Lake Eland Game Reserve Prices 2025: Complete Guide to Costs and Activities
Key Takeaways
| Activity | Price | Duration | Age Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Visitor Entry | R80 adults, R50 children | Full day | All ages |
| Zipline Tour | R490 + day visitor fee | 4.5km tour | All ages |
| Extreme Zipline | Premium pricing | 1km extreme slide | Adults only |
| Paintball | Available on-site | Varies | Check minimum age |
| Accommodation | Self-catering chalets | Per night | All ages |
| Swimming Pool | Included with stay | All day | Guests only |
Quick Facts:
- Gate hours: 7am – 5pm daily
- Location: Oribi Gorge, KwaZulu-Natal
- Longest zipline tour in Africa
- Suspension bridge crossing available
- Game drives and 4×4 trails included
Lake Eland Game Reserve 2025 Entrance Fees
Getting into Lake Eland Game Reserve won’t break the bank, but you’ll want to know exactly what you’re paying for before you rock up. The day visitor entrance fee is R80 per adult and R50 per child, which gives you access to the entire reserve from 7am to 5pm daily.
What’s included in your entrance fee? You get to explore the four distinct ecosystems, spot wildlife roaming freely, and enjoy the scenic drives through the reserve. The entrance fee also covers access to the suspension bridge – though you’ll need to pay extra for the proper adrenaline activities.
I’ve been visiting game reserves for over fifteen years, and Lake Eland’s pricing sits comfortably in the middle range for KwaZulu-Natal reserves. Unlike some big 5 safari game reserves in Gauteng, Lake Eland Game Reserve focuses more on adventure activities than pure game viewing.
The reserve opens its gates at 7am sharp, so early birds get the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Late arrivals often miss the animals when they retreat to shade during the heat of the day. If you’re planning a day trip, budget for the entrance fee plus your chosen activities.
How Much is the Zip Line at Lake Eland?
The zipline at Lake Eland Game Reserve carries a premium price tag, but it’s worth every rand for thrill-seekers. The standard zipline tour costs R490 plus the day visitor’s fee, bringing your total to R570 for adults before you even get started.
This 4.5km tour includes 14 slides and is the longest zipline tour in Africa. The longest single slide stretches 680 metres and takes you 300 metres above the Oribi Gorge floor. That’s higher than most office buildings in Johannesburg.
For the truly brave, there’s the X-Treme zipline option. The X-Treme tour starts with a 1km “straight down” slide reaching speeds up to 160km per hour, followed by two more slides. This option isn’t suitable for children and commands premium pricing – expect to pay significantly more than the standard tour.
I’ve done both tours, and while the standard zipline gives you fantastic views and enough thrills for most people, the X-Treme version is genuinely terrifying in the best possible way. Your ears will pop from the speed, and you’ll need a few minutes to catch your breath at the bottom.
The zipline tour takes around 2-3 hours to complete, including the hike between platforms. Wear comfortable closed shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dusty. Most importantly, don’t eat a heavy meal beforehand – trust me on this one.
Does Lake Eland Have a Pool?
Yes, Lake Eland Game Reserve does have a swimming pool, but it’s exclusively for overnight guests staying in their accommodation. Day visitors don’t get pool access, which is one of the key differences between staying overnight and just visiting for activities.
The pool area offers a welcome break from the adventure activities, especially during the hot summer months. It’s positioned to take advantage of the spectacular gorge views, so you can cool off while enjoying some of the best scenery in KwaZulu-Natal.
If you’re planning a day visit and really want to cool off, there are natural swimming spots along some of the hiking trails. However, these require a bit of exploration and aren’t as convenient as the guest pool.
For families with young children, the pool access can be a deal-breaker when deciding between day visits and overnight stays. Kids get tired after ziplines and game drives, and having a pool to splash in makes the difference between happy children and cranky ones.
The accommodation at Lake Eland Game Reserve includes self-catering chalets positioned around the reserve. These give you pool access, early morning game viewing opportunities, and the chance to experience the reserve after day visitors have gone home.
How Much Does it Cost to Paint Balls in Lake Eland?
Lake Eland Game Reserve features a unique paintball setup called the “Paintball Colosseum” where you can play gladiator-style games. In the Paintball Colosseum you can play as gladiator or Roman to enjoy a great battle. The pricing for paintball isn’t clearly advertised online, which means you’ll need to contact the reserve directly for current rates.
Most game reserves charge paintball by the hour or by the number of paintballs used. Expect to pay around R200-400 per person for a session, plus the cost of paintballs and equipment rental. The exact price depends on group size, duration, and the package you choose.
The gladiator theme adds an interesting twist to regular paintball. Instead of hiding behind barrels and tyres, you’re battling in an arena-style setup that makes the whole experience more immersive. It’s particularly popular with corporate groups and birthday parties.
From my experience with paintball at various reserves, Lake Eland’s setup is more theatrical than most. The Colosseum design creates natural cover and strategic positions that make games more tactical. However, this also means sessions can run longer than expected, so factor extra time into your schedule.
