Jabulani Safari | Hoedspruit
Set within a Big Five private game reserve in the Greater Kruger Park of South Africa, Jabulani’s six suites and two villas; Villa Somopane and the exclusive Zindoga Villa ensure a soulful, personalised and intimate stay. Jabulani was built to help look after a herd of rescued elephants, nearly twenty years ago, and has led to the establishment of South Africa’s first dedicated elephant orphanage, called HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation & Development).
This Relais & Châteaux lodge is a special marriage of conservation and hospitality, a place to meet magnificent wildlife, rest deeply, dine under open skies, enjoy sundowners with elephants, and reconnect with nature. Guests can watch the elephants during their midday swims or while they forage in the wilderness. As our guest, you play a crucial role in helping us and HERD to support the rescued herd and orphans, and protect their future.
There are plenty of experiences to be had, such as game drives, walking safaris, bird-watching, exploring the little creatures, and spending time at our onsite facilities, such as our bush spa. Jabulani offers a one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive dining experience. Enjoy fine cuisine in the best setting, from breakfast bush picnics and sundowner canapés, to star-lit private dinners or gatherings in the boma.
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Superior Suite
6 Ultra-luxurious air-conditioned suites, en-suite facilities, hot beverage facilities and mini bar fridge, private plunge pools. Butler service. Includes all meals, snacks, beverages and local branded alcohol. Daily elephant excursions and game drives. We allow children from the ages of 6 years old to stay in the suites with their parents.
The Zindoga Villa is specifically tailored to appeal to smaller groups or families with children of all ages and is sold as an exclusive unit. The two individual suites are connected by a joint lounge and dining area. Each unit has a massive bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, including glass enclosed shower, expansive wooden deck, and a private heated plunge pool. One of the suites also has a adjoining twin room, with private bathroom, for two children sharing. Younger guests can enjoy the Team Tusker programme specifically designed for them. The Villa is serviced by its own dedicated team - including a ranger and private vehicle, chef and butler.
This is your escape with friends or family, in a home to make your own, a home in the African wilderness. Our Villa Somopane welcomes up to four guests, with two spacious suites to accompany two guests sharing. Each suite is designed to inspire relaxation and intimacy, with the raw sounds and sights of safari life merging with comfort at every touch.
Enjoy moments on the villa’s private deck or in the heated plunge pool, watching the natural world in its slow dance around you, or head out into the reserve with a private ranger and vehicle, in search of our animal and bird life. You can dine in the cosiness and privacy of the villa or join us in the Main Lodge for meals. Soak off the day in your suite’s inviting freestanding bath, or semi-outdoor shower with views through the vegetation outside. The wilderness is never far from sight.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, TV Room
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Hair Dryer, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Babysitting Service, Credit Card, Room Service, Room Service (24 hours), Travel Desk
MEET THE BULLS
Our remarkable history and journey with the Jabulani herd is shared by our team of passionate elephant carers, many who have walked side by side with the elephants for over twenty years. Take part in an intimate and educational talk hosted by our elephant carers and in the company of Jabulani, Sebakwe or Somopane, who are older bulls of the herd. It is an extraordinary opportunity to understand elephants on a deeper level, both physically and emotionally, and to appreciate the importance of the conservation and protection of the elephant species. During a stay at Jabulani, there are further respectful opportunities to observe the herd from a comfortable distance, as they spend their days foraging in the big- five Kapama Game Reserve.
Duration: 30 - 45 minutes
ELEPHANT SWIM
During the hottest times of the day, the herd enjoys taking time out from foraging to swim in one of the dams on the reserve, providing an excellent opportunity to observe the elephants drink, play and relax in the water from the comfort of our shaded vehicle. The perfect way to see their unique personalities in play from a respectful distance.
Duration: 45 minutes
SIGNATURE SUNDOWNERS AND ELEPHANT STABLES EXPERIENCE
Enjoy our Jabulani Signature Sundowner experience as you relax with a refreshment and view the herd as they pass by on their way to their stables after a day out on the reserve. Join one of our elephant carers at the stables and observe the herd from a viewing point as they settle in for the night. It allows us to explain the dynamics of the herd’s sleeping arrangements in the elephant stables.
Duration: 30 minutes
The Kapama Game Reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, and large populations of giraffe, impala, blue wildebeest and kudu. Predators include lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and many smaller species. Bird-watching is most rewarding and more than 350 bird species have been recorded, including the rare Gymnogeg and Knob-billed duck.
