Elephant Rest Forest Cottage offers self catering cottage accommodation in Rheenendal, Knysna, Garden Route. Elephant Rest is a private, tranquil getaway retreat experience. Situated on the edge of the awesome Lawnwood indigenous forest.

Experience the peace and beauty of nature, abundant bird life, close to mountain biking, hikes, waterfalls, rivers for canoeing and within 20 mins of supremely beautiful, safe beaches for swimming, surfing, SUPing and much more.

Elephant Rest is in close proximity to the well known Homtini cycle route which takes one up to the most magnificent view points and in the correct season, one can marvel at the fynbos and proteas or just take in the views over the Outeniqua mountains as the mist rises and plays over the forested area, home to an abundant wildlife and the last few remaining free roaming elephants. The famous author, Dalene Matthee has hikes named after her mythical and historical books, one of them being, "Circles in the Forest". We offer an informative guided tour about the book and information about the trees, plants, myths and legends by our local tour guide. We also offer Aromatherapy massage by request in the comfort of the cottage.

We offer facilitated yoga on request. Elephant Rest also offers childrens tee shirt painting, fun, creative and you get to wear your own art!

The open plan spacious kitchen, dining, lounge area enables one to move around with ease. The kitchen is fully equipped with a microwave, small oven, large fridge and freezer, coffee plunger and all the necessary cutlery and crockery one needs down to washing up liquid. There are beautiful wooden counter tops and plenty of cupboard space. There is also a small pantry.

The main bedroom has a double bed with en suite toilet , sink and shower and own private door leading out onto the spacious beautiful wooden deck, overlooking the dam and farmlands. The second main bedroom has a double bed and also leads onto the deck. There is a second bathroom with a bath, sink and toilet. The third bedroom has 2 single beds. All the bedrooms have plenty of built in cupboard space.

Elephant Rest is wheel chair friendly, enabling easy access to the deck by rolling comfortably from the main, indoor area onto the sheltered deck.

In the balmy summer evenings, we have a fire pit to build a bonfire or to braai in and in winter, we have an indoor fireplace to snuggle up to.We do sell wood and starter wood on the premises.

Because of the space, Elephant Rest is ideal for small groups and family gatherings. The spacious deck is great for group discussions or intimate parties.

Elephant Rest is a place where one can escape the rush of the city, relax on the deck and watch the spectacular sunsets after a day spent quietly in nature or actively enjoying the hikes, swims or cycles.

The Cosy Cabin

The charming cosy cabin nestled under a friendly, giant camphor tree has a fully equipped undercover kitchen,a picnic table,a small private garden with a fireplace to relax and enjoy.

We look forward to welcoming you to a unique piece of paradise where one can hear the frog sounds at night, under starry skies.