Questions & answers
Everything you need to know.
Quick answers to the questions guests ask us most, from check-in and breakfast to choosing a suite and getting to Knysna. Anything else, just ask.
- Check-in
- From 2pm
- Check-out
- By 11am
- Breakfast
- Included
- George Airport
- 64 km
Your stay
Planning your stay.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 11am. Early check-in and late check-out depend on availability, and we will gladly store your luggage. If you will arrive after 9pm, please let us know.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes. Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the lodge.
Is there parking?
Yes. There is safe, secure parking on the property.
Do you have power during load shedding?
Elephant Hide is solar powered and has its own borehole water.
What extra services can you arrange?
Our concierge is complimentary. Airport shuttles, tour guides and taxis, laundry and dry cleaning, and babysitting are available at an extra charge.
Can we smoke at Elephant Hide?
The suites are non-smoking inside, but you are welcome to smoke outdoors: on the suite balconies or the pool deck, where ashtrays are provided.
The suites
Choosing a suite.
How many suites are there?
Nine suites in six types: Peregrine (two), Lagoon (two), Fynbos, Executive, Bird’s Eye (two, interleading) and Family. Every suite has lagoon views.
Which suite is best for a honeymoon?
The two Peregrine Suites are our honeymoon suites, each with a spa bath, a twin shower and a private deck above the lagoon.
Which suites suit families?
The Family Suite has two inter-leading bedrooms for 2 adults and 2 children under 12. The Executive and Bird’s Eye Suites sleep 2 adults and 2 children under 11 on a sleeper couch.
Can we have twin beds?
Yes. The king-size beds in the Peregrine, Lagoon, Fynbos, Executive and Bird’s Eye Suites convert to twin beds. The Family Suite has a king and two singles.
Which suites have a spa bath?
The Peregrine, Lagoon, Fynbos and Executive Suites have a spa bath. The Bird’s Eye and Family Suites have a bath and a separate shower.
Do you have hypoallergenic pillows?
Yes, on request. Our standard pillows are duck feather and down; for guests with allergies we keep microfibre pillows in a down-proof casing.
Dining
Eating and drinking.
Is breakfast included?
Yes. Breakfast is included in every stay and served daily from 8am to 10am in the main lodge, with views over the Knysna Lagoon.
Do you serve dinner?
Yes, for staying guests; the restaurant is not open to the public. Chef Yuzy serves a short seasonal menu and pizzas from 6pm to 8pm, and light meals are available at lunchtime. Let us know when you book or during your stay.
Can we see the dinner menu?
The menu changes with the seasons, so we do not publish it online. Ask us for this week’s dishes when you book, or at breakfast on the day.
Is there a bar?
Yes. The bar opens onto the pool deck day and evening, with cocktails, house wines, MCC, spirits, local craft beer, soft drinks and milkshakes. Sunset over the lagoon is the best time.
Where are your wines from?
Every wine on our list is personally selected by the owner from award-winning farms across the Cape Winelands.
Can you pack a picnic or a charcuterie board?
Yes. Picnic backpacks and charcuterie boards are available on request; please order by 2pm the day before. We can also have a charcuterie board, champagne or wine waiting in your suite when you arrive, with 24 hours’ notice.
Getting here
Getting here and around.
Where is Elephant Hide?
On Cherry Lane in Knysna, on the Garden Route in South Africa, high above the Knysna Lagoon. The Knysna Waterfront is about 4 km away, a 7-minute drive.
How far is the nearest airport?
George Airport is 64 km away and Plettenberg Bay Aerodrome is 38 km away.
Do you offer airport transfers?
Yes, at an extra charge. Please contact us before you arrive and we will arrange your transfer.
Is there golf nearby?
Yes. Pezula Championship Course, Simola Golf and Country Estate (a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design) and Knysna Golf Club are all a short drive away. Our concierge can book tee times.
What is there to do with children?
Knysna Elephant Park is 27 km away, Monkeyland and Birds of Eden are at The Crags near Plettenberg Bay, and there are forest ziplines and boardwalks at Harkerville.
How do we book?
Book online through our booking page, call +27 (0) 44 382 0426, WhatsApp +27 78 633 8475 or email info [at] elephanthide.co.za. During your stay, our Lodge Manager is on +27 63 129 5890 for any on-site assistance.
Good to know
Good to know.
Is Elephant Hide self-catering or bed and breakfast?
Bed and breakfast. Breakfast is included in every stay, and dinner is served to staying guests from 6pm to 8pm.
Do all the suites have lagoon views?
Yes. All nine suites have views over the Knysna Lagoon.
How far is Elephant Hide from the Knysna Waterfront?
About a 7-minute drive. The Knysna Waterfront is 3.9 km from the lodge.
Do we need a 4x4 to get to Elephant Hide?
No. The road to the lodge is fine for an ordinary car.
Are children of all ages welcome?
Yes. Children of all ages are welcome. The Family Suite has a second bedroom with two single beds, and the Executive and Bird’s Eye Suites have a sleeper couch.
Is there a swimming pool?
Yes. The pool and sun deck look out over the Knysna Lagoon, with loungers, umbrellas and the bar a few steps away.