Elephant House, in the Eastern Cape, is an exclusive thatched lodge only minutes from the Addo Elephant National Park in the sun-drenched Sundays River Valley. Surrounded by rolling lawns and indigenous trees, Elephant House is the perfect place to return to after game viewing in the bush. Elephant House oozes character: deep verandas furnished with antiques; Persian carpets and a fascinating collection of Africana art. Cool off in the pool, relax in the summerhouse or retreat to the Map room for drinks. Nine air-conditioned bedrooms, stylishly decorated with Moorish, African and Colonial influences, open out onto verandas or courtyards. (A further two Stable Rooms are located a little apart from the main lodge.) A sumptuous candlelit dinner is served on silver and crystal under the stars, and is prepared with personal attention and great flair. Afternoon tea & cake is offered as well as complimentary pre-dinner champagne. Elephant House offers game drives into the Addo in an open landrover are available with their in-house ranger as well as tours along the Sundays River Valley, to Schotia Private Game Reserve or to the Elephant Back Safaris in the Zuurberg mountains.
Elephant House welcomes children. There is a Family unit which has a main bedroom a children’s annexe and one bathroom which can take up to three children. There are also two Stable Cottages slightly away from the main homestead which can be taken as a family unit or individually. These have an enclosed garden space and even black trikes on offer so that young children can let off steam without other guests being affected.
It is only 45 minutes drive to Port Elizabeth airport and 3 hours drive to the Garden Route.
Family
Romantic
Spa
Walking
Country: South Africa
Region: Eastern Cape
Area: Addo Elephant Park
Accommodation Rating: Premier
Rooms: 9 + 2 stable cottages
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Location: Rural
We recommend Elephant House for its stylish yet friendly hospitality; its proximity to Addo elephant park; as well as the opportunity of enjoying its in-house safari excursions. One of our consultants will gladly help with any further questions.
Kate visited in June 07: "Elephant House is totally different style to its close neighbour, Woodall House. Elephant House is very colonial with thick walls which make it cool in summer. The decor is much simpler and not so modern. Some will prefer it and others not. The Stable Rooms are simply furnished but offer excellent value for money for families. There is also another colonial family suite which is in the gardens of Elephant House (and therefore closer than the stable cottages) and this has a swimming pool next to it. It isn’t their own pool, but given the location, families staying there would feel that they had a pool for their exclusive use."
