Frequently Asked Questions

Jabulani does have the Big Five. This means that guests can expect to see lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant during game drives. There is also a range of other wildlife, plants, and birdlife, some of them endangered. qualified guides will be able to point these out in the bush.

The average rainfall is +/- 650 mm a year from October to April.

The daytime temperatures in the Limpopo Province, where Kapama is situated average +/- 30 degrees. Summers can reach the high 30’s.

Jabulani experiences pleasant cool temperatures in the early winter mornings, warming up during the day, with little need for warm clothes until late afternoon when temperatures drop. During these months there is no rain and the bush is not very lush therefore it makes spotting animals much easier. The mild climate and enhanced game viewing make for great game drives

Since the early winter mornings are still very dark, we only head out on a drive from around 06h30 – 09h30 and leave a little earlier in the afternoon for the later game drive, from 16h00 – 19h00.

In summer, we head out on drives earlier in the mornings (06h00- 09h00) and later in the afternoons (16h30 – 19h30), because of the warm weather during the day. We are, however, always flexible and these times above are only a suggestion.

The best time of year to go on a safari can vary depending on factors such as weather, wildlife behaviour and events, and your personal interests and preferred activities. Each season offers its own wonders and unique experiences
The dry winter season (May to October) is considered the peak season, but game viewing can still be excellent during the wetter summertime.

During the dry season, the vegetation is less dense and animals also tend to gather around waterholes, making it easier to spot and track wildlife. The weather is generally cooler, with sunny days and limited rainfall.

The wet summer season (November to April) creates a verdant green landscape and there are plenty of newborn animals and migratory bird species to see. The rainfall leads to magnificent scenery and sunsets. It can be somewhat more difficult to spot wildlife, since the bush is thicker, and the animals disperse more as there is plenty of water to find. Game drives might be somewhat damp or outright soaking, and roads can be affected by the rain.

Chat with our Reservations team to find out what season is best for you.

Our safaris are conducted by an experienced and qualified guide who is knowledgeable about animal behaviour and the best practices for wildlife encounters. They are trained to assess situations and ensure the safety of guests and animals. Pay close attention to the instructions given by your guides. They will provide safety guidelines and protocols for various situations, such as encounters with large predators or dangerous wildlife. Following their instructions ensures a safer and more enjoyable safari experience.

It is crucial to respect wild animals and their habitat and avoid disturbing their natural behaviour. Follow the instructions of your guide regarding appropriate behaviour, such as staying quiet and not making sudden movements that could startle or provoke the animals. As safaris occur in natural habitats, with unpredictable wildlife encounters and behaviour, it is important to prepare for the unexpected. Always maintain a respectful and cautious attitude towards wildlife.

Guests must stay in vehicles or designated areas. This provides a safe barrier between guests and potentially dangerous animals. It is essential to follow these guidelines to minimise the risk of incidents.

Being around wild animals during a safari can be safe if proper precautions are followed. Jabulani’s qualified safari guides prioritise the safety of guests and have extensive knowledge and experience in managing wildlife encounters.

While these precautions help minimise risks, it is important to note that wildlife is inherently wild, and there is always an element of unpredictability. Adhering to safety guidelines, respecting the animals, and following the guidance of your qualified Jabulani guides will significantly enhance your safety during a safari.

Jabulani is a wonderful safari destination for parents travelling with younger children. Children of all ages are accepted at the Zindoga Villa. Children from age 6 can be accommodated in the Superior Suites and Villa Somopane, sharing with adults. Maximum 1 child, ages 6 and above, can share with 2 adults in a Superior Suite.

We have a dedicated team of caregivers for those hours when parents wish to relax in the spa or enjoy quiet time in their plunge pool. For safety reasons and the welfare of our elephants, children must be a minimum age of 6 years to take part in the elephant experience, but it is also at the discretion of the Ranger/Elephant Manager. Children under 6 years cannot participate in the elephant interaction

Parents are responsible for the safety of their children. All children under the age of sixteen must be accompanied by a responsible adult during game drives, bush walks, and elephant activities. Children under 12 years cannot participate in bushwalks due to FGASA regulations

For our younger safari guests, Jabulani also has an exciting, dedicated JabuJuniors Programme, which caters for kids aged 6-12 years and is structured to stimulate and entertain younger guests in various ways. Your children can become JabuJunior Conservationists in the making or be accredited in our JabuJunior Ranger Academy; taking home personalised certificates to reflect on their special memories from Jabulani. Discover more – https://jabulanisafari.com/experience/jabujuniors/

We make sure our younger guests eat in style when it comes to fine dining. Our Chefs can specially tailor menus to “Kiddie Menus”, which are sure to appeal to the most discerning little palates.

