Etienne & Margie Swart with a sick lion cub

The Sabi Sand Wildtuin was set up in the 1950's by a group of private landowners who dropped the fences between their properties in order to create a larger area for the animals to roam freely. The reserve is named after its two main rivers, the Sabi and Sand Rivers, which both flow to the south of Elephant Plains.

The lodge is situated on the banks of the dry Manyeleti riverbed. We traverse an area of over 4500 ha. This encompasses clay-based plains, broad-leafed, hilly woodland, interspersed with dolerite ridges and mature riverine habitats, creating a fantastic biodiversity of flora and fauna. Here you can see Africa's Big Five and you might even come across rarer predators, such as the cheetah and wild dog.

The construction of the new main building and six luxury chalets in the first half of 2003, as well as the honeymoon suite in 2006, has allowed us to take a maximum of 24 guests at a time. We have maintained our personal service and the warm, friendly atmosphere for which we are renowned and remembered.

Friends relaxing on the stoep of the original camp

The Steyn family used to own the Seville property, a farm just outside of Utah on the way to the Orpen Road. In the early sixties this land was reclaimed by the government and along with many other neighbouring properties it became trust land. This reclamation of properties led to the creation of the government owned Manyeleti Game Reserve - just to the north of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin.

Car trouble on game drive!

Koot Steyn, his son, Dries Steyn and a third partner, Jannie Wilkens then bought the farm of Arathusa from Mr. Tresford in 1962. At that time the only buildings on the property were the old main building and two rondavels, Rooms 2 & 3.The original camp was then built and used as a holiday place for friends and family.

The infamous Harry Kirkman became warden of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin in 1958 and was a frequent visitor at Elephant Plains. After captivating friends with his incredible stories around the fire, he would always sleep on the stoep of Room 2, despite a ready-made bed indoors.

Koot Steyn passed on and the northern section of the property was sold to the then German Ambassador for South Africa, Mr. Jackel. It has since been re-sold. Jannie Wilkens' southern section was sold to Mr. Abrahams. The farm is now owned by his daughters, Shirley and Joan. This is the private camp one can see from the original pool deck. Dries Steyn divided his property in half and in 1994 Elephant Plains was inherited by the Witpoort Familie Trust

Oupa Dries & ouma Anna Steyn in front of Room 5.

Dr Etienne and Margie Swart are the current owners of Elephant Plains. They live in Bothaville in the Free State. Their active interest and constant support has helped build the lodge you are staying in today.

Their son, Etienne, spent much of his youth on the farm and has worked with the lodge since its conception, initially as a ranger, but as a successful manager from 1998. In 2005 Etienne got married and Marlet is playing an active role in helping him manage the lodge.

Elephant Plains Game Lodge has been graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa as a 4 star facility.

Elephant Plains Game Lodge is endorsed by the the AA Travel Guide as a highly recommended establishment.