Guests join their ranger in his open safari vehicle for a game drive, and head out in search of The Big Five, and the smaller (but no less significant) creatures that are part of an African safari.
Jabulani Safari rangers are consummate professionals. Highly experienced in guiding, they are the perfect safari ambassadors while out in the African bush.
Safaris may be arranged at any time of the day. A word of warning though – the summer months are incredibly hot in the middle of the day! This time is best spent enjoying the cool respite of a private plunge pool, with a chilled refreshment in hand!
The intrepid walker will take pleasure in experiencing a guided walking safari. Heading into the bush with an armed ranger, guests can learn more about the many different facets of the bush. From tracking spoor (animal prints left in the ground), to touching and examining trees and plants, to sitting quietly and simply absorbing the many smells, sounds and sensations of Africa in its most primitive glory – this is a safari in its purest form.
The lucky may encounter animals in close proximity on the Kapama Game Reserve, although great care is taken to ensure safe and respectful distances are always observed from the larger and more dangerous animal species.
It is recommended that walking during summer months is restricted to early mornings before the heat of the day fully sets in.
Walkers need not be fitness fanatics, as the pace is set around the guest.
An on-site gym is available with experienced therapists that offer soothing massages in the outdoor spa or in the comfort of the suites.
A bush-gym is equipped with basic weights and exercise machinery for those who enjoy something a little more active.
With each itinerary fully customised for our guests, visitors can choose from a wide variety of activities at the lodge. Options include relaxing spa treatments at our Jabulani Bush Spa, a steam session in our sauna, and enjoying our outdoor gym facilities.
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Private wine tastings with intimate dinners are offered in The Gallery in an effort to continuously enhance Jabulani’s bespoke guest experience. Only South African wines are featured, and guests have the opportunity of selecting their own wine for dinners.
Guests may also choose from the boutique for gifts back home (or for themselves!). Stocked with a variety of art pieces, jewellery, trinkets, crockery, clothing and more, those who enjoy retail therapy will find their happy place here.
Jabulani’s executive chef has trained in the kitchens of great chefs around the world, and takes pride in designing fusion creations with a South African twist – always with an artistic finish.
Menus change on a daily basis. As individual tastes are as unique as personalities, a range of dietary preferences and restrictions are catered for effortlessly (Kosher and Halaal meals are sourced by prior arrangement). Vegetarians or those who prefer lighter meals are well catered for, with inventive choices each day. Some may even prefer simple, hearty meals. At Camp Jabulani, everything goes.
The chefs like nothing better than to interact with guests at each mealtime, and will personally present their menus. They have also been known to share a special recipe or two.
The sub-tropical climate means that chefs are spoiled for choice with an abundance of delicious fresh ingredients produced in the surrounding region. Tastes are enhanced courtesy of our very own herb garden. Wherever possible, we support initiatives that promote sustainable local employment.
Freshly baked muffins, delectable teatime treats, and moreish sundowner snacks are baked daily. The chefs pride themselves on making as much as possible with their own hands. Through private cooking classes, guests may even be treated to ‘insider’ tips on making homemade breads, sauces and ice-creams.
A perfectly paired wine will transform a great meal into a sublime experience. Camp Jabulani has very carefully collected an impressive medal-winning collection of both red and white South African wines, sourced from the winelands of the Cape to be enjoyed in the bush.
Private tables are impeccably set for each guest, as we appreciate that time spent with close family and friends is all too precious. But some may prefer to share the company of new friends just met, and special arrangements will be made for a more social environment. The atmosphere, whether indoors or out, is always elegant yet relaxed with a friendly and professional team of service staff. Mealtimes are flexible, and venues tend to change (weather dependent). From private candlelit dinners, to traditional South African boma nights – there is no equal to the ambience of bonfires, lanterns and starry nights.
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.
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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.
NOTE:1 hour flight time
Please contact us for further information, or to make a reservation.
