Jabulani Safari

The style and ambiance of the Jabulani main lodge resonates that of a classic African safari lodge, refined with a fresh and modish touch. Grass-pressed walls, stone floors and thatched roofing create a unique fusion of natural textures that complement the sophistication of the interior design.

The elegant dining room and cosy lounge lead you to an outside wooden deck that lies beneath the shade of impressive Leadwood trees – the ideal setting to enjoy an al fresco lunch while overlooking the adjacent waterhole: African safari lodge heaven.

Enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the Jabulani cocktail bar and lounge, and share your favourite safari experience of the day with fellow guests and staff. You will soon find yourself browsing and discussing the years of memories that the Roode family share with pride. Their soulful journey in conservation is framed for all to enjoy.

Suspension Bridge
Our signature Jabulani suspension bridge stretches gracefully over the seasonal river bed below, connecting the main lodge to the six Jabulani suites and Zindoga Villa.

This impressive bridge was designed to blend in naturally with its surroundings, using a high quality hard timber that ages well, without the need for harsh chemicals to treat the wood.

Wine Cellar
An intimate private wine cellar, perfect for private wine tastings and cosy dinners. Enjoy some of South Africa’s finest wines from our collection.

The Jabulani Gym
For those that would like to work off the calories from our chef’s culinary delights, we have an open-air fitness area that provides the perfect backdrop for a workout.

A variety of weights, a treadmill, and an exercise bike provide the necessary equipment to get your heart rate going. There is also a sauna available to enjoy.

AN AFRICAN OASIS IN EACH SUITE.
Designed with pure relaxation and intimacy in mind, the Jabulani suites are as discrete in positioning as they are lavished in detail.

Each suite opens up to a private oasis set in the African bush. A crystal blue plunge pool with views over the riverbed below, is complimented by a generous wooden deck, purely for your leisurely pleasure.

A traditional fireplace graces your Jabulani Suite lounge, creating a perfect setting for a romantic in-suite dining experience, followed by a nightcap in the privacy of your heated plunge pool.

Your grand and luxurious freestanding stone bath can easily welcome you and your loved one, to soak up the sounds of the surrounding African wildlife and nature. Or enjoy a semi-outdoor shower, that whilst frosted for your privacy, enjoys a view over the natural environment outside.

AFRICAN VILLA EXCLUSIVITY AT ITS VERY FINEST
Zindoga Villa brings absolute exclusivity to one of South Africa’s finest game lodges. A private villa entrance leads you to a secluded 700 m2 three-bedroom grand villa that reflects the splendid elegance of the Jabulani offering.

A dedicated team of staff consisting of a private chef, butler and ranger will make your Zindoga Villa experience truly unforgettable, whilst respecting your personal space at all times. The master suite, as well as the main suite, each has its own expansive wooden deck, private heated plunge pool and traditional fireplace.

The en-suite bathrooms have free-standing impressive stone baths, as well as showers with views onto the surrounding natural environment. These spacious suites offer an additional day bed for a third person to share, if required.

A charming twin-bedded suite adjoining the main suite is ideal for two children or two adults sharing. This suite has a private bathroom with a separate bath and shower.

The spacious and luxurious Zindoga Villa lounge and dining room offer a wonderful space to relax in private with friends and family. The living areas are complimented by an impressive fire place and an adjoining deck for alfresco dining.

Guests have the choice of dining in-villa, or enjoying one of the many other private and exclusive dining options available to our Jabulani guests.

THE JABULANI CULINARY JOURNEY
Food is personal, taste is personal and our Jabulani chef’s approach to each one of our guests is always personal. Every day a unique menu is created passionately and sincerely by our chef on duty, using only the freshest and finest of seasonal ingredients.

The Jabulani chefs take their creative flair outside of the kitchen too, embracing the natural setting we are fortunate to be in, and create innovative and memorable dining experiences for guests, including picnics, bush breakfasts and our renowned sundowner canapés.

