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Elephant Back Safaris - Kruger Park area

Camp Jabulani has a heart warming history. It started in June 1997, when at 4 months old, a young elephant calf was found in a mud wallow in Kapama Game Reserve, injured dehydrated and in a bad way- he had been abandoned by the herd after they failed to free him from his mud prison.

After a full year of doting care and nursing, this young elephant was nutured back to health by the dedicated team that worked around the clock. The team included a tame sheep called “Skaap” which took on the role of a surrogate mother. The little elephant was christened Jabulani, which means “to rejoice”.

Once Jabulani was stable and obviously growing bigger and stronger, the next question was what to do with him. Jabulani had imprinted onto his human (and sheep) adopted parents and wandering off into the wild was simply not an option. The solution came from the troubled state of Zimbabwe to the north of South Africa, where 12 captive elephants were facing the very real threat of being slaughtered by war veterans that had expropriated the farm. A rescue plan was quickly put in place the and 12 elephants were brought down to Kapama Game Reserve. The 12 new elephants immediately took little Jabulani into their fold promising a happy future. Camp Jabulani’s herd of elephant has grown into a close knit family group. Each elephant has his or her own character and bring something different to the herd.

The idea was then born, in order to support this herd of 13 elephants, that a safari camp be built where the elephants could form a pivotal role in providing elephant back safaris. This is what happened and today Camp Jabulani hosts many travelers from all over the world and offers them a once in a life time experience of safaris from on top of an elephant in the African Bush.

Camp Jabulani

Camp Jabulani is located in the Kapama Game Reserve in the Limpopo Province near the Kruger Park. It supports a host of game species including wild elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra, blue wildebeest, waterbuck, kudu and many species of antelope. Predators include lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and many more smaller predators.

The camp itself is made up of six luxury suites, that have been built on a dry river bed in the Kapama Game Reserve. Each suite offers elegance & spaciousness and the camp’s main facilities include a lounge, dining room, and health spa. Each of the six suites are secluded and guests can enjoy them in complete privacy.

The suites are furnished with pure cotton bedding, big stone bathtubs, outdoor showers, a lounge area as well as private plunge pool to cool off in during those hot Lowveld days. Other facilities include a mini-bar, safe, hairdryer and electric blankets, 24 hour temperature control and overhead ceiling fan. No children are permitted in this section of Camp Jabulani.

The Zindoga Villa is a new addition to Camp Jabulani. This private villa has two rooms, and is suited for families with younger children, as it is away from the other suites of Camp Jabulani.

The Elephant Back Safaris

Paul is in charge of the elephants at Camp Jabulani and he gives guests and informative introduction to these grey giants. The enormous size and bulk of an elephant is something that safari travelers need to get used to. Paul partners each guest with a elephant and then they mount the elephant from a specially constructed ramp. Elephant saddles have been designed with comfort in mind - for both the guests and the elephants. They are made of a high density foam that makes for lightweight and comfort.

The elephants lead by Jabulani begin a surprisingly quiet and gentle ambled into the surrounding bush. The ambience is highlighted by the sights and smells that surround you and by the occasional low grumble from the elephants as they communicate. On your elephant back safari one gets a very different view of the bush getting sometimes close to wild game and constantly enjoying an elevated view point. The afternoon elephant back safaris take place in the hour or so before sunset, when the herd home in on a romantic setting of lanterns, white tables and cut crystal.

Camp Jabulani offers the only night elephant back safari in the Africa! Under the brilliant star studded night sky one enjoys the night sounds and smells, equipped with a battery-powered spotlight to help spot the nocturnal animals. Guests have the opportunity of seeing the elephants off to their stables for the night and witnessing some of the background interaction and trust bonds that have formed between the elephants and their tenders.

Pricing for Camp Jabulani (quoted in ZAR)

01 April 2011 - 31 March 2012
8 000 per person per night sharing
12 000 per single person per night

01 April 2012 - 31 March 2013
8 500 per person per night sharing
12 750 per single person per night

Rate includes:
Luxury accommodation in air-conditioned suites.
Butler and daily laundry service.
All meals, snacks, beverages and local branded alcoholic drinks.
Daily activities including elephant excursions, game drives in open safari vehicles and guided bush walks, accompanied by experienced game rangers and expert elephant handlers. Additional activities such as clay pigeon shooting and hot air ballooning can be arranged on request.
A visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.
Return road transfers between Camp Jabulani and Eastgate Airport.
Unlimited wireless internet connectivity in main facility areas.

Rate excludes:
Massages and beauty treatments.
Additional activities such as hot air ballooning.
Communication costs (such as telephone and fax).
Curio Shop purchases.
Any other charges of a personal nature.

Pricing for the Private Zindonga Villa (quoted in ZAR)

01 April 2011 - 31 March 2012
44 250 for the sole use of the Villa per night

01 April 2012 - 31 March 2013
47 250 for the sole use of the Villa per night

Zindoga Rate includes:
Exclusive use of the Villa [comprised of 2 luxury air conditioned suites, one of which has a bedroom for 2 children sharing; lounge and dining room; wooden deck overlooking a dry river bed; and two private heated plunge pools]
Butler and daily laundry service.
All meals, snacks, beverages and local branded alcoholic drinks.
Daily activities including elephant excursions, game drives in open safari vehicles and guided bush walks, accompanied by experienced game rangers and expert elephant handlers. Additional activities such as clay pigeon shooting can be arranged on request.
A visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.
Return road transfers between Camp Jabulani and Eastgate Airport.
Dedicated ranger and safari vehicle.
Children’s program.
Unlimited wireless internet connectivity.

Zindonga Rate excludes:
Massages and beauty treatments.
Additional activities such as hot air ballooning.
Communication costs (such as telephone and fax).
Curio Shop purchases.
Any other charges of a personal nature.

For any further information on elephant back safaris or on how to package this camp into a more cost effective African safari package, please drop us a line or complete and enquiry form.