South Africa suggested itinerary combining the legendary MalaMala Private Game Reserve (where extraordinary wildlife viewing is practically guaranteed), with Camp Jabulani Elephant Experience and its quintessential style, this itinerary is arguably one of the best safari experiences in Africa.
MalaMala is situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and has become legendary for some of the best safari game viewing in the world.
Camp Jabulani is situated in the Kapama Game Reserve and has a unique story of an abandoned baby elephant who could never have known the impact he would have on the lives of 12 other elephants, and on thousands of people around the world (see below for info).
Brief itinerary:
Day 1: You will be met on arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg). Travel documentation is handed over, and you will board your scheduled flight to MalaMala Game Reserve.
Day 1 – Day 3: Spend two nights at MalaMala Game Reserve (Stay 4, pay 3 - Valid 10th January - 31st March 2022 and 1st November - 15th December 2022 for the best value)
Day 3: Short charter hop from MalaMala to Eastgate Airport (Hoedspruit). Transfer via road to Camp Jabulani – approximately 20 minutes transfer time (or road transfer the whole way - perhaps via some parts of the Panorama Route or Elephant Sanctuary etc).
Day 3 – Day 5: Spend two nights at Jabulani Camp - BONUS for longer stays: Pay for two nights and get the third night free (1st October 2022 - 28th February 2023 excluding 2nd - 5th April & 16th December until 9th January 2023) or pay for three nights at Jabulani and get the fourth night free - Valid 10th January to 15th December each year
Day 5: Road transfer back to Eastgate Airport to connect on a scheduled flight back to Johannesburg.
Total package rates - available on request
Day 1: You will be met on arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg). Travel documentation is handed over, and you will board your scheduled flight to MalaMala Game Reserve.
Day 1 – Day 3: Spend two nights at MalaMala Game Reserve (Stay 4, pay 3 - Valid 10th January - 31st March 2022 and 1st November - 15th December 2022 for the best value)
Day 3: Short charter hop from MalaMala to Eastgate Airport (Hoedspruit). Transfer via road to Camp Jabulani – approximately 20 minutes transfer time (or road transfer the whole way - perhaps via some parts of the Panorama Route or Elephant Sanctuary etc).
Day 3 – Day 5: Spend two nights at Jabulani Camp - BONUS for longer stays: Pay for two nights and get the third night free (1st October 2022 - 28th February 2023 excluding 2nd - 5th April & 16th December until 9th January 2023) or pay for three nights at Jabulani and get the fourth night free - Valid 10th January to 15th December each year
Day 5: Road transfer back to Eastgate Airport to connect on a scheduled flight back to Johannesburg.
Total package rates - available on request
INCLUSIONS:
Scheduled flight Johannesburg to Skukuza.
Road transfer from Skukuza Airport to MalaMala Main Camp.
2 nights accommodation at MalaMala Main Camp in a luxury room inclusive of all meals, snacks, daily game drives, guided nature walks, limited laundry service.
Road transfer from MalaMala Main Camp to MalaMala Airfield.
Scheduled light air transfer from MalaMala Airfield to Hoedspruit Airport.
Road transfer from Hoedspruit Airport to Jabulani.
2 nights accommodation at Jabulani in a luxury suite with private plunge pool, daily laundry service, all meals, snacks, beverages and local branded alcoholic drinks, daily activities including The Elephant Experience*, game drives in open safari vehicles, and guided bush walks.
A visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.
Road transfer from Jabulani to Hoedspruit Airport.
Scheduled flight from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg.
*The Elephant Experience includes observing the heard 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 whilst the elephants are in the natural environment, foraging in the bush, walking through the reserve, or swimming at the waterhole. Photographic opportunities with the elephants are also afforded.
EXCLUSIONS:
All flights not mentioned above i.e. domestic, regional, and international flights.
All items of a personal nature i.e. curio shop purchases, gratuities, porterage, telephone calls, etc.
Activities not mentioned above.
MalaMala Game Reserve
EXCLUSIONS:
All flights not mentioned above i.e. domestic, regional, and international flights.
All items of a personal nature i.e. curio shop purchases, gratuities, porterage, telephone calls, etc.
Activities not mentioned above.
MalaMala Game Reserve
At a mammoth 13 200 ha (33 000 acres), MalaMala lies sandwiched between the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the world-famous Kruger National Park. The 19 km (12 miles) unfenced border with this massive wildlife conservancy provides unimpeded access to wildlife. Of great appeal to such wildlife is the vast array of MalaMala’s habitat types - ranging from open savannah to dense riparian zones and granite outcrops. But perhaps the strongest allure to wildlife is the perennial Sand River of which 13 km (8 miles) flow through the reserve.
It’s this habitat diversity – and sound conservation management – that has earned MalaMala a reputation as the foremost game viewing destination in the world.
