Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.5
#1 of 6 guest houses in Colchester
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Elephants Footprint Lodge offers excellent accommodation with 12 en suite rooms under thatch room in a lapa style. Situated 2km from the Greater Addo Elephant National Park Southern Gate. This makes it the gateway to the Route of the Giants and the ideal getaway for an unique and unforgettable holiday. Dinner is served upon request Booking Essential
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
1 Riverside Drive Riverside Park, Colchester 6001 South Africa
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
This was my second stay at the Elephants Footprint, the last was about 8 years ago. It is still a really nice place to stay. The food is excellent and dinner is served with a great flourish each evening with the hotel manager introducing the cook and her staff and describing each dish before we could tuck in. The manager Roscha is so helpful and could not do enough to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. She seems to work all hours, on duty early, as we saw when we had an early start to go into the nearby Addo Game Reserve, right through to late at night when she was on hand to give first aid to my mother who had suffered a fall. The hotel is ideally situated for trips to Addo. The Park opens at 7:00 so it’s easily possible to nip up there and have a couple of hours viewing in the cool of the day, come back to the hotel for breakfast, and then return to see more animals for the rest of the day. In the heat of the afternoon when most of the animals seem to disappear into shade and are harder to see, it’s nice to return to the hotel and take a quick plunge in the pool to cool down. We then went back to the park at 4, when the herds of elephant were out again and the light for photography was brilliant. I would highly recommend this hotel, the outdoor showers are novel, they are private enough to be discrete and yet showering under the stars is a liberating experience. The rooms are large and comfortable The staff, led by Roscha, are all very friendly and made it an absolute pleasure to stay at The Elephants Footprint Lodge.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from EFLManager, Manager at Elephants Footprint Lodge
Responded 30 Jan 2020
Dear Gallway's, What a pleasure to serve and be hands on with you all through all my long hours. I enjoyed looking after everyone of you, even moving furniture around so the old folks :) can watch movies without the popcorn. Listening to old stories from 1941 and all your laughter and friendliness. Oh it was an absolute pleasure being able to help with the first aid, but I'm sure your fathers gentle hands helped more than my assistance. Give my regards to them and enjoy the rest of SA. Safe travels until you come visit again. Greetings from all. Roscha
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Been a couple of years since we last stayed here but again we were not disappointed. A most friendly welcome at Reception and upon being shown to your room an excellent introduction is given regarding your room. The room is beautifully appointed and has everything you need. Particularly enjoyed the outdoor shower. Supper was great and the Chef and staff give an introduction to their menu for the evening and the food was delicious. We slept vey well on a most comfortable bed and breakfast next morning was also enjoyable. Unfortunately it was time to go home. Acommodation in the park is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain and is getting expensive. Elephants Footbridge Lodge provides the perfect answer so do stay with them, you will not be disappointed. We will be back for sure.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A nice African lodge two minutes (maybe less) outside the entrance to Addo. The rooms were furnished to a good standard, and the outside showers were nice. The rooms surround a small garden and plunge pool. The breakfast was good, as was the service. We didn't eat dinner, but the menu was the same both nights. I did not notice that the rooms are not advertised with air conditioning, it's true. But, there is a unit on the wall that <looked> like an AC. I asked at the desk how it worked, and the maintenance guy arrived and was adamant that it was producing cool air (it was producing air moving at the same temperature). We saw other guests having the same conversation with the day manager (I also saw them check out of the property at 9:30 at night). I raised this with the owner and he very honestly explained that there was no AC because there was insufficient electricity supply in that part of country for a commercial espresso machine, much less AC for every room. (He also confirmed that no AC was advertised for the property on the booking site we had used.) I appreciated his honesty. I would have appreciated the same from the maintenance guy the day before.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from EFLManager, General Manager at Elephants Footprint Lodge
Responded 24 Feb 2020
Good day, Thanks for your review and by giving your feedback and input into our place. Yes it's correct Here we do face unsufficient electricity supply, and my maintenance guy wanted just to be helpful, but does not know that the unit on the wall is made for winter time. However, under thatch roof the room stay cool 90% of time, and it's only that day of big heat that you may need the aircon. We apologize for not meeting your expectations and hope therefore you enjoyed your stay with us. Warm regards
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
One positive thing: it's well located at the south entrance gate of Addo Elephant park. For the rest simply forget it. Upon arrival the guy managing this hotel wants to sell you a trip to a game reserve located at the north and outside of Addo park. He even tries to convince you that Addo park is a waste of time but that the other game reserve is much better and that with his advertised safari tour you get to see all animals. This is very disturbing in my view and put us at a bad start right from the beginning. Besides he does this sales trick with every other guest in the hotel. The accommodation is very poor by itself: it consists of several rooms in hut shape with very high ceilings but without insulation at all. So cold during our stay (no heating, no A/C) and probably bloody hot during summer. Only shower is outdoors. There is a bathtub in the middle of the room. All the premises are fenced with electrical wire as pretty much everywhere in SA to keep out the baboons (LOL) . Worst part by far was the breakfast and the meals. There aren't unfortunately very much restaurants nearby (only one next to the gas station in city center) so for convenience most guests dine here. I've never had worse coffee than at this place. Absolutely disgusting. I strongly advise every visitor to Addo park to choose another accommodation.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Elephants Footprint Lodge Manager, Owner at Elephants Footprint Lodge
Responded 29 Apr 2022
