Camp Jabulani is located in the 16 000 ha Big 5 Kapama Private Game Reserve in Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province (near Greater Kruger National Park). Camp Jabulani was conceptualized to sustain and support 12 rescued elephants. The Lodge has an authentic African feel, with colonial-style décor. Accommodation (comprising 6 Suites and the Zindoga Villa, for a total of 18 guests) lies along a dry river bed, each room secluded and surrounded by indigenous bush. The main area offers a lavish gift shop, safari boutique, local art display and wine cellar. A complimentary wireless network is available in public areas, suites and in the Zindoga Villa. Facilities include a dining room, lounge, open-air spa (Therapy Lapa), basic fitness centre and sauna, an outdoor boma with a view of Camp Jabulani’s waterhole, and an expansive wooden deck in the shade of giant leadwood trees for al fresco dining.
Camp Jabulani’s core brand promises amazing gourmet cuisine, and is just one of the distinctive features earning it Relais & Châteaux membership status.
The Zindoga Villa offers two luxury suites (one of which has an adjoining twin room with en suite bathroom, ideal for children) connected by a communal lounge and dining area. The double suites each comprise a massive bedroom (including additional day bed), with en-suite bathroom and glass enclosed shower, a private lounge area, a large expansive wooden deck and a private heated plunge pool. Sold as an exclusive unit, the Zindoga Villa will appeal to smaller groups or families with children of all ages.
The Team Tusker Programme is a uniquely tailored for children staying in the Zindoga Villa. The Villa is serviced by a dedicated operational team, including ranger, chef and butler. Guests also have a private game-viewing vehicle at their disposal. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the exclusive unit.
Camp Jabulani’s suites are large open-plan units with a lounge area, fire place, over-sized free-standing bath, double vanity, and glass-enclosed shower secluded by the African bush. Each suite features a private heated plunge pool with wooden deck. Amenities include direct dial telephones, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini bar stocked with the guest’s choice of beverages, tea and coffee making facilities (Nespresso), air conditioning, fan and in-room safe.
There is no fixed itinerary at Camp Jabulani, which instead offers a tailor-made experience according to its guests’ specific interests. The hands-on management team personally welcomes guests to the lodge, and is available around the clock. Experienced rangers host guests on game drives and during bush walks for close sightings of predators and other iconic African species living wild. Camp Jabulani prides itself on exceptional cuisine (catering for all taste preferences and dietary requirements), combined with fine wines and a variety of dining venues, both indoors and outdoors.
Camp Jabulani has set the benchmark for elephant interaction operations in South Africa. Of utmost importance is their focus on treating the elephants with care, respect and consideration. Today visitors have the exclusive opportunity to observe the herd in close proximity, learning more about their behavior, their unique character traits, their incredible story and what it takes to take care of them. Much of this takes place while the elephants are in their natural environment, foraging in the bush, walking through the reserve or swimming at the waterhole. Photographic opportunities with the elephants are also afforded. A visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre offers a unique interaction with endangered species, while at the same time contributing to their conservation. Clients are able to foster an elephant from the herd or a rhino (victims of poaching), or to adopt a cheetah. In so doing, they assist with the ongoing care of that animal. Hot-air ballooning may be arranged for a spectacular early morning excursion. Helicopter flights, and golfing excursions are also available on request.
