Summer (October–March):
Bring lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colours. Don’t forget essentials such as sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, binoculars, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during drives.
Winter (April–September):
Early mornings and evenings can be chilly, so pack warm layers including a jacket, scarf, gloves, and a beanie. Layered clothing ensures comfort as temperatures rise through the day.
Our multilingual team speaks English, Afrikaans, and Zulu to accommodate guests from diverse backgrounds.
A minimum stay of two nights is recommended to fully experience the lodge and the reserve. Weekend bookings require a minimum two-night stay that must include both Friday and Saturday nights.
Accommodation Details
All five chalets are strategically positioned to maximise privacy and capture beautiful views of the bush. Chalet 3 offers the most spectacular outlook, with a private deck overlooking the waterhole – ideal for wildlife viewing from your room. Chalet 4 is also highly recommended for its expansive views and proximity to the main lodge.
Each chalet features spacious interiors with large bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, and private decks furnished with loungers and swing chairs. The outdoor showers offer an authentic bush experience with panoramic views.
Elephant Rock Lodge accommodates a maximum of 10 guests across five luxury chalets, ensuring an intimate atmosphere and personalised service.
Game Drives & Wildlife Viewing
This Big 5 reserve is home to an incredible variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and numerous antelope species. The area is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with an impressive range of resident and migratory birds to spot throughout the year.
Yes, the lodge overlooks an active waterhole that attracts a range of animals. Guests can enjoy sightings from their chalets, the main deck, or the lower viewing hide located near the dam – perfect for observing wildlife quietly and up close.
Game drives accommodate up to 9–10 guests per vehicle. Drive times vary seasonally:
Spring/Summer:
Morning: 05:00–05:30 to 08:00–08:30
Afternoon: 15:30–16:00 to 18:30–19:00
Autumn/Winter:
Morning: 06:00–06:30 to 09:00–09:30
Afternoon: 15:00–15:30 to 18:00–18:30
Our guides tailor each drive to showcase the best of the reserve, selecting different routes daily to explore its diverse habitats. This ensures guests experience a variety of landscapes and wildlife sightings, making every drive unique.
Dining & Culinary Experience
Guests can enjoy meals in a range of settings – from the main lodge and boma to the open deck overlooking the waterhole. Bush breakfasts and private dinners under the stars can be arranged for special occasions.
All meals are included in your stay, from lunch on arrival to breakfast on departure. Our chefs prepare a variety of South African and international dishes, accommodating most dietary requirements.
Soft drinks, local beers, and house wines are included on afternoon game drives (limited to two per person). Premium beverages are available at the bar, and hot drinks are served throughout the day.
Family & Children Policies
Children under 12 are not permitted unless the lodge is booked exclusively. For exclusive-use bookings, children of all ages are welcome. Please note that children under 3 years are not permitted on game drives.
Elephant Rock Lodge is ideal for family reunions and small group getaways. Exclusive-use bookings allow families to enjoy private game drives, flexible meal times, and the full lodge experience together.
Yes, the lodge can be booked on an exclusive-use basis (subject to availability). Exclusive bookings allow complete flexibility with game drives, dining, and daily schedules. Children of all ages are welcome when booking the entire lodge.
Arrival & Access
Elephant Rock is located in the malaria-free Nambiti Private Game Reserve, approximately 25 km east of Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. It’s roughly 3 hours from Durban, 4 hours from Johannesburg, and 40 minutes from the Drakensberg.
If you need help en route, please contact the lodge via WhatsApp for real-time assistance. Detailed directions will be provided with your booking confirmation.
Guests park at the communal car park within the reserve and are transferred to the lodge in a game-viewing vehicle. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink and an introduction to the lodge facilities and schedule.
Lodge Heritage & Distinction
Elephant Rock Lodge was one of the first lodges established in the Nambiti Private Game Reserve and remains true to its intimate, boutique character. With just five chalets, it offers an exclusive and personal safari experience enhanced by warm hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness.
Fantastic weekend in the bush - An amazing weekend with friends in a very comfortable and tastefully appointed lodge with all the amenities one could wish for.
Game drives are conducted by professional and... read more
Mark
BEST PLACE FOR A CELEBRATION! - We were privileged to share in the 20th anniversary celebrations at Elephant Rock over the past weekend. It truly is a special place managed by a wonderful team. ... read more
gagers2016
Outstanding experience - We had a wonderful experience at Elephant Rock from the booking, check in, game drives and meals - all were excellent! The communication before we arrived was good and they... read more
Passenger63996884344
Fantastic weekend in the bush - An amazing weekend with friends in a very comfortable and tastefully appointed lodge with all the amenities one could wish for.
Game drives are conducted by professional and... read more
MarkIn terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act of 2013 (“POPIA”) I freely and voluntarily consent to Elephant Rock Lodge collecting, processing and storing my personal and/or special personal information for the purposes of my booking reservation and/or my stay at Elephant Rock Lodge. I understand that I have various rights in respect of POPIA including, but not limited to, submitting a complaint to the Information Regulator for interference with the protection of my personal information.
