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.