Elandela Private Game Reserve Luxury Lodge

10/10

Exceptional

26 Dec 2025

Kevin

Great trips. Great lodging. Good to great food. Great guides who try hard to make sure guests see wildlife.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

27 Nov 2025

Martha

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.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Oct 2025

Loraine

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.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jan 2025

Josh

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!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2024

Surima

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2019

Bob

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.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

18 Aug 2019

Yaron

good stay overall

NICE rooms , good stuff , game drive a bit weak and food can be a bit better , weak wifi .

Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Amazing professionalism !
Worries free lodge
Everything is included
They can even cook your traditional food !!!!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Fantastic !!!! Wonderful
Great service, unforgettable experience !!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Amazing stay

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.

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jan 2018

Judy

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.

8/10

Excellent

24 Oct 2017

AHPL Pro

Good place but staff attitude needs to change

Very good property but let down by curt behaviour of Mrs Rocco. Talked to guests like they were truant school children. Introductory briefing sounded more like instructions. Room could not be locked & had to sleep 2 nights with unlocked room - Management did little to rectify.
But safari & rangers were excellent. Managed to see the Big 5 which was the highlight of the trip. Food was also good.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Sep 2017

Rodney and Lydi

Honeymoon Suite at Elandela Private game reserve

Guides for the game drives were friendly, knowledgeable and a lot of fun.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jan 2017

Verified traveler

This place is great

This place is great
Very friendly staff who are passionate about the work they do
Only thing they need to fix is the wifi
Constant drop outs and no access in the rooms

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jan 2017

Luc

Great

Great place, with great food and great game drive, staff was amazing, we really enjoy this place

Family

2/10

Poor

13 Jun 2016

Verified traveler

Horrible hospitality, people have no personal feel

Booking is fully messes up, partially by Expedia but mostly by Elandela, never want to win people heart as probably they this is season so who cares if we cancel, finally we cancelled and went for a different property.

6/10

Pleasant

02 Feb 2016

Rahul

Great Experiance - Game Reserve

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!!

Partner

2/10

Poor

02 Jan 2016

Mary

Don't stay here

Terrible \"safari\" experience, hotel provided mosquito nets to several rooms but not ours, drivers were late for game drive and very unknowledge of safari. Also they charge for water on safari with +40 weather. We skipped one of safari drives as we felt unsafe. Our driver was eating on the drive, which is the one the thing anyone whose been on safari or with basic animal knowledge knows - you can't eat on safari!!! Safe your money and mostly important vacation time! Go anywhere else.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Oct 2015

Verified traveler

Safari in comfort with great animal viewing

Lodge is 15 minutes from the Hoespruit airport. Comfortable well decorated rooms with a African twist, great staff who couldn't be more friendly and helpful. Great game viewing including white lions and rhino. You also visit Kruger Naional park, an hour away if you stay at least 2 nights. Highly recommended for couples and they also thoughtfully cater for families with children. They also have disability accessible facilities available.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jul 2026

Rachel

Experiência incrível! Conforto, limpeza, refeições, atenção dos funcionários e comodidades.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2026

Célio

Trata-se de uma propriedade de 3mil hectares, com reserva própria, onde está situado o Lodge, com incríveis acomodações. No meu caso, como eavam desocupadas as acomodações mais luxuosas, me foi ofertado um upgrade.
Incluso café da manhã e refeições. 2 safáris ao dia, e possibilidade de contratar, como extra, um dia no Kruger. Fiz e foi muito bom.
**** importante, o Francisco, gerente, fala português fluentemente, e ajuda muito quem não domina o inglês! Valeu demais!
**** fica a apenas 30 min do aeroporto HDS, e eles vão buscar lá.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 May 2026

dennis

Excepcional em todos os aspectos, em especial o acolhimento e cuidado dos funcionários

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

13 Jan 2026

Matias Gabriel

Profissionais atenciosos, otimo serviço e com boa instalações, se possivel escolha ficar no bloco \"lake view\".

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2026

Juliana

Maravilhoso. Hotel 5 estrelas mssmo. Atendimento exepcional. Tudo limpo, bonito, comida maravilhosa servida em sistema de pratos a la carte mas sempre com apenas 1 opcao no almoço e 3 no jantar. Café da manhã buffet e vc pode pedir algumas coisas como omelete, ovos, etc.. o lado com vista para o lago é meljor, achei mais seguro relacionado a animaos chegarem oerto. Mas nesse lado so tem quattos para casal. No lado do rio tem quartos familia e é mais indicado para quem viaja com cdiancas. A noite da um medo de sair do restaurante e jr para o quarto mas os funcionários dizem nao ter perigo


Só fizemos safari a tarde porque estava chovendo e não teve o da nos dias em que ficamoa, mas foi super legal e o guia Rudolph foi super atenciosos e sabia muito sobre os animaos para nos explicar.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Jan 2023

Amanda

Great place with amazing staff! The thing to improve is the food, it was okay but not more than that.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Muito bom e da pra ficar melhor!

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.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Ótimo hotel e Safari . Excelente animais e quartos .

8/10

Excellent

25 Nov 2018

Erich

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.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Nov 2018

Diego

Perfeito!

Incrível! Muito prestativos. Quarto maravilhoso e serviço excepcional!

