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Glen Afric Country Lodge

4.5
·902 reviews·Hartbeespoort, South Africa

Experience close encounters with elephants and diverse wildlife at this relaxed safari lodge, offering unique activities and a memorable escape.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Best for elephant activities

CrowdHigh
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Glen Afric - Image 1

Glen Afric Country Lodge

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Best for elephant activities

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience close encounters with elephants and diverse wildlife at this relaxed safari lodge, offering unique activities and a memorable escape.

4.5
(902 reviews)

"Awesome elephant viewing and feeding- they pulled out all the stops!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Elephant Walks Early

These popular experiences sell out fast! Book your elephant walk or feeding session in advance to guarantee your spot.

🔌 Pack for Power Outages

Some guests experienced power outages. Bring a power bank and be prepared for limited electricity.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elephant Encounters

Elephant Encounters

Various locations within the lodge

Get up close with majestic elephants through feeding and walking experiences. A truly unforgettable interaction.

Diverse Wildlife Viewing

Diverse Wildlife Viewing

Throughout the lodge grounds

Spot lions, tigers, zebras, giraffes, and more in a setting that feels like a large, natural zoo.

Sunday Buffet Lunch

Sunday Buffet Lunch

Lodge restaurant

Enjoy a delicious buffet that even includes a special meal for the elephants!

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Planning Your Visit

Book Elephant Encounters in Advance

Interacting with the gentle giants is a major draw. Popular activities like elephant feeding and walks fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Secure your spot online or by phone to avoid disappointment and make the most of your Glen Afric experience.

Prepare for Potential Service Hiccups

While many praise the friendly staff, some visitors report issues with amenities like hot water, electricity, and Wi-Fi. It's wise to pack accordingly and manage expectations, focusing on the unique wildlife interactions.

Best Times

When
Weekend mornings
Why
Best for elephant activities
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Sunday lunch
Why
Unique elephant feeding
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hidden Gem in Hartees. Amazing for a secluded day out. Sunday Buffet lunch and Elephant feeding @Glen Afric Country Lodge. #explore #experience#daytrip#buffet #lifestyle#traveltiktok#lodge#naturevibes#elephants
@missgwande101
46 likes • 2.7K views

🎯 Book Elephant Walks Early

These popular experiences sell out fast! Book your elephant walk or feeding session in advance to guarantee your spot. TikTok

🔌 Pack for Power Outages

Some guests experienced power outages. Bring a power bank and be prepared for limited electricity. Reddit

Location📍: Glen Afric Country Lodge . . #elephantexperience #walkingwithelephants #gentlegiants #newtiktok #creatorsearchinsights #thingstodo #thingstotry #thingstodoinjoburg #placestogo #placestovisit #visitgauteng #visitsouthafrica #southafricantiktok #mzansitiktok #traveltiktok #traveltok #adventuretiktok
@ladylee263_
19 likes • 2.2K views
Volunteering at Glen Afric Country Lodge, South Africa #volunteer #volunteerabroad #volunteersouthafrica #africa #southafrica #glenafric #animals #bigcats #elephants #foryou #fyp #travel #explore #adventure #2025
@hannula19
51 likes • 1.5K views

📶 Wi-Fi Can Be Spotty

Internet access is not always reliable in rooms. Be prepared to disconnect or use reception areas. Reddit

🍽️ Sunday Buffet is a Must

Don't miss the Sunday buffet, which includes a special feeding for the elephants! TikTok

🤍🫶 spend a day with us @Glen Afric Country Lodge @Boitumelo Swandle @Reaoboka Mushi @Keamogetswe Klitsçhk #sunday #kidsoftiktok
@hantleza
162 likes • 1.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Elephant Walks Early

These popular experiences sell out fast! Book your elephant walk or feeding session in advance to guarantee your spot. TikTok

🔌 Pack for Power Outages

Some guests experienced power outages. Bring a power bank and be prepared for limited electricity. Reddit

📶 Wi-Fi Can Be Spotty

Internet access is not always reliable in rooms. Be prepared to disconnect or use reception areas. Reddit

🍽️ Sunday Buffet is a Must

Don't miss the Sunday buffet, which includes a special feeding for the elephants! TikTok

🥾 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing some walking, especially if you opt for the elephant bush walk. TikTok

🦁 See a Variety of Animals

Beyond elephants, you can see lions, tigers, zebras, and giraffes. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(902 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Glen Afric Country Lodge offers incredible wildlife encounters, particularly with elephants, and a diverse range of animals. While the food is often praised, some guests have experienced issues with amenities like hot water, electricity, and Wi-Fi. The staff's friendliness and helpfulness are frequently highlighted as a positive aspect, with some going above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction.

