Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge is a charming boutique lodge that overlooks a waterhole and offers luxury accommodation for up to 10 people. Located within the Nambiti Conservancy 25km east of Ladysmith, it is two-and-a-half hours from Durban and 40 minutes from the Drakensberg.
The lodge has five suites, including one family unit. All are well spaced for privacy, with panoramic views of the waterhole and conservancy beyond. All have en-suite bathrooms with oval baths and picture windows, plus outdoor showers, allowing you to feel at one with the bushveld.
There is plenty to do, but you may be tempted to simply enjoy the magnificent viewing deck, relax while viewing the many species of game and birdlife or, in summer, cool off in the pool.
However, bird life abounds with over 250 recorded species in the 10 000ha Nambiti Private Game Reserve on which Elephant Rock is situated.
Game viewing is also extremely rewarding as you can see the Big Five and other game roaming freely. This made it worthwhile rising to a steaming cuppa and early morning snack to catch the early activity at the waterhole from the deck, before departing on a 6am game drive with our knowledgeable ranger to spot the foraging animals.
A cheetah with three gambolling cubs kept our attention for some time. Then it was back in the vehicle to track an elephant herd. What a sighting – 17 elephants and a few minutes later a herd of buffalo. Then back to the lodge for a full breakfast on the deck.
We took a few hours off to recover, napping in the lounge, then it was lunch, more “recovery”, afternoon tea and the afternoon game drive with sundowner drinks and more game sightings.
Returning to the lodge, sherry and a warm towel upon arrival greeted us. Hosts Steve Everitt and Inge Prigge suggested a bath before dinner. We headed back to our chalet with a quick shower in mind, only to find a scented bubble bath surrounded by candles waiting for us. Priceless!
Elephant Rock is a popular stop-off for history buffs, being in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal battlefield country, including Rorke’s Drift, Isandlwana, Elandslaagte and Ladysmith.
I recommend taking advantage of the winter special, valid until the end of August. Per person per night sharing (and single) for adults and children over 12, it costs R1 195. Children up to two stay free and per child sharing (3-11 years) it is R795. Rates include three meals a day, all hot beverages, two game drives and snacks per person per day.
Contact Elephant Rock Private Safari Lodge on 036 637 9604/ 083 268 9026, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.elephantrocklodge.co.za. - Sunday Tribune