HELICOPTER FLIP
Swoop over deep and mysterious gorges, linger above roaring rivers and cascading waterfalls and view the fascinating and dramatic rock formations of the Blyde River Canyon. The Mpumalanga Helicopter Co. is based in Hazyview in the beautiful Mpumalanga Lowveld. Most flights take place from the surrounding lodges, hotels, Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, and Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
Duration : 1 Hour
Cost : POA
CASCADES AND CANYON SPECTACULAR
This exhilarating flight travels over canyons bursting with colourful vegetation and cascading waterfalls, allowing for spectacular photographic opportunities. Your flight will continue along the escarpment to God’s Window which offers unforgettable panoramic views of the bushveld below and on to the wonderful rock formations of the 1 000 metre deep, 30 km long Blyde River Canyon (the third deepest and greenest canyon in the world). You will be treated to a magnificent bird’s eye view of the curious Three Rondavels before landing at a picnic site with glorious views of the Mpumalanga Lowveld for a delicious lunch accompanied by South African Sparkling Wine
Cost: POA
Duration: 1 hour
Pre-booking recommended
The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre aims to support conservation within a sustainable ecosystem by prioritising the survival of endangered species. This is achieved through maintaining diverse bloodlines of cheetahs, rehabilitating rhinos, educating both local and international communities about conservation imperatives, and conducting focused research for the long-term sustainability of endangered species
Cost: Adults: R750 per person Children under 12: R550 per child Duration: +/- 2 hours
The “Roots of Rhythm” show group presents an exceptional and lively evening performance, delivered directly to your lodge. Under the starlit sky, around a crackling fire, the rich songs and dances of various African cultures come alive. From the rhythms of the Shona & Venda, Tsonga, Shangaan, Pedi, and BaHananawa (Tswana), to the vibrant dances of the Swati and Zulu, guests are treated to an hour-long spectacle culminating in interactive dancing. Many lodges offer the option to welcome guests to the performance area with a medley of beautiful songs, ranging from local tribal tunes, gospel melodies, to popular English songs of Africa, serving as both an icebreaker and a delightful surprise before the main dance show begins. This is available for weddings, special events, corporate groups, and other celebrations
Costs:
Full village tour, Roots of Rhythm dance show and lunch: Adults: R750 per person
Children under 12: R450 per child Village tour and show (no lunch): Adults: R650 per person Children under 12: R350 per child
Duration: 1 hour
Visit the two schools in the town, Mpsis Primary and Xilaveko.
Obert Chauke is one of the highly respected butlers at Jabulani and has been at the lodge for 16 year. In 2014, Obert started a new venture outside of working hours, paying forward the opportunities he’s been given and opening a not-for-profit daycare in his garage, together with his wife. The daycare is situate in Timbavati Village in Acornhoek.
Obert and his wife, Ivy Sibuyi have applied for NPO status, as they endeavour to care for the children in the area who need supervision and support during the day.
Cost:
R1 500 per person
Duration: 3 hours
The Training Centre, an extension of Green Trax, offers a comprehensive range of services including dog and handler training, boarding facilities, educational events, and group activities for tourists and conservation volunteers. It serves as a base for highly trained dogs aiding local law enforcement in crime prevention. Green Trax values collaboration over competition, fostering partnerships with organisations and individuals to combat various crimes, including wildlife poaching. They believe in making a positive impact through active participation and dog-assisted conservation efforts, driven by a passion for working with animals and a commitment to nature conservation.
Cost: R8 500 per person
Duration: 3 hours
Third-party activity prices are subject to change without notice, and the prices listed here are provided as suggestions only.
While Jabulani does not have a photographic studio on site, the lodge will gladly arrange for guests to have their special photo memories captured at the lodge and printed in town (at their own expense) to share with friends and family on their return.
Should you be an avid photographer and wish to hire equipment in advance for your safari experience, please advise the lodge 45 days prior to arrival so that we can arrange the necessary equipment (subject to availability) in town. Jabulani does not have a camera and photographic equipment available on site. There are 2 Toyota Landcruisers available to use that are fully equipped for photographic tours, and each seat has a camera rest that can rotate respectively
Please note that the guides can assist guests as they are passionate about nature and photography, but that they are not professionally trained photographers
Cost: POA
Duration: POA
Jabulani Dining Area
Our guests enjoy extraordinary cuisine in the open-plan dining room (which merges with the wooden deck shaded by enormous Leadwood trees), as well as outdoors in intimate surprise settings (weather permitting).
Each guest's dietary preferences and/or restrictions are effortlessly catered for, and the bespoke menus vary from day-to-day. Guests are afforded an opportunity to interact with the chefs, who may share a recipe or two, at mealtime.
Food and taste are personal and so are our Jabulani chefs’ approach to each one of our guests. Every day a unique menu is created passionately and sincerely by our chef on duty, using only the freshest and finest of seasonal ingredients, and can be tailored to suit guests’ individual needs and tastes.
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 & Châteaux 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.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Premium Brands) Included
Your Rooms
1x Tent
Fast Facts
5 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, English
No. Rooms: 7
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Gourmet, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