Book paintball sessions in advance, especially during school holidays and weekends. The Colosseum can only accommodate certain group sizes, and you don’t want to drive all the way to Oribi Gorge only to find out there’s no space.
What Animals are at Lake Eland?
Lake Eland Game Reserve hosts a variety of wildlife, though it’s not a Big 5 destination like some private game reserves in other parts of the country. The reserve focuses on species that thrive in the Oribi Gorge ecosystem, including several antelope species, zebra, and numerous bird species.
Eland antelope are the reserve’s signature species – the entire reserve is named after these magnificent creatures. You’ll also spot impala, kudu, nyala, and waterbuck during game drives. The birdlife is exceptional, with over 200 species recorded in the area.
The reserve’s four distinct ecosystems support different wildlife populations. The grassland areas are perfect for zebra and most antelope species, while the forested sections harbour bushbuck and various bird species. The wetland areas around the lake attract water birds and provide drinking spots for all the animals.
Game drives are available for R250 per person for approximately two hours, with a minimum of four guests required. Self-drive options are also available if you prefer to explore at your own pace. Early morning and late afternoon drives offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Don’t expect to see lions, elephants, or rhinos here – Lake Eland focuses on the smaller, more abundant species that naturally occur in this region. However, the stunning scenery and unique activities more than make up for the absence of dangerous game.
How Much is the Swing at the Oribi Gorge?
The swing at Oribi Gorge operates separately from Lake Eland Game Reserve, though both are located in the same general area. This creates some confusion for visitors who assume all gorge activities are part of the same operation.
The Oribi Gorge swing is typically operated by adventure activity companies that specialise in extreme sports. Prices vary depending on the operator and the specific swing experience offered. Some operators offer a pendulum-style swing, while others provide more of a bungee-jump experience.
Expect to pay between R300-600 for a gorge swing experience, depending on the height, duration, and operator. Some packages combine multiple activities like abseiling, zip-lining, and swinging for a discounted rate.
The swing experience is definitely not for everyone. You’re essentially jumping off a platform and swinging out over the gorge at considerable height. It’s more intense than the ziplines at Lake Eland and requires a higher level of commitment to extreme sports.
If you’re planning to do both Lake Eland activities and the gorge swing, budget a full day and considerable expense. The combination of entrance fees, ziplines, and swing experiences can easily exceed R1000 per person.
Planning Your Visit: Best Value Packages and Tips
After years of visiting adventure destinations across South Africa, I’ve learned that timing and planning make the difference between a great day and an expensive disappointment. Lake Eland offers several ways to maximise your rand value.
The best value comes from combining multiple activities during a single visit. Since you’re already paying the entrance fee, adding the zipline tour gives you a full day of activities for reasonable cost. Staying overnight unlocks additional value through pool access and early morning game viewing.
Book directly with Lake Eland Game Reserve rather than through third-party operators. This ensures you get current pricing and can ask about any special packages or group discounts. The reserve occasionally offers combination deals that aren’t advertised online.
Consider the weather carefully. Summer thunderstorms can shut down zipline operations, while winter mornings can be too cold for comfortable swimming. Spring and autumn offer the best balance of weather and wildlife activity.
For families looking for affordable bush getaways near Gauteng, Lake Eland Game Reserve provides excellent value compared to traditional safari destinations. The activities keep children engaged, while adults can enjoy the scenery and wildlife.
Pack a picnic lunch to save money on food costs. The reserve has designated picnic areas with stunning views, and you can eat between activities. The on-site restaurant exists but operates limited hours and can be pricey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the entrance fee to the Oribi Gorge? The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve has separate entrance fees from Lake Eland Game Reserve. Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve typically charges around R30-50 per adult for day visitors, but this varies and you should check current rates before visiting.
How much is hiking at Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve? Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve is located in Johannesburg and has different pricing from Lake Eland. Hiking fees at Klipriviersberg are typically around R20-30 per person for day visitors, but this is unrelated to Lake Eland’s pricing structure.
Can you do all activities in one day? Yes, but it requires careful planning. Start early with the zipline tour (2-3 hours), followed by the suspension bridge walk (30 minutes), then paintball or a game drive. Most visitors find this schedule quite full, especially with travel time between activities.
Is there wheelchair access? Central areas are wheelchair friendly, but many activities like ziplines and hiking trails are not accessible. The suspension bridge and some viewing areas may also present challenges for wheelchair users.
What should I bring for a day visit? Bring comfortable closed shoes, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. If you’re doing the zipline, avoid loose clothing and dangling jewellery. A camera is essential for capturing the gorge views.
Are there age restrictions for activities? The X-Treme zipline tour is not for children, but the standard zipline welcomes all ages. Paintball typically has minimum age requirements around 10-12 years old. Check with the reserve about specific age restrictions for each activity.
How far is Lake Eland from major cities? Lake Eland is approximately 2 hours from Durban, 4 hours from Johannesburg, and 1 hour from Port Shepstone. The drive involves some winding roads through the gorge area, so factor extra time for scenic stops and careful driving.