True to the reputation of being a Relais and Chateaux accredited property, we approach our gastronomy with brilliant creativity and soulfulness. This paired with our personalised butler service, creates a magical Jabulani Culinary Journey.

Jabulani is an all-inclusive experience and all meals and snacks are included during your stay, as well as a wide selection of beverages – unless otherwise specified.

OUR BOMA DINING EXPERIENCE
A South African safari experience is simply not complete without an elegant Boma evening – a local traditional dinner enjoyed under the stars, in candlelight, and prepared on open-flames by our passionate chefs.

The original term Boma refers to a space that would be used as a holding area for animals that needed to acclimatise to a new environment. In modern safari lodge terms, a Boma dinner refers to a magical setting around a fire where guests gather to share a hearty traditional meal in good company and with good wine.

OUR PRIVATE DINING EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a private dinner for two with candle light on the deck of your Jabulani Suite, or on cooler evenings, in front of your private fireplace. There are endless opportunities to create the perfect private setting for you and your loved ones.

OUR STORY
Our story started in 1997, with Jabulani, an elephant calf of just four months, was found injured, abandoned and stuck in the mud of a silt dam. He was successfully rehabilitated and once weaned, introduced to the wild elephants of the reserve, who repeatedly rejected him.

Yet fate had a different plan for Jabulani. In 2002, we were contacted to urgently step in and rescue a hand-reared herd of elephants Zimbabwe who were to be culled during the country’s land reformation process.

Within a few days, we had rescued the elephants and brought them to our reserve in South Africa, together with their carers. We were hopeful that they would accept Jabulani into their family, as every elephant needs a herd.

Fortunately, Tokwe, the matriarch of the herd, accepted Jabulani lovingly and gracefully. Jabulani had finally found a new family. This was a significant moment in both our history and our future, as the original herd are all believed to have been orphans too.

Their unique family structure would create a favourable environment for orphaned elephants in need of a herd. They have since warmly welcomed another three orphaned elephants that we have introduced to them.

With the substantial financial burden of having to care for the elephants and provide housing and income for their carers, it was decided to build a luxury lodge that would offer elephant back safaris and sustain the herd. So, in 2005, Camp Jabulani came to be.

In 2006, the herd started to reproduce, an affirmation of their happiness and low-stress levels, as an elephant will not easily fall pregnant when under duress. Five healthy elephant calves have since then been born to the Jabulani herd.

In January 2017, we took the bold step of discontinuing the elephant-back safaris and so successfully entered a new era.

In 2018, Camp Jabulani officially rebranded to JABULANI, revealing a unique and soulful safari experience. Complimented by our people, the wildlife and the Jabulani herd, the experience will be etched into your heart and soul for a lifetime.

In 2019, Adine Roode, the owner of Jabulani built South Africa’s first dedicated Elephant Orphanage, HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development), which was built alongside the Jabulani Herd Stables. Guests that stay at Jabulani contribute to the operational costs of HERD.

MEET THE HERD
Meet the Jabulani elephants. The herd has matured over time to become a very close-knit family group. Each elephant has a distinctive character and shares a unique bond with the rest of the group.

Five elephant calves have been born to the Jabulani herd since 2006, as well as an additional four orphans, have been introduced and integrated into the blended herd, so the intra-herd dynamics have changed significantly over the years.

While wild elephants group themselves in matriarchal herds – with male bull elephants joining the herds from time to time and having little to do with the younger members – every member of the Jabulani herd, both male and female, young and old, is an integral part of their unique family.

ELEPHANT CARERS
At Jabulani, the elephant carers are an integral part of our operation. Most of them came with the elephants in 2002 and all are experienced and passionate about what they do.

While the carers operate on different levels of responsibility, depending on their experience, knowledge, leadership and diligence, they are all committed to the emotional and physical well-being of the elephants.

Besides keeping a close eye on the physical condition of the herd, they monitor what and how much they eat, maintain the stables and, believe it or not, talk to the elephants frequently too, to familiarise them with their voices.

