- Info
- Images
- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
If you’re heading anywhere between Johannesburg or Pretoria and Mbombela (Nelspruit), you’ll want to make a stopover at Olifants River Lodge. Settled on the edge of the Great Olifants River on the R555, this Highveld hideaway offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the world.
Arrive ready to camp, caravan, or put your feet up in one of our comfortable cabins, chalets, or river-view apartments. Olifants River Lodge has that winning formula – easy access and ample accommodation choices (245 beds) that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re an adventurous duo, a corporate team, or have a group of scholars in tow, expect nothing less than the kind of hospitality that makes you feel right at home.
As for our facilities, the list is long. Olifants River Lodge offers everything from wedding venues to banqueting spaces and a large indoor heated pool. Whatever tops your travel list, you’re guaranteed to find it here. There are braais to light, trails to hike, and fish to catch. Our on-site restaurant leaves little doubt that you’ll leave with a full belly, a happy heart, and the hope of visiting us again.
Looking for something simple and easy? The 16 l.ock-up-and-go rondavels should tick the box. Each unit sleeps two people (single or double) and comes equipped with one bedroom, a bathroom and a TV with select DSTV channels. There are also tea and coffee-making facilities for that morning cuppa on the patio.
Inclusions and Room Amenities
Sleeps a maximum of 2 people
1 double or 2 single beds
En suite bathroom with a shower in the bath
Patio with seating area
TV and DSTV (selected channels)
Coffee/tea facilities
Housekeeping
Linen and bath towels
If you appreciate that classic chalet-style holiday, you're in luck. Olifants River Lodge offers one exclusive-use unit, which can accommodate four people in one double bed and 2 single beds. There's an open-plan lounge area, a kitchenette, and a loft (which serves as the second bedroom). Should you want to take the cooking outdoors, there's a braai area ready and waiting.
Inclusions and Room Amenities
Sleeps 4 people
1 double and 2 single beds
Bathroom with a bath
Open-plan lounge area with loft
Kitchenette
Braai facilities
Lounge
Fans in the lounge and master bedroom
TV and select DSTV channels
There is also the option of cabana accommodation at Olifants River Lodge. Each unit sleeps four people in one double bed and two singles and comes equipped with an en-suite bathroom, self-catering kitchenette, and lounge area sporting an airconditioner. Braai facilities are also available at each Cabana, along with an outdoor patio primed for morning coffee or afternoon sundowners.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Sleeps 4 people
1 double bed and 2 single beds
Bathroom
Self-catering kitchenette
Braai facilities
Air-conditioning in the downstairs area
Select DSTV channels
Comfortable and rustic, the three log cabins are a top choice for travellers wanting to kick back and tune into nature. These self-catering units come with everything you could need: a well-equipped. kitchenette, lounge and bathroom. With one double bed and one bunk bed, the Log Cabins hit the sweet spot for families with little ones in tow
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Sleeps a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children
1 double and 2 single bunk beds
En-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower
Patio with seating area
Fully-equipped kitchenette
Coffee/tea facilities
Fans
Braai facilities
Housekeeping
Linen and bath towels
Looking to level up to luxury? Olifants River offers 30 river-facing apartments with all the bells and whistles. From braai facilities to air conditioning and fully equipped kitchens, these units hit the sweet spot for families, groups of friends, and corporate teams.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Sleeps 4 people
4 single beds or 2 doubles
2 en-suite bathrooms
Self-catering kitchen
Braai facilities
Air-conditioning in lounge
TV and select DSTV channels
Looking to level up to luxury? Olifants River offers 7 river-facing apartments with all the bells and whistles. From braai facilities to air conditioning and fully equipped kitchens, these units hit the sweet spot for families, groups of friends, and corporate teams.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
Sleeps 6 people
6 single beds or 3 doubles
2 bathrooms
Self-catering kitchen
Braai facilities
Air-conditioning in lounge
TV and select DSTV channels
Happy campers, assemble! Olifants River Lodge features 60 spacious sites for travellers to pitch their tents or park their caravans. For added convenience, all designations come with power points and water. However, the most desirable feature is the riverfront view.
