Camp Jabulani

Elephant Back Safaris

Camp Jabulani provides the perfect African experience. We offer our guests truly opulent accommodation to go with an unforgettable wildlife experience. The camp has just six secluded rondavels, each an elegantly appointed, luxurious suite. Each has an individual splash pool and private viewing deck, lounge with fireplace, air-conditioning, heating and ceiling fans, double vanity, Victorian bath and outside shower. Suites are also equipped with a mini-bar, safe, hairdryer and electric blanket. Regular cleaning service, two turndowns, laundry service and a personal butler are part of the attention to detail that surpasses the expectations of the most discerning traveler. The unique architecture of the central meeting and dining accommodation is carefully complemented by stylish furnishings that reflect the rich textures of Africa.

In addition to the serenity of the bush, the camp offers gym and spa facilities, as well as telephone, fax and email facilities for those who need them.

Lavish champagne breakfasts, traditional bush dinners with superb South African fare, formal dinners with crystal and silver, riverbed culinary adventures, delicate tea settings, and many other temptations for the taste buds of our guests. Every meal is an occasion and bush cuisine at its best.

Elephant Back Safari

These are exclusive to Camp Jabulani guests, and offer a truly unforgettable wildlife experience. The 12 fully trained African elephants and their trainers arrived at Kapama Game Reserve in early 2002, after being rescued from Zimbabwe, where their safety was in jeopardy.

Guests are seated on comfortable canvas-covered saddles positioned behind an experienced elephant handler. From this vantage point, they view the game from close proximity as the elephants move silently and in a single file through the bush. The unique and memorable experience of interacting with Africa's gentle giants will be something you will cherish long after you step away from your patient new friend.

History of Jabulani

"Orphaned at just 3 months.

It all started with one baby elephant, who was rejected by his herd when he was just three months old. Lente Roode, owner of Camp Jabualni and founder of the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, discovered the calf and took him in for help at the centre. She named him Jabulani, "Rejoice", and that indeed describes Jabulani: always in the lead, with bouncing gait and mischievous eye. Over the years he adapted to the ways of his human friends. All our attempts to reintroduce him to the wild failed. He thought of himself as one of us, though in reality he needed his own kind.

All too soon the calf grew into a five year old bull, and a unique opportunity arose to give him a family of his own kind. A rather special herd from Zimbabwe had to be relocated to South Africa to ensure its survival. These elephants had been trained, with patience and kindness, to safely carry people.

The rescue mission was launched by Lente Roode in March 2002 when Zimbabwe was preparing for an election. She learnt that the future of these elephants, and their handlers, was in jeopardy when war veterans began invading farms, including the game farm on which this trained herd was located.

The rescue succeeded, and the herd and its handlers arrived at Kapama. We were more than a bit anxious on the day Jabulani was introduced to the herd. To our great relief the Matriarch "Tokwe" immediately adopted Jabulani as her own. He has become part of this close family. He's their mascot, and their affection for him is obvious, though they don't let him get too cheeky!