About
Located beside Lake Jozini in remote, malaria-free Pongola Game Reserve, White Elephant is a safari lodge with a difference. Yes, you’ll see four of Big Five (no lions) on twice-daily game activities, and yes, there’s a colonial, bygone vibe. But there’s also an eclectic range of unique other activities – including some of South Africa’s only water-based safaris – and an accent on the holistic. Come here for behind-the-scenes access to elephant conservation projects, for superb fishing and for a dose of sublime, sunset-sponsored silence.
Accommodation
Paths lead from White Elephant’s generations-old homestead to eight large and luxurious safari tents each with private veranda. Inside are ceiling fans, crisp-linen beds swathed in mosquito netting, teak furniture and bathrooms with claw foot tubs. Be immersed in nature in the outdoor shower behind each tent.
Facilities
That elegant homestead is full of antiques, and affords a romantic vibe from a bygone era. Hearty dinners are served in its cosy dining room or out on the veranda facing the Lebombo Mountains. Among lush gardens is a rim-flow pool and wooden deck scattered with sun loungers.
Activities
The daily activities of your choice, depart early morning and late afternoon. Expect to see leopard, giraffe, zebra and the re-introduced elephant among others. Boat cruises or canoe safaris on Lake Jozini, promise amazing sightings and waving to hippos, or trying catch-and-release fishing. Tigerfish and Tilapia are the top trumps. To really dial into the camp’s ethos, join the acclaimed ‘Space for Elephants’ monitoring programme and accompany researcher Heike on outings – or join our guides to track black rhino on foot.
Child Policy
Children over 12 years are welcome.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