They also ensure that the safety rules regarding elephants are adhered to by staff and guests at all times. The carers accompany the elephants every day as they roam free and forage in the wild on the reserve to ensure that no skirmishes arise between the Jabulani herd and the wild herd.

THE JABULANI ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE
The Jabulani elephant experience is both soulful and insightful. Immerse yourself in the remarkable journey of the Jabulani herd, shared by our team of elephant carers who have walked side by side with the elephants for more than twenty years.

Observe the herd, from a respectful and comfortable distance, as they spend their days foraging naturally in the wild. Enjoy the opportunity to understand elephants on a deeper level, both physically and emotionally, as well as to appreciate the importance of the conservation and protection of the elephant species.

By staying with us at Jabulani, your presence is far more meaningful than merely staying at a five-star luxury safari lodge. You’ll soon understand the lodge’s vital role in sustaining the herd and that you are contributing towards their future.

OBSERVE THE ELEPHANTS SWIMMING
Jabulani guests enjoy a unique and special opportunity to share in the herd’s favourite pastime, their midday swim.

The Jabulani elephants spend most of their days browsing and foraging through the reserve, much the same as wild elephants. When the sun is at its hottest, they naturally gather at one of the nearby waterholes.

Our rangers are notified of their location and guests are brought quietly to observe from a comfortable distance how the herd playfully frolics in the water. This outing presents one of the best opportunities in South Africa to photograph elephants swimming and soak up the special moments.

It is here that you can truly appreciate each elephant’s individual personality and you’ll see that the bulls tend to spend longer periods of time in the water, especially Sebakwe, Fishan, Jabulani and Somapane.

Without a doubt, Sebakwe is the most playful in water and he is often seen with a branch in his trunk splashing away. Of the female elephants, Bubi is the greatest wallower and always the last to leave the water.

The younger elephants are often not as confident in the water, so they tend to keep to the shallower edges of the dams, preferring to spend their time jostling playfully together.

TRACKING THE ELEPHANTS
Why not take to foot and follow in the footsteps of your ranger and a senior elephant carer through the reserve to track the Jabulani herd?

The herd roams at its own leisurely pace through the big five reserve for most of the day and it’s really exciting to observe the elephants in their natural habitat as they browse and forage.

Under the guidance of the Jabulani team, you’ll learn how to track the herd and once you’ve located it, the afternoon is spent observing and learning more about their individual stories, personalities and how to identify them.

SIGNATURE SUNSETS AND THE STABLE WALK
At the end of the day, join us for elegant sundowners and canapés served as we wait for the Jabulani herd to return to the stables after a day out foraging in the wild.

Their preferred route takes them past a particular dam that promises a spectacular setting with breathtaking sunsets that have become known as our Signature Sunsets.

Some elephants may stop for a final drink in the dam before they head back to their stables. As they continue, guests can choose to follow them for the short remainder of their walk. Jabulani often lingers behind to socialise a little.

As you watch the elephants making their way into their stables for the night, our elephant manager will share information about the design of the stables and the procedures they follow in the evening and the mornings that are an integral part of the elephants’ daily routine.

ELEPHANT RESEARCH
Did you know that an elephant’s stress levels can be accurately monitored by analysing the concentration of certain stress-related hormones (cortisol and its corticosteroid metabolites) that are excreted in its dung?

We conduct research at Jabulani on an ongoing basis to determine the physiological and behavioural impact to monitor the stress levels of the elephants due to being in contact with humans and being semi-habituated.

We do this by comparing the concentration of these stress hormones in the dung of the Jabulani herd to the levels in the dung of free-ranging, wild elephants assumed not to be exposed to stress factors other than those that they normally experienced during the course of their day-to-day existence.

Initial findings indicate that the members of the Jabulani elephant herd had similar levels (both within the normal range of non-stressed animals) of these stress hormones indicating that they were not stressed by their interaction with people, including tourists foreign to them.

You, as our guests at Jabulani, can participate in this ongoing research. Join your ranger on a safari vehicle or on foot to search for elephant dung to collect for research purposes.