"I had a trouble in the beginning of my stay and Kamo fixed it in a min! I loved how friendly and helpful he is honestly ! He did things out of his job frame line just to make it up to me and he does that with all the guests, going extra mile for guests to please them. He is so loyal to his work place. The place is amazing and it’s like a big zoo, they have elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Tigers and many more.
My only concern was the internet to be honest, There was no internet connection at all in my room. I had to stay unconnected to the world and my family during my whole stay. And I had to stay at the reception to get connected which was uncomfortable. But that was my only concern."

nermien wadie

"Fantastic place. Rated it low because we had no hot water for duration of our stay. At times no water at all. Various times without power.
Service was good
Food outstanding."

Roelf Jansen van Vuuren

"Awesome elephant viewing and feeding- they pulled out all the stops!"

Gaynor Paradza

What People Like

Amazing elephant encounters
Diverse animal viewing
Friendly and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Inconsistent amenities (Wi-Fi, hot water, power)
Cold rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Glen Afric Country Lodge is located in the Gauteng province. It's a popular day trip destination from Johannesburg. The drive typically takes around 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Many visitors opt to drive themselves, but ride-sharing services or pre-booked transfers are also options. TikTok

Public transport options to Glen Afric Country Lodge are limited. It's best suited for those with private vehicles or who arrange private transportation. TikTok

The most common route involves taking the N14 highway towards Krugersdorp and then following signs for Glen Afric. It's advisable to use a GPS or navigation app for real-time directions. TikTok

While not widely advertised, some tour operators or private transfer services may offer shuttles. It's recommended to inquire directly with the lodge or local tour providers. TikTok

The drive from Johannesburg to Glen Afric Country Lodge typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Glen Afric Country Lodge is generally open for day visitors and overnight stays. Specific hours for activities like elephant feeding or buffet lunch should be confirmed directly with the lodge, as they can vary. TikTok

Pricing for Glen Afric Country Lodge varies depending on the activities you choose. Day visits, accommodation, and specific experiences like elephant walks have different rates. It's best to check their official website or contact them for the most current pricing. TikTok

For popular activities like elephant encounters and Sunday lunch, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, as they can sell out. TikTok+1

Yes, Glen Afric offers various options for day visitors, including access to view animals and participate in specific activities. The Sunday buffet lunch is a popular day visitor option. TikTok

While some general entry might be available at the gate, it's strongly advised to book specific activities and popular dining options in advance to avoid disappointment. TikTok+1

🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience

Glen Afric Country Lodge is home to a variety of animals including elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, tigers, zebras, and giraffes. TikTokReddit

You can experience elephant feeding and go on an elephant bush walk. These are highlight activities that offer close interaction with the gentle giants. TikTok+1

Yes, Glen Afric is a great destination for families. Children can enjoy seeing the animals and participating in activities like elephant feeding. TikTok

Glen Afric offers basic to elegant accommodations, described as relaxed safari lodge rooms. Reddit

While not explicitly advertised as traditional game drives, the lodge offers opportunities to see various animals on its grounds, creating a safari-like experience. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Glen Afric offers dining options, with the Sunday buffet lunch being a notable highlight. They also cater to guests with meals during their stay. TikTokReddit

Yes, there is a restaurant at Glen Afric Country Lodge that serves meals to guests. The Sunday buffet is a popular offering. TikTok

The Sunday lunch is a buffet-style meal that is highly recommended. A unique aspect is that it includes a special meal for the elephants! TikTokReddit

Information on specific dietary options is not readily available. It's best to contact the lodge in advance to inquire about vegetarian or vegan meal availability. Reddit

