Elephant Plains Game Lodge is a 4 star lodge located in the North of Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve and is a lodge we frequently recommend to clients. We have stayed there on two occasions and both times we have not been disappointed by the game viewing (we even saw the full Big 5 on one drive during our first stay). Sabi Sands is part of the Greater Kruger area and is renowned for its leopard sightings. Our experience at Elephant Plains has lived up to this, though it’s worth noting that one of their most famous female leopards that was frequently seen close to the lodge recently passed away (Salayexe). Very sad news, however there are plenty of other leopards that are regularly seen around Elephant Plains.
Elephant Plains Game Lodge Accommodation, Hospitality and Food
Elephant Plains has two different types of accommodation – luxury rooms and rondavels. The rondavels are a bit cheaper and not nearly as luxurious, though still comfortable. The luxury rooms are extremely spacious, and quite luxurious. While they are possibly ageing a little compared to some other more recently renovated lodges, you will still find yourself extremely comfortable in these huge rooms. A couple of things I like in particular about the luxury rooms at Elephant Plains are the fact they have a fireplace (awesome in winter!), the HUGE bathroom and the nice sitting room attached to the bedroom. Oh and the lovely big deck overlooking the bush, where you can sometimes see elephants (and other wildlife) while you soak up some sunshine and relax in between game drives. There’s also one honeymoon suite, which is the same as the luxury suites but it is furthest away and has its own plunge pool (it is slightly more expensive as a result).
One thing about Elephant Plains that people may like or dislike is that it has more of a ‘resort’ feel to it compared to other, more personal lodges. It’s on the bigger side and it’s almost always full, which means that you may not get quite as personal service as in other places, but that is not to say that service isn’t good. Generally staff are still attentive to any requests you have – it’s just that there are more guests that need their attention!
The food here is good quality – we scored it an 8/10. They serve a cold buffet breakfast along with a hot cooked meal (made to order and based on a couple of options each day). Elephant Plains are one of the lodges that actually offer a proper lunch on top of a sizable breakfast – a buffet with smaller options and one dessert. Given they have a lunch, they do not offer a high tea. Dinner is a three course meal, usually served in the boma area. You choose out of two options (plus there’s a vegetarian option). All drinks are excluded from the price except the water in your mini bar and one sundowner on your afternoon safari.
Game viewing at Elephant Plains Game Lodge
It is hard to beat the game viewing at Elephant Plains Game Lodge. Every drive we have been on here has included at least one big cat sighting (and sometimes more)! Your chances of seeing the Big 5 if you are staying for 2-3+ nights is high (but nothing is ever guaranteed) plus of course the usual suspects like zebra, giraffes etc. We have never seen cheetahs or wild dogs while staying at Elephant Plains, but to be fair we’ve only stayed there a couple of times for 3 nights in total… so that is pretty typical for any lodge.
One thing that does impact the game viewing for the worse is the fact EP often stick up to 10 people onto their game viewing vehicles. This means that you are highly likely to have someone sitting right next to you and you may be split up from your partner for some drives. Many lodges have a maximum 8 people per vehicle (and may often have less than this), so this practice lets Elephant Plains down a bit. It’s also not good for photography because it can be exceedingly difficult to get a photo without someone’s head/arm in the shot.
Overall Sabi Sands Game Reserve is worthy of its reputation for excellent game viewing, and we have found it may just edge out other reserves like Timbavati, Thornybush and Madikwe on this front – at least in terms of leopard sightings. Of course it still depends on the lodge and their traversing area – so no matter what you should get in touch with us for some advice before booking a game lodge 🙂
What we love about Elephant Plains Game Lodge
- Hard to beat the game viewing at this lodge – exceptionally good for leopards and lions
- The luxury rooms are very spacious and we love the fireplace in winter
- The food is very good quality, and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner (many lodges serve brunch, high tea and dinner)
- Quality of guiding is good
- Semi-fenced lodge, which means you can see wildlife around the lodge or even in the lodge at times!
- There are two pools, both with great views of bush
- They have a games room, which is good for kids
- It’s in general a good choice for people with kids – they also offer babysitting services at very reasonable rates
- They cleaned our car as we self-drove – a nice touch!
- Great location in the North of Sabi Sands, accessible directly via flight (to/from Arathusa airstrip), via transfer from Hoedspruit airport and also close enough to Orpen gate if heading on to Kruger National Park.
Considerations…
- Slightly larger than some of the more intimate lodges
- Resort feel and mostly full means that service can be a little less personal
- They frequently place 10 people to a vehicle (most lodges have max 8)
- Wifi is only free for 100MB, and you can only use one device at a time.
- Drinks not included in your rate (except for water and one sundowner drink per day)
- There’s no communal eating for any meals, which can be both a good or a bad thing depending on whether you’d prefer privacy or you want to make friends
So, should you stay at Elephant Plains Game Lodge?
If you’re biggest priority when looking for a game lodge is the game viewing, then Elephant Plains is a great choice. Their rates are very reasonable for the quality of game viewing and the quality of their luxury rooms, which makes them exceptional value. They are not the most personal or intimate lodge though, so if you are a stickler for personalised service they may not be the best choice. They also lose marks for frequently putting 9-10 people on a vehicle. This all being said we still think they are one of the best value lodges in Sabi Sands and if you want to see the Big 5 there are few places that will give you better odds than Elephant Plains! If you would like a quote for Elephant Plains or any other lodge (or just want some advice on your safari), please get in touch with us!
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