The Elephant House is an exclusive owner-managed lodge set on a racehorse stud farm. It is surrounded by rolling lawns and indigenous trees, close to the entrance to Addo Elephant Park in the Sundays River Valley.
When it opened, owners Clive and Anne Read set new standards for sophistication in this part of the world, which had been better known for cheap and cheerful farm accommodation for South African families visiting the national park.
Antique Persian carpets, collectables, historical ephemera, and family heirlooms complement the décor. You will enjoy the deep verandahs with comfy sofas into which you can sink and sip a sundowner before a sumptuous dinner prepared with personal attention and flair.
Accommodation
There are eight spacious, beautifully decorated bedrooms, all with air-conditioning, as well as a stable cottage which accommodates families at a reduced price.
Facilities / Activities
The lodge conducts its own guided game drives in Addo Elephant Park in open 4WD vehicles, which can be pre-booked from £42. These game drives are good value, since the price includes your park entrance fees and refreshments. Also, they know where to find the ele’s!
Also includes complimentary massages and body treatments by the in-house masseur in high season (weekdays October – May); and swimming pools to while away those sun-drenched afternoons. You can play squash or tennis at the Addo Polo Club. Nearby, there are cultural, historical and even agricultural places of interest, or try an elephant-back safari!
Children
Children are welcome here. There is a babysitting service and a club room with games, television, DVD etc.
Community
The Elephant House is very involved with all sections of the local community, from the polo club set to the most underprivileged. It has played a key role in the establishment of a crèche for AIDS orphans. It is able to source a wide variety of produce locally – Elephant House is situated in a fertile valley - and support as many local enterprises as possible.
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
Shelley Phillips
Travel Specialist
Shelley Phillips
Travel Specialist
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
