About Us
What makes Rio Dos Elefantes River Lodge Special?
Situated on the Olifantsriver in Balule Parsons Nature Reserve, bordering the Greater Kruger National Park. Surrounded by age old trees, with outstretched lawns down to the river. Location makes this an ideal getaway for tourists, spotting hippos, crocodile, all plains game and elephants.
Superb birdlife among the luscious riverine trees and foliage. Proportioned on the Olifantsriver (it is the confluency of the Blyde and Olifantsriver) the camp is situated on the Northern Bank of the Olifantsriver. Rio dos Elefantes is built on a rise above thee river, surrounded by sprawling lawns and dwarfed by huge indigenous trees.
The abundance of water and giant trees, harbours a wide variety of birds, from the magnificent Fish Eagle to the smallest dweller.
Personal message from Rio Dos Elefantes
Amazing outdoor space. The location, ambience and wonderful staff will keep you satisfied at all times. Old fashioned home cooking, homemade bread and local fruits are the norm for all the meals. Game drives, bush walks, mountain safari picnics, as well as full-day Kruger Safaris in open vehicles, can be pre-booked or booked on arrival. As we are bordering Kruger Park, Big Five will be your bonus sightings. The best elephants sightings from your cottage on the river.
Things to Do
Adventure at It's Best
Kruger National Park – Phalaborwa gate 40km
Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,485 square kilometers (7,523 sq mi) in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa. Here you can enjoy viewing the big five.
Moholoholo Rehabilitation center 17k from Hoedspruit
The Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was established in 1991. At Moholoholo we are often faced with the difficult decision of what to do with an injured or poisoned animal which will not be able to be released back into the wild. As a result, we have a number of ‘permanent residents’ that reside at the center at our own cost.
Kapama Endangered Species Cheetah Project
The Kapama Endangered Species Center has established itself as one of the leading private research and breeding facilities for endangered species in the country. Governed by a progressive and modern management approach, it concerns itself with the breeding and maintenance of several endangered indigenous wildlife species Africa. Other facilities include a Tea Garden, Curio Shop and Game Drives.
Blyde River & Phalaborwa dam cruises
Enjoy a lovely boat ride on the Blyde Dam, where you can savor the splendor of the Blyde River Canyon. Your tour guide will take you to the Kadishi Tufa Waterfall and the majestic Three Rondavels. Wildlife is abundant; you’ll be able to spot hippo, crocodile, as well as fish eagle. During the cruise, you can learn more about the history of the third biggest canyon in the world.
Game drives (4 hours) in the Maseke Parsons Game Reserve. All of the big five.
Our big five game drives will ensure you see the big 5 if they allow us to. Our team has the relevant tracking experience to ensure you see the big five in their natural environment. The Maseke Parsons Game drive never fails to meet expectations. The big five consists of Lion, Cape Buffalo, Cheetah, Elephant and Elusive Rhino.
Reptile Park outside Hoedspruit
We are situated in Hoedspruit Limpopo, its located in one of the most pristine parts of the country with respect to natural heritage. This are has a particularly large variety of snakes and reptiles. This is a high frequency of interactions between these reptiles and people, making this the perfect location for reptile -related research and public education.
The Panorama Route is a scenic road in South Africa connecting several cultural and natural points of interest. This route, steeped in the history of South Africa, is situated in the Mpumalanga province. The route is centered around the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third largest canyon, and features numerous waterfalls, one of the largest afforested areas in South Africa, and several natural landmarks.
Rio Dos Elefantes Other Related Info:
- Shuttle services available on demand or Ashtons shuttle from OR Tambo – pick up and drop off at Three Bridges restaurant on the R40. The entrance to the Reserve is a stone gate. Maseke/Parsons gate, Balule Nature Reserve.
- R150 per car and R100 per person (SA Citizen) or R200 per person (International Guests) needs to be paid for entrance.
- Follow a map, received at the gate for 12.8KM on a gravel road to the river.
- You can look up the location on google maps under the name, Rio Dos Elefantes River Camp.
- The Closest airport is Eastgate, Hoedspruit 40km.