The grand stature of the African elephant is as captivating as its innate intimacy for its own kind. You'd expect the huge frame of these gentle giants to stand out like a storm cloud in a clear blue sky, but the elephant isn’t as easily spotted in the wild as you may believe. Here are 5 luxury lodges in South Africa where you are guaranteed to spot elephants, often from your own private balcony:
Addo Elephant Back Safaris and Lodge
With wild animals grazing at the doorstep and a backdrop of dense mountain thicket, Addo Elephant Back Safaris and Lodge is reminiscent of Hemingway’s old days of Africa. The lodge borders the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park, a popular attraction for international travellers and a convenient retreat for locals. It’s also the world’s only reserve where you'll see the Big 7 – elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, southern right whale, and great white shark – as the reserve incorporates the Bird and St Croix Island groups.
Set in a yellowwood forest or on a hillside, the environmentally friendly tented suites blend discreetly with the bushveld. If the idea of a sleeping in a tent has you hovering your mouse over the “close” button, these are no ordinary tents. Housed on elevated wooden decks, each suite has a king-sized bed, en-suite bathroom, and satellite television. You‘ll also be pleased to find that there are only 10 secluded suites, so you’ll enjoy your outdoor spa bath in privacy.
Copyright © 2014 by A Luxury Travel Blog. This article was written by Marcel Van de Ghinste and originally published at A Luxury Travel Blog
