Jabulani is recognised as one of South Africa’s most respected five-star safari lodges. But the essence of Jabulani reaches far deeper than luxury and leisure – it reflects an exceptional twenty-year journey that began with a brave little elephant named Jabulani.
Jabulani through the years
The story started in 1997, with Jabulani, an elephant calf of just four months, who was found injured, abandoned and stuck in the mud of a silt dam. He was successfully rehabilitated and once weaned, he was introduced to the wild elephants of the reserve, who repeatedly rejected him. Fate had a different plan for Jabulani.
In 2002, a herd of orphaned elephants in Zimbabwe who were to be culled during the country’s land reformation process. Within a few days, the elephants were rescued and transported over the border to their new home in the reserve in South Africa. Their human carers accompanied them on the journey and continue to work alongside them with them at Jabulani and HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development) today. Tokwe, the Matriarch of the herd, accepted Jabulani lovingly and gracefully. Jabulani had finally found a new family and the blended Jabulani herd was formed. Their unique family structure would create a favourable environment for orphaned elephants in need of a herd. The herd have since warmly welcomed another three orphaned elephants: including Kumbura, Timisa and Khanyisa. With the substantial financial burden of having to care for the elephants and provide housing and income for their carers, it was decided to build a luxury lodge.
In 2005, the lodge was born. Since the conception, the lodge has grown deeper in their conservation efforts but also their hospitality, cuisine and guest experiences. With the Relais & Châteaux accreditation, and their exceptional and passionate team the lodge shares a unique and soulful safari experience with guests. With the growing numbers of orphans and displaced elephant calves in recent years, as a result of increased poaching and human-elephant conflict, Adine Roode, the owner and MD of Jabulani, took the step to build an elephant orphanage to provide a unique adoptive family structure for these calves in need.
In 2019, South Africa’s first dedicated elephant orphanage, named HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development), built alongside the Jabulani herd homestead. HERD provides a safe place to care for and rehabilitate orphaned elephants from the often traumatic or near-fatal challenges that have caused them to be abandoned until they can be integrated into the welcoming Jabulani herd. Guests that stay at Jabulani contribute to the operational costs of HERD. They also have the opportunity to be a part of the elephants’ journey, by learning more about them, and their individual personalities and stories, and witnessing them in the wilderness of the reserve.
Discover an oasis in the South African bush
The style and ambience of Jabulani resonate with that of a classic safari lodge, refined with a fresh and modish touch. The main area features an elegant dining room and lounge that lead to an outside wooden deck lying beneath the shade of Leadwood trees – the ideal setting to enjoy an alfresco lunch while overlooking the waterhole. The signature suspension bridge stretches gracefully over the river bed, connecting to the six Jabulani suites, Villa Somopane and Zindoga Villa
The Suites
Designed with pure relaxation and intimacy in mind, the Jabulani suites are as discrete in positioning as they are lavished in detail. Each suite opens up to a private oasis set in the African bush. A crystal blue plunge pool with views over the riverbed below is complemented by a generous wooden deck, purely for your leisurely pleasure.
Villa Somopane
An Exclusive Use Stay
This is your escape with friends or family, in a home to make your own, a home in the African wilderness. 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.
Zindoga Villa
An Exclusive Use Stay
Zindoga Villa brings absolute exclusivity to one of South Africa’s finest game lodges. A private entrance leads you to a secluded 700 m2 three-bedroom grand villa that reflects the splendid elegance of the Jabulani offering. A dedicated team of staff consisting of a private chef, butler and ranger will make your Zindoga Villa experience truly unforgettable.
Discover breathtaking experiences
Going on safari is all about experiences. You want moments, not things. And so, the carefully compiled safari experiences will suit any kind of traveller. From early morning and sunset safari drives to meeting elephant herds, helicopter flips, and hot air balloon rides – you’ll have something to take your breath away.
Safari Experiences
Our twice-daily morning and evening game drives are designed to coincide with the times of day that the wildlife is most active. You will be taken out into the bush on an open, custom-built safari vehicle, with experienced and knowledgeable rangers at the helm.
Elephant Experiences
Protecting these gentle giants was one of the founding principles at Jabulani. It was started to help care for a rescued elephant herd nearly 20 years ago. Today, they continue with this by sharing the experience with their guests while they help conserve this magical species.