Dear Valuable Guest, Thank you for you visit at Elephants Footprint Lodge We offer all our guests different excursions for the duration of their stay with us to do. Safe travels & Stay safe Warm Hospitality Regards Elephants Footprint Lodge Management & Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My only regret is that I planned this accommodation last minute and only had one night there! The room was very spacious and the bed was comfortable! I loved the outdoor shower. I fell asleep to the sound of the fountain outside which was very relaxing. The Location is in close proximity to the south entrance of addo elephant park so if you want to do a self drive right when they open, you do not have to commute very far to the gate entrance . The lodge is very easy to find as there are signs on the N2 highway pointing you in the right direction. I especially appreciate that they were able to book me in for a guided game drive for the next morning with little notice. Breakfast was a spread of toast, cereals, yogurt, fruit and granola and then the kitchen will take your order for eggs and make them however you like! Thanks for a great stay! I hope to visit again soon.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Elephants Footprint Lodge Manager, Owner at Elephants Footprint Lodge
Responded 25 Mar 2023
Hi Lindsay, Thank you for the fantastic review. It was a pleasure to host you even though it was only for 1 night and you arrived so late. Next time you should stay for at least 3 nights so you can experience everything the area has to offer. Travel safely and we hope to see you again soon. Warm regards, Christo & Annelize
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The location of the place so close to Addo was the reason we chose it. The " buffet" supper was a great let down with inadequate quantities available. Mosquito repellents were not available in the rooms which made it a very difficult stay. Noise from neighbours continued throughout the night and though no fault of the owners/managers, there was no information on who to contact to deal with this problem. The outdoor shower was an absolute delight
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Elephants Footprint Lodge Manager, Owner at Elephants Footprint Lodge
Responded 3 Jan 2022
Dear Guest, Thank you for your visit at Elephant Footprint Lodge, and your review. Just some feedback regards to your review, During the festive season, guests is in a celebrating spirit and we did ask all the other guests regards to the noise levels on Christmas evening, and they all replied it was not unbearable. The is at the reception next to the door a notice and a bell to ring, to be in contact with the manager on duty regarding any assistance, as well as in your room on the coffee table is the guest folder book and the manager on duty number is also advertise in the book. Regarding the buffet we offered, all the guests complement us regarding the quality and quantity served, please note that all the guests was aware that dinner (buffet) is served at 19H00, and you were very late as well. Please keep safe Kind Regards Management Elephants Footprint Lodge
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
the positives . great location for southern entry gate at addo , friendly welcome , nice room clean with everything you could need the negatives , rooms on top of each other so very noisy , pool area close to rooms means more noise as drinking from self service honesty bar went on to 1130 at night , food very average . dinner consisted of greek salad , beetroot and carrot salad and a kudu stew , no dessert , tasty enough but nothing like the menu on the website .i am surprised at the 4.5 rating this means i must be very fussy !!!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My mum and I had a lovely stay here. We called last minute (in the morning) to ask if we could stay and they were more than accommodating. The manager and staff were wonderful, so incredibly kind, and their hospitality was off the charts!
The rooms are spacious, clean, and have all you could want. We thoroughly enjoyed the meal the manager cooked for dinner (a traditional bobotie being the absolute highlight dish). We had such an amazing stay and will certainly be back!
Read more
Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Elephants Footprint Lodge Manager, Owner at Elephants Footprint Lodge
Responded 25 Nov 2021
Dear Natalie & Helen Thank you so much for the kind words and review. We wish you a Happy & Safe travels in South Africa! Making memories It was a honor to be your hosts All the best wishes for you Hospitality Regards Johan & Eugene Elephants Footprint Lodge
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wow what an amazing place. The lodges are extremely comfortable with everything you need in them, the location is perfect for safari, the food is lovely, traditionally African with so much choice and the staff were just perfect. From the waiting staff to the Reception everyone was so friendly. But what made it even more perfect was Wesley one of the managers. He was above and beyond helpful, helping to organise our trips and even if there were problems we only knew about t hem when they'd been sorted. Every hotel in the world needs a Wesley. Whatever he is being paid.... its not enough. Thank you to everyone
Read more
Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â If you can hire a car it'll give you a little more freedom. But certainly not essential
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Elephants Footprint Lodge Manager, Owner at Elephants Footprint Lodge
Responded 29 Jan 2024
Good morning Suzanne & Martyn! We have few words for such a wonderful and positive review. Not only am I happy to hear you enjoyed your stay at the lodge, but I must thank you for entrusting your plans to me that I could make sure you had not only a holiday, but the proper Addo experience. Whilst we appreciate and thank all our guests, every once in a while we have guests like yourselves that make our work an absolute dream, and reminds us why we do what we do. It was an absolute pleasure hosting you, and I thank you for such kind words. Blessed travels and all the best for the year! Warm regards, Wesley & Semonia, EFL Managers
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Had a wonderful time at the elephant lodge. Rooms were immaculately clean, very comfortable and the whole team made us feel very welcome. I loved the outdoor shower! I recommend trying the dinner at the lodge, it was very tasty and a good price. We got good recommendations for local trips too. Thanks for looking after us.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks a lot for your wonderful review. it was a pleasure for us to host youin our place and hope you had a unforgettalbe time close to addo park we hope to see again maybe one day !! In the meantime we wish you, to enjoy the rest of your stay in south africa, and you take care of you . Kind regards Isabelle
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dear Mr/Ms Drawbell
Thank you for the message. We have your booking confirmed. It is confirmed that the full amount for the accommodation has been paid.
Looking forward to hosting you here at Elephants Footprint Lodge
Regards
Mariska Philpott
There are more places to choose from in the Colchester area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$124 - AU$159 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapeGreater AddoColchester
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
