The Elephant House
Addo, Garden Route, South Africa
A small, friendly lodge on the edge of Addo Elephant Park, perfect for independent game viewing near the Garden Route
How did the elephant get his trunk? Well, my dear, it’s a
long story, but if you spend a night at the Elephant House deep in
the South African savannah, then you might find the answer in an
envelope on your pillow. And, next day, you can see a real elephant
and judge for yourself…
The Elephant House is a country lodge which reveals its charm
slowly. At first sight, it’s nothing more than a thatched
building behind ochre walls, just off the dusty road to Addo
Elephant National Park. Step inside and you will discover 2
unexpected grassy courtyards and a small swimming pool. Open your
bedroom door and the elegant, air-conditioned spaciousness is a
welcome relief. Come nightfall and the place is transformed into a
magical outdoor banquet hall, with lamplit tables set beneath fiery
orange-blue skies, and smiling staff to ply you with food and wine.
Finally, as you lift the mosquito net to hop into bed, a bedtime
story left on your pillow with a chocolate seals a perfect evening.

Reviewed by Michael Cullen
Last updated 19 January 2012
Highs
- The friendly helpfulness of owners Clive and Anne, and their dozen cheery colleagues
- The delicious outdoor dinners and the sociable atmosphere
- The large bedrooms with air-conditioning, mozzie nets, old furniture and pretty decorative touches
- The proximity to the largest concentration of elephants in South Africa, and the big 5 as well
- The Elephant House has a new open game-viewing vehicle and 3 rangers
Lows
- The mosquitoes at nightfall (but repellent is supplied and this is a malaria-free area)
- The heat in summer - plan an early start and a long siesta
- The initially uninspiring location, on the edge of the small town of Addo - but don’t write it off!
...you should get that colonial safari feeling in no time...
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