Zoo
Lake Eland Game Reserve
📍 Margate
⭐ 4.6 / 5
Lake Eland Game Reserve, situated inland from Margate in KwaZulu-Natal, provides families with an opportunity to engage with nature and wildlife in a setting distinct from coastal attractions. While categorised for its animal viewing, it functions as a game reserve where visitors experience the outdoors rather than a conventional zoo featuring caged exhibits. The primary attraction for children involves participation in game drives, offering sightings of various plains game such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and numerous antelope species in their natural habitat. These drives offer children exposure to the local fauna and an appreciation for the bushveld environment, often with guides providing information about the animals and their surroundings. Beyond the wildlife viewing, Lake Eland presents itself as a rustic resort. A central feature that appeals to families is the outdoor swimming pool, which offers a space for children to cool off and play, particularly welcome after a game drive or during warm coastal days. For families considering an extended stay, the reserve provides eclectic accommodation options, ranging from chalets to log cabins, creating diverse overnight experiences. On-site dining facilities cater to visitors, offering meals in a relaxed atmosphere that complements the natural setting. What distinguishes Lake Eland from a typical city zoo is the immersive experience of observing animals roaming within a large, conserved area, allowing for a more dynamic and authentic wildlife encounter, combined with leisure amenities like the pool. It offers a tangible safari-like experience that is relatively accessible for families on the South Coast, providing an alternative to traditional beach holidays.
Lake Eland Game Reserve is particularly suitable for children aged 4-7, 8-12, and teenagers. While very young children under three might find the duration of game drives challenging, children aged four and upwards typically engage well with spotting animals and enjoying the outdoor pool. A standard day visit often lasts between four to six hours, which usually allows sufficient time for a game drive, a swim, and a meal. However, due to the varied offerings and accommodation, many families choose to stay for a full day or even overnight to fully experience the reserve at a more relaxed pace. The visitor experience is predominantly outdoors. Game drives take place in vehicles, which can be open-sided or enclosed, navigating through the reserve's terrain. The swimming pool area is entirely open-air. While dining facilities may offer both indoor and outdoor seating, much of the time spent at Lake Eland will be exposed to the elements. Parking for visitors is plentiful and available on-site, typically located near the main lodge and reception, accommodating numerous cars without congestion issues. For parents with strollers or prams, the main lodge area, dining facilities, and paved or well-maintained pathways around the central resort section are generally accessible. However, game drive vehicles are not designed to accommodate strollers, and movement within the bush beyond the main facilities would be impractical. As a largely outdoor venue, much of the reserve is sun-exposed, especially during game drives. Shade is available around the main lodge buildings, dining areas, and sometimes at specific spots near the pool. Comprehensive toilet facilities are readily available at the main lodge and restaurant areas, and these ablution blocks typically include change facilities for visitor convenience.
When planning a visit to Lake Eland Game Reserve, parents might consider arriving as early as possible during the peak summer school holidays, especially from December to February. During these months, KwaZulu-Natal experiences significant heat, and the reserve can become quite busy. Arriving closer to the 7:00 AM opening time offers two key advantages. Firstly, the morning air is notably cooler, making game drives much more pleasant for children who will be exposed to the sun, often in open-sided vehicles. Secondly, animals tend to be more active and visible during the cooler hours of the morning before seeking shade as the day heats up, which can increase the chances of memorable wildlife sightings. An early start also helps circumvent the busiest periods of the day, which usually occur mid-morning during school holidays, ensuring a more relaxed arrival, easier access to parking, and less crowded use of the dining and pool facilities. Packing essentials like wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and sufficient water is crucial, regardless of an early start, to manage sun exposure and hydration. This approach helps ensure that children remain comfortable and engaged with the wildlife experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the visit despite the summer conditions.
Hours can change on public holidays — please confirm with the venue before you visit.
Information may vary — please confirm hours and pricing with the venue before you visit.
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