In this, you’ll be participating in collecting data to provide answers to the many questions and challenges that we face in our endeavour to manage semi-habituated elephants in a stress-free wayand to ease those that may have concerns about their well-being.

As the welfare of our elephants is our main concern, we conduct this research to enable us to address and manage these issues based on scientific evidence.

JABULANI ELEPHANT WORKSHOP
with DR. JOHAN MARAIS (Leading Wildlife Veterinarian)

Join world renowned Elephant expert and veterinarian Dr Johan Marais on a 3-day workshop to explore their complex social structures, behavioural patterns, genetics, their importance to wildlife areas and other mammal species, whilst gaining an insight into the management of elephants in fenced reserves.

Accompanied by our experienced guides, we observe these impressive mammals from the comfort of a game drive vehicle in the diverse habitats offered on the Kapama Private Game Reserve.

The Jabulani Gallery and elephant stables act as ideal venues for Johan’s lectures, interactive presentations and further discussion on this fascinating topic.

THE JABULANI STABLES
DELUXE SHELTER AT JABULANI IS THE NORM
The custom designed Jabulani elephant stables are spacious and airy and give the elephants the freedom to choose between indoor or outdoor shelter. Four separate areas under roof provide access to an outdoor paddock where fresh water and food is provided every night.

The elephants are grouped to share a stable area at night according to their personalities and the dynamics within the herd. And should the group dynamics change, the design of the stables allows new configurations to be made easily and quickly.

Foster An Elephant
Be part of an African elephant’s journey, by fostering an elephant at Jabulani that you feel that you connect with most. You can sponsor/foster an elephant for yourself or foster an elephant as a gift for a loved one, giving them the joy of supporting an elephant and the world of elephant conservation.

To foster an elephant or to adopt an elephant is a similar concept. Each conservation organisation names its membership programmes differently.

Our Foster memberships show clearly what each membership fees will be used for, helping you choose the membership that best suits your ideals in fostering an elephant that touches your heart the most.

VIRTUAL ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE
Book a private and exclusive Jabulani Virtual Elephant Experience to share with your family in the comfort of your home.

All proceeds go towards our Jabulani Elephant Care Crisis Fund – a fund set up to assist with the ongoing costs of elephant care during the travel restrictions on tourism due to Covid-19. Gift Vouchers are available to purchase an experience as a gift for a loved one.

Pull up a seat and a coffee and tune in to your private 45-minute live experience with one or two of the Jabulani elephants and their passionate carers.

Enjoy your very own unique virtual experience to “meet” one or two of the Jabulani elephants, and find out more about their incredible anatomy, their personality with the in-depth knowledge and personal experience provided by either Tigere or Owen, our elephant managers at Jabulani.

Take your time to ask any questions during this special time which you can share with anyone in your company as we stream live via ZOOM to your living room!

Your support in booking this live stream goes towards the ongoing essential elephant care during the time of COVID-19 travel restrictions. Your contribution also goes towards a 6-month bronze foster membership of an elephant of your choice – a certificate will be issued in your name.

SPA ON SAFARI
The pulse of the African bush provides an ideal setting for calm and rejuvenating body treatments. Our Jabulani Spa Lapa is both private and peaceful, tucked beneath nature’s natural canopy of trees.

The Therapy Selection in this safari spa includes body massages, natural wraps, skin-care treatments and hand & foot treatments. Our Jabulani spa therapist will help you choose the treatment most suitable for you.

Our Spa products of choice are Theravine and Theranaka, both locally made and of exceptional quality. Guests also have the choice to enjoy treatments in the comfort of their suites. Unless by prior arrangement with management, Spa hours are from 09:00 until 16:00, with the last treatment booked at 15:00.

ZINDOGA AROMA STONE THERAPY

Harnessing the properties of the stones, we bathe them in warm water, anoint them with the spicy, sensual aromas of the Orient, and place them on key energy points of the body to harmonise the spirit.

Then in a firm rhythmic massage sequence, which mimics the strong but steady stream of flowing water, the stones give up their power and warmth to tired and tense muscles, promoting inner peace and tranquility. A treatment, which excites every sense and provides a unique aromatic journey for the soul.

