White Elephant Safari Lodge & Bush Camp

SAFARI LODGE is surrounded by the majestic Lebombo Mountains and shimmering waters of Lake Jozini, White Elephant Safari Lodge offers every comfort for your sojourn in the African wilderness. Originally built in the 1920's, this 16-bedded lodge captures the history and romance of the "colonial era".

The sweeping views and tranquil setting provide the venue for a unique African experience.

Eight luxurious safari-style tents, each with en-suite bathroom, outdoor canvas shower, private veranda and personal bar, ensure a secluded retreat in unspoilt savanna bushveld teeming with game and birdlife. Unwind with dusky birdcalls, moonlit vistas and the distant gentle lapping of water.

BUSH CAMP: Sweet smelling thatch, wafting mosquito nets, simple abundance, uncomplicated dining ... White Elephant Bush Camp offers affordable accommodation in the Pongola Game Reserve without compromising comfort or luxury. The Bush Camp offers affordable accommodation in the Pongola Game Reserve without comprimising comfort or luxury.

Chalet 1: Honeymoon unit, en-suite shower with outdoor private ball 'n claw bath.

Chalet 2, 3, 4: Twin beds, en-suite shower.

Chalet 5, 6: Twin beds, en-suite shower and bath, an extra bed for a child or a camping cost can be placed in these rooms.

Chalet 7: Family unit, en-suite shower, twin beds in main room, 2 x single beds in children's adjoining room and camping cot on request.

ECOTOURISM AND SAFARI ACTIVITIES: Journey into the bush on a game drive in an open 4-wheel drive vehicle or enjoy a daily bush walk, early morning or late afternoon, with one of our professional guides who will share with you what we have learnt and explore together that which we still need to learn.

Gentle boat cruises (early morning game viewing cruises and late afternoon sunset excursions) on Lake Jozini add a new dimension to game viewing and birdwatching. Hear the haunting fish eagle cries, hippos snorting, feel the winds whispering against your skin, inhale the tranquillity and solitude of Africa. Lake Jozini offers spectacular freshwater fishing opportunities, including tiger-fishing, and is considered to be on a par with Lake Kariba.

Rhino walks are an exhilarating experience, allowing you to gain a closer understanding of these prehistoric mammals, their ways and their battle against extinction. Guests will also be offered the opportunity of participating in the elephant monitoring programme, which is documenting research on the trans located elephant herds.

Soar over the majestic Lebombo mountains and our corner of Africa with Zululand Mission Air Transport (ZUMAT). This special 'flying doctor' service brings medical assistance to the people in the remote rural areas of Maputaland. You will gain a new insight into Africa's soul and her needs, from ZUMAT's committed pilots.

The Pongola Game Reserve was first proclaimed in 1894 and is the second oldest reserve in the world. It is a sanctuary to a large variety of wildlife, including giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, impala, hyaena, buffalo, rhino and leopard. Exactly 100 years ago after the last sighting of elephant in the Pongola area, two breeding herds were reintroduced. Birdlife is prolific due to the diversity of habitats, with in excess of 350 species recorded.

Pongola Game Reserve is a co-operative conservation project between private landowners, tribal communities and government conservation services, and aims to form the heart of a large ecological and socio-economically viable "Big Five" reserve.

The lodge is located in the beautiful Pongola Game Reserve, overlooking the western escarpment of the Lebombo Mountains, Lake Jozini and the endless savanna woodland of Northern Zululand. The lodge is easily accessible from Gauteng and Durban, being situated directly adjacent to the main N2 East Coast route, between Mkuze Village and Pongola. The lodge is within close proximity to many renowned Zululand game and nature reserves, including Mkuze Game Reserve, Ndumo Game Reserve, Tembe Elephant Reserve, the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park & Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park.