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Summary of reviewsElephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers provides a serene, green setting that is perfect for travelers looking to escape urban chaos and explore Chobe National Park, Kasane and Kazungula. Its secluded atmosphere and proximity to natural attractions make it an excellent base. While the distance from the main town center might require a car, the peaceful locale and great value for money more than compensate for this minor inconvenience.
The guesthouse receives high marks for its impressive dinner offerings, noted for their quality, presentation and ample portions. Though a bit pricey for some, most guests feel the cost is justified. Breakfast also receives positive reviews, despite some suggestions for improvement. The standout dining experience is complemented by a friendly and helpful staff, known for their accommodating and warm demeanor.
Cleanliness is a top priority at Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers with guests frequently praising the spotless rooms, bathrooms and common areas. The hostel’s adherence to strict hygiene and COVID-19 protocols adds an extra layer of comfort and safety.
Accommodation options are varied and cater to different preferences and budgets. Characterful, cozy rooms, airy chalet tents and well-maintained shared facilities contribute to a comfortable stay, though some smaller rooms and mattresses might need upgrades.
Additional amenities include a charming pool area, beautifully maintained garden and on-site parking, though parking can be a bit limited. The Wi-Fi service is somewhat inconsistent but works well enough for basic needs.
Overall, Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers is celebrated for its tranquility, cleanliness and excellent dining, making it a welcoming retreat for those looking to explore the area while enjoying a serene and comfortable stay. Show more
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Guest House with Swimming Pool
Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers boasts a lovely pool area, enhanced by a beautifully maintained garden with a lush lawn. Guests frequently highlight the pool's cozy and modest charm. The pool area is often described as awesome and super chill, contributing significantly to the overall aesthetic and ambiance of the hotel.
Outdoor Pool
Guest House with Parking
Parking is included with stays at Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers. It is listed as a popular option for travelers seeking parking.
Cheap Guest House
This guesthouse offers budget-friendly accommodation in Kasane. It is well-regarded for clean bathrooms and is suitable for backpackers looking for affordable lodging close to Chobe National Park.
Small Guest House
This guesthouse provides a friendly and budget-conscious option for travelers. The communal atmosphere and helpful staff create a cozy environment for backpackers and those looking for a social stay.
Guest House with Outdoor Pool
This guesthouse features an outdoor pool that is described as very refreshing. The pool is surrounded by a garden and includes an outside sitting area for guests.
Guest House Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Room Types
Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features air conditioning.
Double Room with Garden ViewThis double room is air-conditioned and features a private bathroom, a private entrance and garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Triple Room with Private BathroomThe triple room features air conditioning and a private entrance, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 3 beds.
Small Twin RoomThis basic small twin room has a private entrance, fan and shared bathroom. It's the most budget alternative for a private room
Budget Double RoomThis air-conditioned double room features a private bathroom, a private entrance, an electric kettle as well as a balcony. The unit offers 1 bed.
Double RoomThe double room offers air conditioning and a private entrance, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The double room features an electric kettle. The unit has 1 bed.
TentThis tent has a shared bathroom, a private entrance and garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers stands out for those seeking a tranquil, safe and beautiful setting, surrounded by greenery and situated in a residential part of town near the river. Guests have praised its quiet and secluded atmosphere, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. The guesthouse is conveniently situated in relation to Chobe National Park, Kasane and Kazungula, making it a good base for exploring these areas.
However, the location does have its drawbacks. It is a bit far from the main town center and amenities, often necessitating a car for ease of travel. The neighborhood can feel somewhat remote and difficult to find, which could be a challenge for first-time visitors. Despite these minor inconveniences, the location offers great value for money and the accommodation is described as bright, clean and varied in terms of room types and prices. For those looking for a quiet retreat with good connections to nearby attractions, this guesthouse is a solid option.
Breakfast
The breakfast at Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers receives mixed feedback from guests. Many have found the food provided during breakfast to be tasty and delicious with some describing it as perfect and more than adequate. Despite these positive notes, there are suggestions that the breakfast could benefit from some upgrades. A few guests mentioned the inability to order food in the middle of the day and found some of the food offerings to be poor and overpriced. Overall, while many visitors enjoyed their breakfast, there's room for improvement in both the food quality and ordering options.
Dinner
Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers offers an impressive dining experience that has garnered positive feedback for its dinner offerings. Guests consistently describe the evening meals as tasty and delicious with a particular emphasis on the quality and presentation of the food. The portions are noted to be plentiful, ensuring that diners leave satisfied.
While some guests feel that the dinner might be a bit pricey, many agree that it is reasonably priced given the quality delivered. The overall consensus is that the food is great and family dinners in particular have been highlighted as really tasty. Additionally, the staff receives high praise for their friendliness and the top-notch quality of the food served.