HONEYMOON SAFARI 
Nothing quite compares to a South African honeymoon safari. Jabulani’s emphasis on privacy, exclusivity, luxury, and elegance, makes us the ultimate honeymoon destination.

Enjoy the intimacy of your Jabulani suite’s private deck and plunge pool, and our personalised romantic settings for every moment of your stay. Honeymooners will receive a bottle of sparkling wine served with chocolates and a romantic dinner for two, followed by a romantic turndown.

WEDDING PROPOSALS
Jabulani has idyllic settings for asking for your loved one’s hand in marriage. We take pleasure in ensuring that every romantic detail is meticulously planned for an unforgettable and magical wedding proposal. All you have to do is pop the question! We will take care of the rest.

JABULANI WEDDINGS
Surrounded by the orchestra of the African bush, in the company of a special herd of elephants, our unique setting at Jabulani promises the most unforgettable bush wedding in South Africa.

Jabulani’s renowned personalised service, attention to detail and exclusivity, ensures that we will make your special day unfold effortlessly.

Surrounded by the orchestra of the African bush, in the company of a special herd of elephants, our unique setting at Jabulani promises the most unforgettable bush wedding.

GAME DRIVES
Your first African safari experience will remain a cherished memory for the rest of your life. A game drive on a Big Five reserve is a humbling and soulful experience.

At Jabulani, game drives are conducted by experienced and knowledgeable rangers in open, custom-built safari vehicles in a private game reserve of 16 000 hectares.

Experience day and night game drives, without restriction of times, which is uncommon in most safari lodges in South Africa. Naturally, you would be guided by the advice of your dedicated ranger, with suggested times of the day for the most favourable game viewing.

However, you are able to decide to choose when it would suit you best, to go on safari. Because guests are limited to no more than six persons per vehicle, it is always an intensely personal and exclusive experience.

Morning Game Drives
Wake up in sync with the heartbeat of Africa, and venture out to greet the dawn and have the opportunity of appreciating the sounds and beauty of the bushveld awakening. Later departures can also be arranged with your ranger.

Evening Game Drives
Evening game drives beneath the glittering stars of the African sky present our wildlife in a totally different way. Using only a spotlight to track the animals, this is a thrilling safari experience that offers excellent sightings of nocturnal animals.

WALKING SAFARIS
A walking safari takes you that one step closer to the essence of the African bush.

The exhilaration of being so close to nature, feeling the crunch of the wilderness beneath your feet, the texture of plants stroking your skin as you brush past and the amazing sounds and smells of Africa will remain with you long after you have left Jabulani.

Follow the tread of your armed ranger, who will guide you safely through a memorable adventure.

YOUNG EXPLORERS
An African safari shared with family will be etched into your heart for a lifetime. Zindoga Villa welcomes children of all ages and is an ideal size for multi-generational families to share the Jabulani experience.

As the villa sleeps up to nine persons and is booked on a sole use basis, it gives flexibility in your family’s sleeping arrangements. Parents are able to spend quality time with one another, as our team will ensure that the little ones are entertained and happy at all times.

The Jabulani chefs provide custom made menus for the youngsters and are always ready to whip up a dish that they may be missing from home.

Our JabuJuniors programme introduces children to a wildlife wonderland to experience a host of exciting adventure activities, whilst learning about Africa’s diverse wildlife. The programme caters for safari-goers six years and older and is available at any time – there are no time restrictions.

Your children have the opportunity to become JabuJuniors Conservationists in the making or be accredited in our JabuJuniors Ranger Academy; taking home personalised certificates to fondly remember their Jabulani and South African wildlife experience for many years to come.

PERSONALISED ITINERARIES
Your Jabulani experience is tailor-made to suit your preferences and pace. Enjoy the relaxed flexibility of choosing times most suited to you during your stay. This applies to all Jabulani activities, including game drives and your dining times.

