Named for the magnificent male elephant Jabulani, this luxury family-owned-and-run camp experience is a fascinating and heart-warming one. Abandoned by his mother and herd and left to die, Jabulani was rescued by the lodge owner Lente Roode who attempted to reintroduce him into the wild. Despite numerous attempts he refused to be separated from his human saviours but a few years later when twelve rescue elephants from Zimbabwe were brought to the reserve, Jabulani was successfully adopted by the matriarch and brought into a new herd. One of the highlights at this camp is that guests are able to interact and be awed by the elephants.
Aside from this unique offering, guests are treated to a first class safari experience on all levels at this exclusive Relais & Chateaux property. Each of the six luxurious suites is a spacious exercise in understated, classic style, complete with luxury linen, an impressive outdoor glass-enclosed shower-with-a-view, a private plunge pool and a private viewing deck.
A gym and massage offering in an open air Therapy Lapa ensures downtime in-between game drives while a butler is on hand to cater to every whim. This ranges from specified meal requests to visits to the renowned Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, a rehabilitation centre for wild animals initiated by the Roode family.
For guests who relish privacy or who are part of a small family or group, the presidential Zindoga Villa consists of 2 adult suites and 1 children’s suite. The Villa also includes numerous extras such as a private vehicle, personal ranger, chef and butler.
At Jabulani its all about the elephants, but the advantage is that everything else is outstanding too. Easily reached by car, daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town or charter flight, this unique safari offering is an undoubted once-in-a-lifetime experience.
