Jabulani Safari
Classic colonial-inflected safari lodge built from dead Leadwood timber and thatch, with warm, textured interiors and a distinctly intimate feel. Not flashy or minimalist — it's the kind of place where the owners still personally welcome guests and the rangers know you by name by evening game drive.
Pre-book spa treatments before arrival — with so few guests competing for two therapists, it fills fast
Why It Matters
One of the only luxury safari lodges in the world built specifically around elephant conservation. The rescue story of the Jabulani herd is world-famous. Two Michelin Keys, Relais & Châteaux membership, an on-site elephant orphanage (HERD), and a maximum of 18 guests at any time — all of this makes it genuinely hard to replicate elsewhere.
Jabulani Safari began with a single rescued elephant calf found abandoned in a muddy waterhole — and the lodge was built to fund his care. That elephant, Jabulani, still lives here along with a herd of other rescued and orphaned elephants on the 15,000-hectare Kapama Private Game Reserve. It's a Relais & Châteaux member and holder of Two Michelin Keys, with only six suites and two exclusive villas on the property, meaning the place rarely has more than 18 guests at once. The conservation mission is real, not marketing — guests directly support HERD, South Africa's first dedicated elephant orphanage, right next door.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Superior Suite
From ZAR19,500 / nightSix of these suites line a dry riverbed, each one completely screened by indigenous bush from the next. The layout is generous — a lounge with a traditional fireplace, open-plan bathroom with a freestanding stone bath big enough for two, and a semi-outdoor shower with frosted glass looking out into the bush. The private deck and heated plunge pool overlook the riverbed. Dark, textured walls (inspired by elephant dung) absorb light and give the interiors a cave-like warmth that some guests love and a few find dimmer than expected.
King-size (twin configuration available)
Villa Somopane
From ZAR70,000 / nightA two-bedroom exclusive-use villa for up to four guests — the smallest and most intimate of the three accommodation options. Each of the two suites has a king-size bed, private plunge pool, wooden deck, and traditional fireplace, plus a freestanding bath and semi-outdoor shower. The villa has its own private ranger and vehicle. Guests staying in Villa Somopane dine at the main lodge (no private chef). Minimum 3 guests required; children 6 and over permitted.
King-size (twin configuration available)Villa Zindoga
From ZAR115,000 / nightThe flagship exclusive-use villa at Jabulani — a private 700 sqm three-bedroom home with its own entrance, chef, butler, and ranger. The master and main suites each have a private deck, heated plunge pool, and fireplace. An adjoining twin-bedded suite works perfectly for two children or two adults. A spacious shared lounge and dining area has a grand fireplace and outdoor deck for al fresco meals. All ages welcome (no age minimum, unlike the suites). Minimum booking is 5 guests; maximum is 6 adults and 2 children.
King-size (master and main suites) + twin-bedded suite · 700 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The Lowveld is an outstanding birding destination. Rangers guide guests through key species sightings — both on drives and on foot.
On-foot guided walks through the reserve led by experienced rangers. Good for close-up encounters with small game, tracks, plants, and birdlife — a very different perspective from the vehicle.
Twice-daily open safari vehicle drives timed to coincide with peak animal activity. The Kapama reserve holds five lion prides, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, zebra, and large antelope populations. Vehicle numbers are limited per drive. Night drives also available.
Available in the area as an additional activity. Arranged on request through the lodge.
Private helicopter flights over the reserve and surrounding Lowveld. Additional charge applies.
Scenic hot air balloon flights over the reserve, subject to availability. Not included in the all-inclusive rate — arranged as an additional activity.
A hands-on eco-activity for families and conservation-interested guests. Learn how elephant dung is processed into paper and soap as part of Jabulani's community empowerment initiative.
The signature daily experience included in all rates. Guests observe the rescued herd in close proximity — watching them forage in the bush, swim at the waterhole, and walk through the reserve. Dedicated elephant carers share the history and individual personalities of each animal. Photographic opportunities throughout. Minimum age of 6 years required. Elephant riding has not been offered since 2017.
A structured wildlife and nature educational programme for children under 12 (and open to all children staying at the villa). Keeps younger guests engaged while parents take time out. Activities include learning about African wildlife, the elephant herd, and conservation.
Intimate wine tasting sessions in the private wine cellar, showcasing South African premier red and white cultivars. Arrangeable on request.
An iconic safari ritual — sundowner canapés and drinks served in the bush at sunset, often with the elephant herd nearby. Included in all rates.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Available in all suites, villas, and public areas.
Outdoor fitness area with weights, treadmill, exercise bike, and exercise mat. Open-air with bush views.
Included in all rates.
Included for all suites. Dedicated private butler and chef for Zindoga Villa guests.
Each of the six Superior Suites and both villa suites has its own private heated plunge pool on the deck.
Signature architectural feature — a suspension bridge gracefully arching over the dry riverbed, connecting the main lodge to the six suites and Zindoga Villa.
Provided on all beds. The reserve is a low-risk malaria area; guests should consult a doctor about anti-malarial medication.
On-site luxury boutique with safari retail, Jabulani-branded items, local art display, and the private wine cellar.
The lodge runs substantially on solar energy, taking advantage of the Lowveld's average 345 sunny days per year. Part of Jabulani's wider sustainability commitment.
Complimentary return road transfers from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS). Your ranger meets you at the airport. Transfers from Hoedspruit Civil Airport are not included.
On-site sauna available to all guests.
Expansive wooden deck overlooking the adjacent waterhole, where wildlife gathers throughout the day.
BUILD YOUR JABULANI SAFARI PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning