We stayed at Elephant Hide Lodge in November this year for two nights and it was a truly fabulous experience.

From the moment we walked in the door to the moment we left we were not only made to feel welcome but extremely special. There was nothing they were not willing, forthcoming and helpful with, from going to the local shop to get us a special bottle of bubbly on our first night to offering to run in to town and get lunch for us when we were relaxing by the pool the next day.

This experience was further improved not only by the quality of the room but also the thought and care that went into it. If you needed or wanted something, it was there from special bath salts and bubble bath to a bottle of insect repellent, local magazines, red and white wine glasses...not a single element to making our stay perfect was missed.

The views over the lagoon were stunning and the cabins cleverly built to give you optimum views with maximum privacy. You need to stay there if nothing more than to luxuriate in one of their beautiful baths whilst enjoying the stunning views.

And considering neither of us are really the breakfast type we could not resist going down and trying out the breakfast menu, with a great choice of authentic dishes from mieliepap (making my South African born boyfriend a very happy man as it is a dish he has not sampled since childhood) to a beautiful selection of cured South African meats and tasty cheeses. What a wonderful change from your standard fry up!

Words cannot truly describe just how amazing our stay was and the only regret is that we could not be there longer.

Thank you to everyone(!) who worked there to make our stay one of perfection and never to be forgotten. This is a place I would not only highly recommend to anyone reading this review but one I have recommended to all I know...regardless of whether or not they originally had plans to visit South Africa.

We stayed only 2 nights at Elephant Hide. We wish we could have spent a week!! The room and view from the room are absolutely gorgeous. All rooms have private entrances and I believe that all of them have a 180 degree view of the Knysna lagoon. They are situated so that each room is private and can't be seen from the other rooms so you can keep the blinds open and look out the windows from the bedroom and bathroom area as well as having a nice outside deck to sit on. If you want to have a sleep in the window coverings are thick enough to keep the bright African sun out of the room until you are ready to get up.
It is obvious that much thought was put into the room, from the separate coffee/tea and cocktail bar area with very nice white and red wine glasses (huge plus for a red wine drinker) to the separate area with closets and room for suitcases so you aren't staring at your luggage while in the room. There is a seating area in front of the windows and bed as well as a seating area on the private deck.
The bath area is very large with an open stand up shower area with 2 shower heads and a huge tub - all with the lagoon view.
The lodge is less than 5 minutes from the waterfront and main street where the restaurants and shops are situated.
Lastly and also very important is the breakfast. You are given a menu with I think 8 different choices for breakfast which was a nice change from choosing how you would like your eggs fixed - which was the typical choice at most B&B's. The food was unusual and elegantly prepared and presented.
The main lodge is also very nicely decorated with a huge fireplace, nice music, pretty pool. etc. We didn't go there at night but there was a note letting us know if we would like an after dinner drink they would keep the lodge open for us. We met the husband and wife owners who greeted us at breakfast and gave us many options of things to do in the Kynsna area each morning.
Honestly we loved our room so much that we just wanted to hang out there. I would Highly, Highly recommend this property!

The lodge is in a beautiful setting overlooking the lake- we had an executive suite which was larger than other rooms. This was gorgeous- complete with jacuzzi and candles in an open plan so you could sit in the jacuzzi and look at the lake. Comfy beds, lovely bathroom and superb deck.
Breakfasts were amazing- kept us going all day with wonderful choices and fabulous friendly service by Mandy and Fish.
Faultless and perfection !

Our stay at Elephant Hide was only two nights but what a memorable 2 nights my Husband & I experienced, from the moment we arrived the service was oustanding from Fish & Mandy, they were the perfect hosts, to the breathtaking views & the most luxurious & spacious suite, it felt like we were in paradise & we will definitely recommend this B&B to anyone & we will definitely be back! We can also highly recommend the picnic baskets, a real treat. My husband and I had the most amazing experience at Elephant Hide & it has definitely captured a piece of our hearts. It's worth every minute. Thank you again to Mandy & Fish for making our stay so pleasant & special thanks to Mandy for taking the time out to show us the best spots & dishing out loads of maps & to Fish for always having a smile on his face & always being so helpful! A very romantic place filled with special memories for my Husband & I. A trip we will never forget.