This lodge is a gem. We stayed 2 nights here and had 2 double rooms which were very clean and well maintained. Outdoor shower and equipment are top. Big praise to the staff who were all very friendly and competent. The food in the evening as in the morning was fantastic. Very wide selection and with African influences. We would definitely come back.
Welcome to Elli – the Elephants Footprint Lodge
Good day! I’m Elli, I’m 20 years old, and I look forward to welcoming you at the gateway to the Addo Elephant National Park.
I was built with great love – from warm wood, fragrant thatch, and a deep respect for the nature that surrounds me. Today, I am a 4-star lodge offering 5-star activities – authentic, homely, and filled with genuine South African hospitality.
Since the beginning of 2025, I’ve been under new management – people who share my values and have breathed fresh life into me. This spring, I’ve been given a makeover: a modern solar system, a backup water supply, a new fiberglass splash pool, fresh linens, and many thoughtful touches you’ll notice from the moment you arrive.
But what truly makes me special are the people who fill me with life. Locals who have always been the heart of my story and who know the Eastern Cape inside and out. They welcome guests with genuine warmth, open smiles, and a depth of knowledge about this region that can’t be learned from books.
I am a place of heartfelt hospitality, which is why we are actively involved in our community – in the Village of Colchester, through the NukaKamma Hospitality School, and through other local initiatives that create opportunities and strengthen connections.
I even have my own restaurant, which truly feels like part of my soul. In the mornings, the air smells of freshly baked bread; in the evenings, of herbs, firewood, and grilled dishes. My kitchen is South African, varied, and prepared with love – the perfect ending to a day full of adventure and discovery.
I’ll show you the very best that the Eastern Cape has to offer: BIG 5 safaris in open safari vehicles in Addo Elephant National Park and nearby 5-star game reserves, Giraffe Walks, and River Cruises. And I’ve created something truly special for you: Luxury safaris with guaranteed window seats!
When you return in the evening, I’ll be waiting – with the quiet crackle of the fireplace, a good meal, and the comforting feeling of truly having arrived.
I’m Elli, the Elephants Footprint Lodge in Colchester. Come visit – and I’ll show you what South Africa feels like when you experience it with your heart.
Warm regards,
Elli & Team
AT A GLANCE
WHY CHOOSE US?
NEED MORE REASONS?
Testimonials
Of course, I could tell you so much more about myself – about the smell of freshly baked bread in the mornings, the cozy evenings by the fire, and the unforgettable safaris you can experience from here.
But it’s even better when my guests share their own stories – how they experienced their stay with me, what moments moved them most, and what made their time here special.
Their experiences, impressions, and stories best reflect what my team and I truly stand for: Warmth, attention to detail, and the feeling that in South Africa, you’re not just a guest – you’re genuinely welcome. Read what other travelers have said about us – on Booking.com, Google, or Tripadvisor. I invite you to explore the voices of my guests – and perhaps soon, to become part of those stories yourself.