While it’s become the exception rather than the rule for all members of the Big Five not to be seen on a single day, MalaMala’s certainly not just about the big and hairy. CEO and owner, Michael Rattray, has been closely associated with the MalaMala area for almost 70 years and his formidable conservation expertise ensures that smaller beasties like dung beetles have right of way! Indeed, MalaMala is a sanctuary for rare and endangered wildlife where nature lovers may see threatened animals such as cheetahs, pangolins, and the wild dog – Africa’s second most endangered carnivore! The variety of birdlife in the reserve regularly rewards even the most seasoned ornithologist with surprising finds: the martial eagle and ground hornbill for instance.
Activities range from walking safaris to 4x4 safaris which may include sumptuous bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, and the opportunity to quaff sundowners as the sun sets behind the dusty horizon. Outdoor activities are led by highly qualified rangers, most of who have university degrees in the natural sciences and are thoroughly conversant with all aspects of bushveld ecology.
MalaMala’s accommodation is the Rattray trademark incarnate: discreet, classic, and elegant African opulence. The ochre-colored buildings of MalaMala Main Camp are clustered amid shady trees and manicured lawns overlooking the Sand River. The individually decorated, spacious, and comfortable rooms under traditional thatching offer spectacular views of the river and the wild- and birdlife that are attracted to the water for refreshment and refuge from the hot African sun. The rooms are equipped with ‘his-and-hers bathrooms, 24-hour temperature control, insect proofing, direct dial telephones, a mini-bar, and a mini-safe. Despite the comfort offered, MalaMala retains an authentic bushveld camp atmosphere, where the attention to detail for which MalaMala is world-famous shines through.
It’s this habitat diversity – and sound conservation management – that has earned MalaMala a reputation as the foremost game viewing destination in the world.
While it’s become the exception rather than the rule for all members of the Big Five not to be seen on a single day, MalaMala’s certainly not just about the big and hairy. CEO and owner, Michael Rattray, has been closely associated with the MalaMala area for almost 70 years and his formidable conservation expertise ensures that smaller beasties like dung beetles have right of way! Indeed, MalaMala is a sanctuary for rare and endangered wildlife where nature lovers may see threatened animals such as cheetahs, pangolins, and the wild dog – Africa’s second most endangered carnivore! The variety of birdlife in the reserve regularly rewards even the most seasoned ornithologist with surprising finds: the martial eagle and ground hornbill for instance.
Activities range from walking safaris to 4x4 safaris which may include sumptuous bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, and the opportunity to quaff sundowners as the sun sets behind the dusty horizon. Outdoor activities are led by highly qualified rangers, most of who have university degrees in the natural sciences and are thoroughly conversant with all aspects of bushveld ecology.
MalaMala’s accommodation is the Rattray trademark incarnate: discreet, classic, and elegant African opulence. The ochre-colored buildings of MalaMala Main Camp are clustered amid shady trees and manicured lawns overlooking the Sand River. The individually decorated, spacious, and comfortable rooms under traditional thatching offer spectacular views of the river and the wild- and birdlife that are attracted to the water for refreshment and refuge from the hot African sun. The rooms are equipped with ‘his-and-hers bathrooms, 24-hour temperature control, insect proofing, direct dial telephones, a mini-bar, and a mini-safe. Despite the comfort offered, MalaMala retains an authentic bushveld camp atmosphere, where the attention to detail for which MalaMala is world-famous shines through.
Jabulani
Jabulani is located within a private reserve in the Limpopo Province which enjoys panoramic views of the nearby Drakensberg mountain range. It is also central to some of the most magnificent scenic areas of both the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces.
As a result of a game relocation program, the reserve now supports a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, buffalo, rhinoceros, giraffes, zebra, blue wildebeest, waterbuck, kudu, and many other species of antelope. Predators include lion, leopard, cheetah, and the spotted hyena.
With a Relais & Chateaux accreditation, this camp is guaranteed to offer first-class accommodation, cuisine, facilities, and personalized service.
Jabulani represents the epitome of style, luxury, gastronomic excellence, and warm hospitality. But at the heart of this five-star operation lies a cause far greater than its tangible elements. This camp was conceptualized and created for one purpose. To support and sustain thirteen elephants who by the hand of fate had found themselves in the custody of wildlife visionary, Lente Roode. Founder and owner of the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, Lente has committed her life’s purpose to conservation and the preservation of animal species.
The story began with an orphaned baby elephant, Jabulani (meaning “rejoice”). At four months of age, he was found stuck in a silt dam 100kms north of Hoedspruit, abandoned by his herd. When rescued, he was at death’s door – severely dehydrated and in a state of shock. Many doubted he would make it. Lente, however, has never been one to give up. In close consultation with veterinary experts, a unique milk formula was developed for the tiny pachyderm. Over a period of a year, he was slowly nursed back to health. This process came with a price. When the time came to re-introduce him to the wild, he would have none of it! He had become accustomed to his human companions. Attempt after attempt to send him on his way within the private game reserve failed. It became apparent that Jabulani was there to stay.