Friends

4/10

Poor

21 Oct 2018

Verified traveler

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

8/10

Excellent

02 Sep 2018

vivian

Hotel dentro do parque Krueger com animais perto

Na diária tem dois safaris por dia inclusos.
A comida tinha falta de opções e quantidade limitada

8/10

Excellent

02 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Lodge im eigenen Park

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)

6/10

Pleasant

02 Jul 2018

Marcelo

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

Family

6/10

Pleasant

28 May 2018

carlos

missed $ turned over bags/sumiu $ malas reviradas

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.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2018

Ilson

Interessante

Muito bom
Atencioso
Vale a pena

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

12 Jan 2018

BRUNO

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.

Family

2/10

Poor

10 Jan 2018

Rodrigo Gasiglia de

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE - NOT RECOMENDED

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.

Family

8/10

Excellent

11 Nov 2017

Fernando Jackson Dadam

Objetivo alcançado

Muito boa. Equipe extremamente atenciosa. A única falha é no café da manhã. O café, o leite e o suco não estão disponíveis para self service. Isto limita o atendimento e constrange o hóspede. Também é pouco diversificado, faltando elementos básicos como queijos, ovos e bacon. Não fosse este fato, a estadia teria sido perfeita.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2017

Maristela

Luxo

Hotel maravilhoso!!! Bebidas com preço super justo !!’ Pontualidade para o Safari !!! Equipe prestativa !!!

8/10

Excellent

24 Oct 2017

Verified traveler

Excelente acomodação. Quartos maravilhosos. Porém comida e opções de lanches e lazer deixam a desejar. Reserva particular de animais. Poucas espécies mas tem o leão branco que é raro na Africa. Pessoal atencioso e muito simpático

8/10

Excellent

09 Oct 2017

marli

Guias excelentes

Comida restrita e ruim.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2017

Thiago

Great experience!

Our experience at Elandela was completely above our expectations!

Very receptive staff, big thanks to Mama for Giving us so much attention, and to John and Marinus for the great safaris both at the lodge and at Kruger.

Our room was perfect. We got kindly upgraded on our honeymoon :) the accomodation was very beautiful and with a very nice view from the lake (and the hipos)!

It was a lovely experience, hope to come back someday.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Sep 2017

Renoaldo

SAFARI WITH STYLE AND COMFORT.

We chose the Elandela to celebrate our 25 years of marriage and could not have made a better choice! Well structured place, close to Hoedspruit airport, with transfer. We went with our 3 kids and they loved it. We stayed in the apartment for 5 people at River Lodge, very comfortable accommodation, cleanliness note 10. The managers are very polite and concerned in offering the best to guests in every detail. Friendly and helpful staff, River Lodge chef very friendly and presented delicious dishes, educated and knowledgeable guides, anyway, everything was perfect. From the Elandela we made two beautiful walks: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, with a boat ride of extreme beauty and Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Center, a hospita of animals with magnificent species, which I recommend. At the BOMA party, an outdoor barbecue with a wonderful moon, great and varied food, we had a beautiful surprise, a lot of dancing and joy, that will stay with us forever. We just have to thank the whole team of Elandela who made our trip to Africa a success with unforgettable moments !!!

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2017

Masa

Great Experience

Game Drive is very wonderfu(Twice - early morning and evening - in the day.)
Hotel staffs are very friendly.
The room(cottage) is very clean and comfortable.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2017

Cintia M

Nossa estadia foi excelente. Os funcionários são atenciosos, a comida estava muito boa e a programação dos safaris foi ótima.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2017

ADRIANE

Hotel muito bom pra Safari ao lado Kruger Park

Local agradável, equipe muito atenciosa, passeios, safaris muito bons. Alimentação muito boa.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2017

Leticia

A nossa estadia no Elandela foi excelente, tivemos uma recepção incrível e nos surpreendemos com a estrutura do hotel. Os games foram todos excelentes e vimos mtos animais bem de pertinho como os leões e rinocerontes (alguns do big 5). Para ver elefantes nos levaram ao kruger park e nesse mesmo dia conseguimos ver 3 cheetas, foi incrível! Além disso a comida do hotel era mto boa e em um dos dias tivemos um jantar surpresa com fogueira. Maravilhoso! Ponto fraco do hotel foi somente a água quente do banho que acabou no nosso quarto e nos disponibilizaram outro quarto, o chuveiro do quarto dos meus pais tb estava ruim. Mas isso foi apenas um detalhe considerando todos os pontos altos da nossa estadia. Serviço personalizado desde que nos buscaram no aeroporto até nos levarem de volta. Essa é a primeira vez que faço review de um hotel, fiz pq vi alguns comentários ruins sobre os games e discordo totalmente. Recomendo mto?

Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2017

Claudio

Excelente Hotel

Os funcionários são excelentes, da recepção aos guias.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Mar 2017

LIANA ELIZA LARA

EQUIPE SENSACIONAL

A equipe é incrível. Esse é o diferencial do Elandela. Desde a recepção no aeroporto, a chegada no hotel até à nossa despedida, todos sempre foram muito sorridentes, dispostos, profissionais e encantadores. Denise e Zico são incríveis.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2017

henrique

Safari espetacular

Muito bom hotel, perto do aeroporto e Safari espetacular. O hotel oferece transfer do aeroporto até o hotel.