While the focus is on main meals and the buffet, it's possible that lighter options are available. Inquiring upon arrival or when booking is recommended. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best photography opportunities are undoubtedly around the animal enclosures, especially during feeding times or when animals are active. The elephant encounters offer fantastic close-up shots. TikTok+1

Yes, you can take photos during the elephant walk. It's a great chance to capture unique moments with these magnificent animals. TikTok

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of the animals and follow any guidelines provided by the staff. Professional photography or commercial use might require special permission. TikTok

A telephoto lens is recommended for capturing wildlife from a distance. However, a standard zoom lens or even a smartphone can capture great shots, especially during close encounters. TikTok

Yes, with patience and good timing, you can capture excellent photos of the big cats. Early mornings or late afternoons are often the best times for animal activity. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Glen Afric Country Lodge is a fantastic destination for families looking for an engaging and educational experience. The close encounters with elephants, including feeding and walking, are a huge hit with children and create lasting memories. TikTok The variety of other animals like zebras and giraffes also keeps young ones entertained and excited. It's a great way to introduce kids to wildlife in a relatively safe and accessible environment.

When planning your visit, consider booking family-friendly accommodation and ensuring you book any desired animal activities in advance, as they can fill up quickly. While some amenities might be basic, the sheer joy of seeing and interacting with animals makes it a worthwhile trip for families. TikTok

🌍 Volunteers and Backpackers

For those interested in a more hands-on experience, Glen Afric Country Lodge offers volunteer opportunities. This allows individuals to immerse themselves in the daily operations of the lodge and contribute to animal care. TikTok Volunteers often get to work closely with various animals, including the big cats and elephants, providing a unique and rewarding travel experience.

This type of stay is ideal for budget travelers looking for an extended, impactful visit rather than a short tourist trip. It's a chance to learn, contribute, and live amongst the wildlife. Researching specific volunteer programs and their requirements well in advance is recommended. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Elephant Encounters

Glen Afric Country Lodge is renowned for its incredible opportunities to interact with elephants. Visitors can participate in elephant feeding sessions, where they get to hand-feed these gentle giants, creating a truly memorable experience. For those seeking a more immersive adventure, the elephant bush walk allows you to walk alongside these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. These activities are highly sought after, so booking in advance is crucial to avoid disappointment. TikTok+1

Many visitors describe these encounters as 'amazing' and 'unforgettable.' The chance to connect with elephants on such a personal level is a significant draw for many coming to Glen Afric. It's an experience that goes beyond just viewing animals; it's about interaction and understanding. TikTok+1

Remember to wear comfortable shoes for the bush walk and be prepared for an emotional and awe-inspiring experience. The staff are knowledgeable and ensure the safety and well-being of both guests and elephants during these interactions. TikTok

Wildlife Beyond the Elephants

While elephants are a major highlight, Glen Afric Country Lodge is also a sanctuary for a diverse range of other fascinating animals. Visitors can expect to see lions, cheetahs, leopards, tigers, zebras, and giraffes, among others. The lodge is described as feeling like a 'big zoo' in the best possible way, offering ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Reddit

These animals are housed in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats, providing a more authentic safari-like experience. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to spot animals as they are typically more active during these cooler parts of the day. TikTok

Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of subjects here. Capturing the majesty of the big cats or the grace of the giraffes can make for stunning photos. Always maintain a respectful distance and follow the guidance of the lodge staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. TikTok

Navigating Amenities and Service

Glen Afric Country Lodge aims to provide a comfortable stay, but some guests have noted inconsistencies with amenities. Wi-Fi connectivity can be unreliable, with some rooms having no signal, requiring guests to use reception areas for internet access. Reddit

There have also been reports of issues with hot water and electricity, particularly during certain times of the year or specific stays. While the staff, like Kamo mentioned in one review, are often praised for their exceptional friendliness and willingness to go the extra mile to resolve issues, these service hiccups can impact the overall experience. Reddit

It's advisable for visitors to be prepared for these potential challenges. Packing essentials like a power bank, managing expectations regarding constant connectivity, and communicating any concerns promptly with the staff can help ensure a smoother visit. Despite these points, the unique wildlife experiences often outweigh these minor inconveniences for many guests. Reddit