Though dinner is a standout, breakfast and lunch are also available for a fee with breakfast mentioned as more than adequate. Overall, the guesthouse provides a dining experience that complements its welcoming atmosphere and is well-regarded by those who have stayed and dined there.
Rooms
Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers offers a variety of accommodations that cater to different preferences and budgets. The rooms and dormitories are generally seen as good value, particularly the dormitories equipped with air conditioning. While some of the smaller, cheaper rooms were noted as being on the tiny side, they often exceeded expectations in terms of coziness and authenticity.
The stand-alone chalet tents were highlighted as airy, bright and private, contributing to a relaxing atmosphere enhanced by the surrounding greenery. The characterful and charming rooms, along with the well-made tents, received favorable mentions for their comfort and cleanliness.
Both private and shared facilities, including toilets and showers, were frequently praised for their cleanliness. The shared bathrooms stood out as being particularly well-maintained and featuring hot showers. Some rooms, though, were described as cramped or in need of upgrades and the occasional dusty mattress was mentioned.
Overall, the accommodation was perceived as quiet, comfortable and clean with unique options that break from the norm, such as cave-like rooms. The combination of well-maintained facilities, a pleasant garden and a lovely pool contributes to the appealing and relaxing atmosphere of Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers.
Beds
Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers offers mixed experiences in terms of bed comfort, particularly in dormitory settings. While private rooms provide big, comfortable beds, dormitory accommodations have been met with some criticism. Several reviewers noted that the mattresses in the dorms are thin, hard and in some cases, uncomfortably flat. There were also mentions of mattresses being covered with synthetic material and some beds with practically no cushioning at all. Contrarily, some guests did find the beds to be very comfortable and praised the quality of sleep they were able to get. Overall, updating the mattresses could enhance the sleeping experience for all guests.
Cleanliness
Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers stands out for its impeccable cleanliness, earning high praise from guests. The entire establishment, including the bathrooms, rooms and common areas, is consistently described as very clean. Many guests appreciate this especially after spending time in the bush. The shared bathrooms and toilets are noted to be exceptionally clean and the cleanliness of the facilities is frequently highlighted as being at another level. The hostel's showers, restrooms and shared kitchen also receive commendations for their cleanliness and comfort. Additionally, the hostel adheres strictly to hygiene and COVID-19 protocols, providing a sense of safety and assurance to all visitors. Overall, the commitment to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment is evident, making it a preferable choice for many travelers.
Staff
The staff at Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently note that the team is very accommodating and always willing to assist with a warm smile. The staff's dedication to ensuring a pleasant stay is evident with many reviews highlighting their kindness, politeness and gentle demeanor. They are particularly commendable for their assistance in arranging onward travel and organizing activities like safaris. Although there are occasional mentions of less proactive or indifferent staff members, the overwhelming sentiment is that the staff is super friendly, professional and incredibly helpful. Overall, the hospitality at Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers is characterized by a caring and attentive approach, making guests feel very welcome.
Wi-Fi
Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers offers a mixed experience when it comes to their Wi-Fi service. Some guests have praised the Wi-Fi as good, well-maintained with great electrical and lighting facilities and mentioned that the network speed was fast and comfortable during their stay. Air conditioning and Wi-Fi were noted to be working fine by some visitors. However, many reviewers have shared concerns, noting that the Wi-Fi was either terrible, slow or had a weak signal at times. Additionally, the internet could not cope with heavy loads and the service was non-existent in certain areas, such as the cave room or during heavy rain. The general consensus indicates that while the Wi-Fi may work well for some, it can be unreliable and problematic for others.
Pool
Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers boasts a lovely pool area, enhanced by a beautifully maintained garden with a lush lawn. Guests frequently highlight the pool's cozy and modest charm and despite its modest size, it provides a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. The pool area is often described as awesome and super chill, contributing significantly to the overall aesthetic and ambiance of the hotel. The common areas, including the kitchen and reception, are also appreciated for their beauty and excellent facilities. The guesthouse recently introduced a new pool, which has been positively received and is expected to be a great spot for guests to unwind once it fully opens.
Parking
Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers offers on-site parking options, though the availability is somewhat limited. The parking area is relatively small with only a few spaces behind a gate, which could be a challenge during peak times. Guests generally appreciated the convenience of being able to park their cars and suitcases next to the lodge. Despite some issues with the limited space, the staff is helpful in managing the parking arrangements. Overall, while parking is available, it can be a bit tight, so it's advisable to plan accordingly.
Yes, Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers.
No, Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers.
No, Elephant Trail Guesthouse and Backpackers doesn't have a gym.