News then reached Lente of 12 trained Zimbabwean elephants who faced a grisly fate. Their owner’s farm was in the process of being expropriated - they were tagged for their meat. With military precision, a rescue mission was orchestrated. In just three weeks, all 12 animals were moved to South Africa – again to the Hoedspruit Centre. It was in awe that spectators witnessed the introduction of Jabulani to the herd. Tokwe, the matriarch, tenderly welcomed him. He had found his kin.
This camp would enable travelers from all over the world to experience the extraordinary impact of interacting with elephants. But no ordinary camp would do…. This camp would have to be the very best of the best, very personalized while harmoniously blending with the African bush.
Jabulani Camp was born - For the elephants.
The intimate camp environment was designed open-plan to merge seamlessly with the surrounding bush. Facilities include an open-air spa, lounge, dining room, and shaded wooden deck overlooking a dry riverbed.
Each of the 6 ultra-luxurious suites has a private plunge pool and deck area. Within the suite is a lounge area with a fireplace, a free-standing stone bathtub and double vanity, a glass-enclosed shower within the surrounding bush, and a separate WC.
Activities include daily elephant experiences*; game drives in open safari vehicles; visits to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre and simple relaxation around the camp or in the “Bush Spa”. Additional activities which may be arranged at a fee include early morning hot-air ballooning over the reserve and clay pigeon shooting.
Jabulani is located within a private reserve in the Limpopo Province which enjoys panoramic views of the nearby Drakensberg mountain range. It is also central to some of the most magnificent scenic areas of both the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces.
As a result of a game relocation program, the reserve now supports a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, buffalo, rhinoceros, giraffes, zebra, blue wildebeest, waterbuck, kudu, and many other species of antelope. Predators include lion, leopard, cheetah, and the spotted hyena.
With a Relais & Chateaux accreditation, this camp is guaranteed to offer first-class accommodation, cuisine, facilities, and personalized service.
Jabulani represents the epitome of style, luxury, gastronomic excellence, and warm hospitality. But at the heart of this five-star operation lies a cause far greater than its tangible elements. This camp was conceptualized and created for one purpose. To support and sustain thirteen elephants who by the hand of fate had found themselves in the custody of wildlife visionary, Lente Roode. Founder and owner of the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, Lente has committed her life’s purpose to conservation and the preservation of animal species.
The story began with an orphaned baby elephant, Jabulani (meaning “rejoice”). At four months of age, he was found stuck in a silt dam 100kms north of Hoedspruit, abandoned by his herd. When rescued, he was at death’s door – severely dehydrated and in a state of shock. Many doubted he would make it. Lente, however, has never been one to give up. In close consultation with veterinary experts, a unique milk formula was developed for the tiny pachyderm. Over a period of a year, he was slowly nursed back to health. This process came with a price. When the time came to re-introduce him to the wild, he would have none of it! He had become accustomed to his human companions. Attempt after attempt to send him on his way within the private game reserve failed. It became apparent that Jabulani was there to stay.
News then reached Lente of 12 trained Zimbabwean elephants who faced a grisly fate. Their owner’s farm was in the process of being expropriated - they were tagged for their meat. With military precision, a rescue mission was orchestrated. In just three weeks, all 12 animals were moved to South Africa – again to the Hoedspruit Centre. It was in awe that spectators witnessed the introduction of Jabulani to the herd. Tokwe, the matriarch, tenderly welcomed him. He had found his kin.
This camp would enable travelers from all over the world to experience the extraordinary impact of interacting with elephants. But no ordinary camp would do…. This camp would have to be the very best of the best, very personalized while harmoniously blending with the African bush.
Jabulani Camp was born - For the elephants.
The intimate camp environment was designed open-plan to merge seamlessly with the surrounding bush. Facilities include an open-air spa, lounge, dining room, and shaded wooden deck overlooking a dry riverbed.
Each of the 6 ultra-luxurious suites has a private plunge pool and deck area. Within the suite is a lounge area with a fireplace, a free-standing stone bathtub and double vanity, a glass-enclosed shower within the surrounding bush, and a separate WC.
Activities include daily elephant experiences*; game drives in open safari vehicles; visits to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre and simple relaxation around the camp or in the “Bush Spa”. Additional activities which may be arranged at a fee include early morning hot-air ballooning over the reserve and clay pigeon shooting.
*Observe the herd, from a respectful and comfortable distance, as they spend their days foraging naturally in the wild.
Enjoy the opportunity to understand elephants on a deeper level, both physically and emotionally, as well as to appreciate the importance of the conservation and protection of the elephant species.
By staying with us at Jabulani, your presence is far more meaningful than merely staying at a five-star luxury safari lodge. You’ll soon understand the lodge’s vital role in sustaining the herd and that you are contributing towards their future.
Mealtimes at Jabulani truly are a celebration of the senses. Perfectly sized portions are arranged in an art form of color, texture, and balance. A fusion of tastes and ingredients thrill the palate. As course after course materializes from the magicians in the kitchen – culinary appreciation reaches altogether new heights.
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