Purposefully built with unimpeded vistas over the Sabie River, Elephant Point River Suites connects guests with the harmony of nature and superlative luxury.
Sitting at the wooden desk in my upstairs study, two of the Big Five have come out to play. On my side of the river, a lone Cape buffalo is hardly visible as he is having a great time feeding on the greenery. Edging forward every so often, he moves slowly and with intent to satiate his hunger. All of a sudden, he glances in my direction and gives me that stare which is a trademark of old buffaloes.
Witnessing a herd of elephants on the opposite side of the river ambling down for liquid refreshment is always a treat, especially when there are calves in the mix. The excitement with which they approach the water has some comedic moments, especially when they have to slam on the brakes as the larger members, like the matriarch, need to assess whether it is safe to venture to the edge of the river. Sunning themselves on a raised sandbank, a pod of hippos is making the most of the cooler, overcast conditions before having to submerge their large bodies back into the water to avoid getting sunburnt.
Having had the privilege of staying at three Legacy properties in the past – Elephant Point Villas and The Leonardo in 2022, and Bakubung Villas in 2025, I’m looking forward to experiencing their latest offering on the banks of the Sabie River – the 42 beautifully appointed Elephant Point River Suites. Priding themselves on offering guests a collection of Africa’s most exclusive and unforgettable properties, Legacy is about discovering special moments that you will cherish for a lifetime. Their commitment to excellence and attention to the finer things in life is what makes each property charming, elegant and unique. Discovering a new bush lodge, hotel, residence, resort or destination holds a certain allure, and arriving at Elephant Point River Suites on a Tuesday afternoon, a host of hospitable faces are ready to make me feel welcome. Allow me to rewind a bit.
It has never been easier to get to the heart of the world-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa’s north-eastern province, and my flight to Skukuza airport arrives just after 11 am. I am collected by transfer driver Ziggy, and we start making the 45-minute journey in a southerly direction. A leisurely drive is the ideal way to see what we can find, and we are not disappointed with the wildlife we encounter along the way. First up is a hyena with cubs varying in age, and the smallest ones are so playful, pouncing on mom and terrorizing their siblings. Giraffes are exceptionally beautiful, and passing by a few, we pause to bear witness to their long eyelashes. A telltale sign that there is a spectacular sighting is a conglomeration of vehicles. Visitors to Kruger National Park are friendly and keen to share information on why they have stopped.
Looking to the left of the road, it’s clear that there is something worthwhile to linger for. Far in the distance, the bare branches of a thorn tree reveal its hidden secret – there is a leopard! The big cat’s rosetted pattern stands out against the pale grey branches, and he is absolutely magnificent! Draped in the fork of the tree, he is panting as the sun has warmed up his coat enough for him to become uncomfortable. Will he descend the tree? We wait. Ziggy turns towards me, as in awe as I am. “Your wish was to see a leopard,” he smiles. “And here we are.” The leopard eventually gets up, stretches, and jumps down into the long grass, probably settling in a shaded spot.
The reception area at Elephant Point River Suites is masterfully designed in a nod to nature. Wooden finishes and walkways don’t detract from the surrounding bush, and guests can either opt to be driven to their suite in a golf cart or walk there as the property is fenced. It is so freeing to take a stroll after breakfast, lunch or dinner and not be concerned about wild animals on the pathways. Lunch is served at SAN African Table, which carries an air of sophistication and is where the narrative of culture, landscape and design merges into a sensory celebration.
The detailed menu has something for everyone, and I choose the ‘casual comfort’ cheeseburger, which is made from dry-aged beef, with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickle, truffle aioli and fries. Taking pride of place is a larger-than-life scene of elephants by Mbongeni Buthelezi, and it’s clear that art forms an integral part of honoring the wildlife, which takes guests on an artistic journey beyond the obvious. Carefully curated pieces are displayed in the reception, the restaurants, around the grounds, and in the suites. Each piece is distinctly different, and explores the unseen, which in turn encourages a dialogue between environment and expression.
Butler Stix is waiting at the large, wooden front door to my suite, which he opens with my keycard. The duplex suite has an upstairs and downstairs section, and Stix shows me around my impressive accommodation for the next two nights. On the ground floor, the lounge is furnished in shades of brown, grey, cream and mustard. The inclusive mini-bar, tea and coffee station with Nespresso machine and milk frother is there for your enjoyment, as are the biscuits, rusks, snacks and bowl with fresh fruit. Three steps up take you to the bedroom and bathroom, which is decorated in light wood and white, with mustard color accents.
On the side of the dwelling, there is a stairway leading to the second level, where you will find a bar and grill area, a study or second bedroom with a bathroom and shower, a lounge area, and a pool. Privacy is uncompromised, with wooden sliding doors ensuring that you can dine and entertain al fresco! The upstairs is the perfect place for taking in the sunrise or sunset, or simply watching the passing parade of wildlife while sipping on a glass of bubbly as you tuck into your charcuterie board.
After lunch, field guide Romeo is ready to take us on an afternoon safari. Everyone in the group is eager to see which wildlife will make an appearance, and we happen upon the cutest steenbok pair with their doe-like eyes. These small antelope are usually rather skittish, but she seems quite relaxed as she keeps a watchful eye on her partner across the road. He is as adorable as she is! Romeo stops at the top of a rock for sundowners, and we feast on snacks and drinks as we watch the sun sink behind the horizon.
Returning from our safari, pre-dinner drinks and canapés are served at TILO Lounge and Bar, where the timing can also coincide with the glorious sunset from this elevated vantage point. Down the stairs, dinner at SAN is a gastronomical feast, and consists of two starters, a main course, and the most delicious dessert. After the morning safari, breakfast and lunch, I am booked for a spa treatment at the Elephant Point Spa. I choose the aromatherapy calm life treatment with Jasmar products, and Spa therapist Nkosy’s healing hands go to work on soothing the tension in my neck, back and shoulders. The spa environment is very relaxing, with the gentle touch of nature all around.
“We wanted to create a lodge which would become a state-of-the-art benchmark for new age wildlife experiences,” Legacy Chairman Bart Dorrenstein tells me. “Where, in actual fact, our theatre is the river. The Legacy story is about creating theatres. And theatres of excellence as candles of hope wherever we go so that the people can relate to them and experience all the ancillary things that go around and make it happen.” Which is what guests at Elephant Point River Lodge can expect. As the wording on the keycard reads: Rooted in stillness, between earth + sky. Pause. Be still. Breathe.
