"The highlight of the stay was the hippos in the garden of the hotel."
Giorgia from Switzerland
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"I have to start with the pool, awesome."
Jonno from Germany
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"Can hear the hippos from a close distance which was amazing."
Jia from United Kingdom
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4-star luxury hotel overlooking St Lucia Estuary
Accommodations
The Elephant Lake Hotel provides 56 spacious rooms with options including King, Triple, Twin, and Inter-leading Family-rooms. Ground floor rooms offer private patios that lead to gardens and the pool area, while first-floor rooms feature private balconies with estuary views. All rooms come with air-conditioning, TVs, wall safes, and en-suite bathrooms.
Dining
The Hippo Steakhouse is located within the hotel and overlooks the gardens and St Lucia Estuary, offering a variety of dining options. Breakfast includes continental choices and a hot menu featuring cooked-to-order eggs. The on-site Hippo Cafe provides a family-friendly atmosphere with a diverse menu infused with South African flavors.
Location
Positioned along the shores of St Lucia Estuary, the hotel is near iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests can encounter hippos on the streets or crocs at the Ski Boat Club while taking in the local wildlife. The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is just 50 kilometers away for those seeking a Big 5 safari experience.
Conference Facilities
The hotel offers an Indlovu conference room suitable for up to 100 participants, supporting both corporate events and team-building activities. Tailor-made packages can be arranged to compliment conferences and workshops. The scenic location enhances the balance between business and leisure.
Family-Friendly Amenities
The hotel provides family-friendly accommodations, including spacious cottages that can host up to 5 guests. There are kiddies' play areas available to keep children entertained after safari adventures. Guests can enjoy communal braai facilities for family gatherings and outdoor meals.
Highlights
Location: St Lucia Estuary, near UNESCO World Heritage Site
Dining: Hippo Steakhouse with garden views
Rooms: Ground and first-floor options with private patios
Conference: Indlovu conference room for 100 guests
Family: Spacious cottages for up to 5 people
“This place stands out for its location in St Lucia, right in the heart of the action and close to local businesses. What truly sets it apart is the unique opportunity to witness hippos on their nightly strolls, a highlight many guests appreciate. The hotel provides a solid base for exploring the region's natural beauty and adventure activities.”
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
Select your room type
Elephant Lake Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double Room
2 persons
24 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Shower
room details
King Room Patio
2 persons
24 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Shower
room details
Twin Room Interleading
2 persons
24 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Elephant Lake Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.2/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Parking
Safe deposit box
VIP check-in/ -out
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Luggage storage
Currency exchange
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Snorkelling
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Fishing
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Housekeeping
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Dining
In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Children's menu
Children's play area
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Outdoor swimming pool
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
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Dining Onsite
At Elephant Lake Hotel, dining takes on an authentic African flair, offering guests an inviting atmosphere surrounded by nature's beauty. The Hippo Steakhouse serves as a family-friendly haven where traditional flavors mingle with the vibrant sights and sounds of the local wildlife, including the majestic hippos just outside.
Hippo Steakhouse
African
Ambiance
A warm, family-friendly dining experience with views of the outdoor deck where hippos can often be spotted. The rustic decor embraces the essence of the local environment, creating a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.
Key Offerings
Indulge in a selection of expertly crafted steaks and traditional African dishes that celebrate local flavors. The open deck allows guests to enjoy their meals while immersing themselves in the surrounding nature.
Reservation
Not needed
Open daily from 07:00 to 21:00, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all guests.
Elephant Lake Hotel Location
3 Mullet Street, St Lucia, 3936,
Explore St Lucia
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Saint Lucia Estuary
10 minutes' walk
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its diverse wildlife and scenic views, perfect for birdwatching.
Crocodile Centre St Lucia
5 minutes' drive
An educational experience showcasing local crocodilians with feeding shows and a chance to learn about wildlife conservation.
Beach
16 minutes' walk
A pristine stretch of sand ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports, popular among families.
Mpila Camp Hluhluwe Imfolozi Reserve
9 minutes' walk
Located near rich wildlife, offering guided safari tours to encounter Africa's majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Kosi Bay Kayaking
10 minutes' drive
Kayaking in Kosi Bay offers thrilling adventures with opportunities to spot wildlife like hippos and birds.
Yoga on the Beach
16 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions on the beach, available at sunrise, perfect for wellness enthusiasts seeking tranquility.
Alfredo's Restaurant
2 minutes' walk
A cozy eatery serving Italian cuisine with signature pasta dishes and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
Reef and Dune
2 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a vibrant setting, offering seafood delights and local favorites. Reservations recommended.
Fishermans Restaurant & Pub
3 minutes' walk
A lively pub with live music evenings, perfect for family dining and relaxing with a drink after a day of exploration.
Jabula Beach
5 minutes' drive
A popular beach offering beach sports and scenic sunset views, great for all ages looking for evening fun.
Getting around
City Centre
St Lucia 3 min · 700 ft
Airports
Richards Bay (RCB) 114 min · 46.9 mi
Phinda (PZL) 148 min · 61.1 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:30
Check-out
from 09:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Elephant Lake provides visitors with a free full breakfast.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2008
Number of rooms:
41
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Elephant Lake Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 224 verified reviews
7.6 /10
Very good
71 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
8.7/10
Comfort
8.6/10
Facilities
8.2/10
Free WiFi
7.0/10
Location
9.2/10
Staff
8.6/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Pros
Helpful staff
Clean rooms
Good breakfast
Cons
Loud function
Limited channels
Guest reviews
based on 538 reviews
8.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About Elephant Lake Hotel
Are swimming towels available for guests to use at the hotel pool?
10 November 2024
Yes, swimming towels are provided for use at the hotel pool.
Will I need to pay extra for breakfast, or is it included in my booking?
15 December 2024
Breakfast inclusion depends on the package chosen. The Room Only package excludes breakfast, while the Bed and Breakfast package includes it.
Can I pay for my stay at the hotel upon arrival, especially if I encounter issues with online payment?
22 April 2025
A deposit of at least 50% or card details is required to secure a booking. You can inquire about the payment options via the message board.
Is there secure parking available on-site at the hotel?
30 June 2025
Yes, safe parking is available on-site.
Are there vegetarian options available for breakfast?
18 February 2025
Yes, vegetarian options are available. Please indicate any dietary preferences when making your booking.
Is swimming allowed at the beach area nearby the hotel?
12 March 2025
Yes, swimming is permitted at the beach area.
Are there facilities for a braai available at the hotel?
25 January 2025
Yes, there is a dedicated braai area available for guests.
Can picnic refreshments be arranged for guests within the hotel garden?
28 September 2024
Yes, light picnic refreshments can be arranged. Direct inquiries can be made about the arrangements.
What activities are available in and around St Lucia for guests?
07 October 2024
There are various activities available, including trips on the lake and game drives in the iSimangaliso Wetlands and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Park.
Are guests allowed to pay for their accommodations in full upfront?
14 May 2025
Yes, full payment can be made upfront during the booking process.