (please consult your doctor/pharmacist), light, neutral coloured clothing, swimming costume. Warm jackets are essential in winter (May - October)

Airport and landing strips
Airports: We have the airports of Eastgate (Hoedspruit), Skukuza and Nelspruit in close proximity with daily scheduled flights to/from Johannesburg. There is also a daily scheduled flight to/from Cape Town to Hoedspruit. Chartered and private flights can land on our airstrip, which is grassed and well maintained. The approach is South to North at co-ordinates S24o44'38.9" E 31o28'30.5" and 1200m long.

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