However, the Jabulani elephant experiences have set times due to the elephants’ daily routines. It is up to you whether you would like to join in these experiences or perhaps relax and rather enjoy another activity. We sculpt your stay to make it your safari experience of a lifetime.

THE BIG FIVE
In Africa, the Big Five game animals are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros (both black and white species), elephant and Cape buffalo. The term was coined many years ago by African big-game hunters and refers to the five most difficult and dangerous animals in Africa to hunt on foot.

While hunting is these days frowned upon by many, and for good reason, the Big Five are still very much around. Enjoy them now in a different manner on an African safari experience.

The 16 000 hectare private game reserve on which Jabulani is located, is home to an abundant population of the Big Five and ensures excellent sightings.

While seeing all five of the Big Five within a short visit can never be guaranteed, it is certainly not uncommon. Even the elusive leopard, often described as the least social of the African big cats, is frequently spotted.

With the guidance and knowledge of our passionate rangers, Jabulani guests will have the opportunity to experience and enjoy South African wildlife at its best – the Big Five, smaller game and our wonderful birdlife.

BIRDING
With a bird count of over 350 species, Jabulani is a birders’ delight. Birds add yet another magical dimension to your Jabulani safari. Taking the time to learn about them provides an even more rewarding wildlife experience.

Colourful birds are often easier to identify and guests tend to have a great appreciation for seeing them on safari, but the thrill of spotting birds of prey in action, the iconic African fish eagle, or one of the many owl species that inhabit the Jabulani bushveld never fails to impress.

To whet your appetite, we share some of the particularly colourful species on the reserve.

THE LITTLE THINGS ON SAFARI
Most African safari enthusiasts appreciate the “little things” as much as they do the Big five if guided with a passionate and knowledgeable ranger.

Our Jabulani rangers impart a great wealth of information of both larger wildlife, as well as the little critters, that so often get unnoticed. You will soon learn that they are just as important in the eco-system as their bigger wildlife neighbours.

There is so much fascinating information just waiting to be discovered, if you pause to look that little bit closer, from insects to the endless flora that surrounds you on safari.

Fortunately, our rangers will share their eyes and their wisdom, ensuring you feel that bit closer to nature, at the end of your soulful safari experience at Jabulani.

HELICOPTER FLIP
Blyde River Canyon Helicopter Flip. Compliment your luxury safari experience with an exhilarating helicopter flight. Take to the skies in a Robinson R66 helicopter, and be swept away for 1.4 hours to the Blyde River Canyon, where you will stop for a picnic in the sky.

The flight can take up to four passengers and showcases the majestic landscapes of parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Guests are picked up and dropped off at the nearby airstrip on the reserve.

HOT AIR BALLOONING
Experience the magic of a lighter-than-air Hot Air Balloon experience as you glide over the vast landscape of our private game reserve below. Meet before sunrise and enjoy a piping-hot cup of coffee while you watch your eight-storey high hot air balloon inflate in preparation for a flight you won’t soon forget.

Watch the sunrise as you gently drift over the scenic terrain below stretching over part of the Blyde River, as well as nature reserves, wildlife estates and farmlands that all form part of the Greater Kruger region.

Whilst game viewing cannot be guaranteed, it is common to see giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, nyala, impala, bushbuck, waterbuck, duiker and even warthog, from the air. The big five are more difficult to find, but there is always the possibility that they too will be spotted

Sparkling wine and fruit juice are served after the flight that is approximately one hour long. Passengers don’t have to be physically fit but must be able to stand in the basket for at least an hour.

Youngsters are welcome but should be at least 1.2 metres (4 foot) tall, to see over the rim of the basket. Regrettably, pregnant ladies are not permitted on balloon excursions.

Please note: Hot Air Balloon safaris are entirely dependent on weather conditions. This service is contracted out to a third-party supplier and while we delight in making the arrangements on behalf of our guests, we cannot be held accountable for changes or cancellations to schedules as dictated by the service provider.

Website: www.jabulanisafari.com

Rooms: 7

Price: from 1.748 EUR per night