Inclusions and Room Facilities
60 sites with power and water
4 to 6 people per site
4 hot water ablution blocks with dishwashing facilities
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Business Centre, Chapel, Conference Centre, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Available), Malaria Free, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Cooking Equipment, Cooking Facilities, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Safe, Satellite / Cable Television, Shared Ablutions, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Television
Available Services
Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities, Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cycling, Fishing, Kayaking, Mini Golf, Walks (Self Guided)
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Hiking, Kayaking / Paddling, Mini Golf, Mountain Biking, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
When you’re ready to break into the hiking shoes, there are plenty of walking trails branching out from the property. These are easy enough for families and those simply wanting a taste of the outdoors without breaking too much of a sweat. Pack a picnic and take it at your own pace – there are flittering birds and butterflies to spot along the way.
If there's one thing you shouldn't miss out on at Olifants River Lodge, it's casting a line in the nearby Olifants River. Banded tilapia, bluegill sunfish, bass, and carp are known to swim in these waters, but even if nothing bites, it’s a prime opportunity to head outdoors. Rally the kids, and get Grandpa and Grandma involved, too!
If you’re geared towards nature exploration, don’t skip a guided game drive through the nearby Bezhoek Nature Reserve. The bio-diversity here is impressive, to say the least, with 400 plant species, 100 grass species (more than the Kruger!), and 290 bird species in attendance. There’s also a long list of bush beasts to spy on, including giraffes, wildebeest, aardvarks, hyenas, and honey badgers. Don’t forget to book in advance!
If you’re a keen birder (and even if you’re not), you’re guaranteed to delight in the myriad of local choristers in the region. The Olifants River lures in a bounty of birdlife, so keep your eyes and ears peeled. High on the list are African fish eagles, Pel’s fishing owls, and Brown-hooded Kingfishers.
Get ready to shift gears. Avid mountain bikers will adore the terrain in Olifants River Valley. Just a stone’s throw away is the malaria-free Bezhoek Nature Reserve, where you can peddle out across numerous marked trails and routes ranging from 6 to 120 kilometres. The mountain views are impeccable, with grazing giraffes, springbok, and zebra to be seen along the way. Remember to book in advance!
Up for some fun out on the water? Rally a partner, then make your way across the Olifants River in one of our paddle boats. Add it to your list if you’re visiting with family, friends, or your corporate team. The conditions are generally quite calm, but lifejackets are provided for added safety.
Don’t forget your swimsuit and sunnies! Olifants River Lodge features four shimmering swimming pools. There’s one featuring a waterslide, a smaller option for the little kiddies, and another indoors, which is heated. This means that whatever the season, you can still make a splash with loved ones during your stay.
A hit with both kids and adults, our 9-hole mini golf course presents a fun opportunity to get out into the sunshine. Add it into your team build or square off into family teams – it’s a great way to pass the time and hopefully nurture some healthy competition.
Something for the kids (and adults, too!), our dedicated games room at Olifants River Lodge comes equipped with several games and activities. Sink the black with a few games of pool, or how about a round of chess, table tennis, or darts?
Although our volleyball court is often incorporated into team builds at Olifants River, it's often well-used by our guests, along with the cricket pitch. Although quite a challenge, you can also try your hand at Jukskei, an old Afrikaans sport pioneered right here in South Africa.
At Olifants River Lodge, there’s plenty of space for the little ones to stretch out their legs. Moms and dads will be happy to hear about our outdoor jungle gym and Ollies Playpen geared for tiny tots. As an added bonus, we also run our Dream Xplorers programme, jam-packed with creative activities.
GRAMMADOELAS RESTAURANT
When you’re not in the mood to cook, make your way over to our on-site Grammadoelas Restaurant. You can find anything from set meals to hearty buffets, hot coffee, milkshakes, and cold beers. Need something for the kids? Our chefs are ready to whip up something tasty at the drop of a hat.