Six Superior Suites
Luxury Accommodation in air-conditioned suites with a private deck and plunge pool.
Superior Suite Maximum Occupancy – 2 adults and 1 child sharing (6 years and upwards)

Two-Bedroom Villa Somopane
Villa experience featuring 2 air-conditioned suites, all ensuite with a shared private deck and plunge pool.
Two-Bedroom Villa Somopane Maximum Occupancy – 4 persons (adults / and children aged 6 – 11 years)

Three-bedroom Zindoga Villa
Exclusive Villa experience featuring 3 air-conditioned suites, all ensuite, 2 of which boast private decks and plunge pools
Zindoga Villa Maximum Occupancy – 6 adults and 2 children sharing

Distance between Zindoga Villa and Villa Somopane:
300 metres along the pathway – 5 – 10-minute walk

Distance between Suites:
30 metres, 2-3 minute walk

Suites Distance to Villa Somopane:
Suite 6 is the nearest suite, approximately a 2-5 minute walk away

Jabulani Superior Suites Names and information:

Suite 1 – Setombe
Suite 2 – Tokwe
Suite 3 – Lundi
Suite 4 – Bubi
Suite 5 – Sebakwe
Suite 6 – Jabulani

Superior Suite size: 90 m²
All suites – Beds offered twin configuration or converted to a king bed
Beds:
King: length – 198 cm and width – 184 cm
Single: length – 198 cm and width – 92 cm

Zindoga Villa:
Size is 424 m² + deck of 225 m²
2 x king four-poster beds plus 2 x single beds can be converted to a king bed
Limpopo: length – 190 cm and width – 184 cm
Klaserie: length – 200 cm and width – 184 cm
Mambo: length – 200 cm and width – 92 cm

Below are the square meters of our Suites, Zindoga Villa and Villa Somopane (deck and swimming pool) excluding bathrooms.

Superior Suites – 60 Square metres
Zindoga Villa – 400 Square metres
Villa Somopane – 190 Square metres

All the suites and villas have free Wi-Fi connectivity as does the Main Area. Our team will gladly assist you in connecting to the Wi-Fi. Please note that it may be intermittent due to signal changes.

When packing for your safari, it is recommended to opt for neutral and light-coloured clothing, so that you blend in better with the surrounding environment. Khaki, beige, brown, and green draw the least amount of attention and distraction when out on game drives. Darker and brighter colours can attract unwanted mosquitoes and insects.

Safari vehicles are equipped with binoculars. Jabulani offers 3 binoculars per safari vehicle. The type of binoculars offered are Bushnell 18 x 42. Sunscreen, insect repellent, blankets, and ponchos are also provided.

For the summer months, be sure to pack a hat and sunglasses. Even though Jabulani experiences wonderful warm weather in summer and spring, it is advisable to pack in a light jacket for the early morning and late afternoon drives. As the temperatures drop in winter, a scarf, beanie, or jacket is recommended during these months. Be sure the fabric is light and easy to move in – getting on and off the game vehicle – and of natural and neutral tones.

Jabulani is located in Kapama Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger Area of South Africa. The nearest commercial airport is Hoedspruit Airport, which is just a 30-minute game drive from the lodge.

All Jabulani guests receive a complimentary Meet and Greet service at the airport, as well as complimentary transfers to and from the lodge. Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) is easily accessible from both Cape Town and Johannesburg with scheduled daily flights available with SA Airlink and Cemair

Charter Hops between Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) and Hoedspruit Airport
Daily Charter Hops between KMIA Airport and Hoedspruit are ideal when combining two different game lodge experiences.

Please note prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact us for an accurate quotation. Jabulani will levy a 10% handling fee should you wish us to manage and coordinate these reservations on your behalf.

Another option is self-drive. Depending on which route you take and from where you depart, there are a few scenic routes that allow you to view other parts of South Africa on your way to Jabulani.

Jabulani is found in the northeastern part of South Africa, in the Limpopo Province. It is roughly about 15km from a small town called Hoedspruit and borders the Timbavati Reserve which is part of the Greater Kruger National Park Biosphere. Kindly note that we are fenced.

Kapama Private Game Reserve is part of the Greater Kruger National Park Biosphere. All the wildlife areas east from the mountain up to the western boundary of the Kruger National Park are known as the Greater Kruger Area.  The closest Kruger gate to Kapama is the Orpen gate which is about 50km away from us

We do offer photographic safaris and have two brand new Toyota Landcruiser vehicles that are fully equipped for photographic tours. Each seat has a camera rest that can rotate. We do not have a photographic studio on site. Photographs can be printed in town but will be at the guest’s own expense. We do not have photographic equipment on site, but there is a photographic shop in town that we can rent from. We will need to know 45 days prior if you wish to do so. Our guides are not trained in photography, but they know their way around a camera and many are avid hobby photographers.

We have gladly welcomed guests who rely on wheelchairs at Jabulani before, and have a wheelchair on-site. Doorways in the villas and suites are wide enough for wheelchair access. The sandy paths between the main area and the accommodation are wheelchair-friendly. There are one to two steps leading to the dining area, which we can assist in carrying the wheelchair up/down if needed. The main limitation could be toilets, which are not wheelchair-friendly – family assistance may be required. Our baths have good access, but no additional rails.

Jabulani has two kosher kitchens fully certified by Kosher SA to cater to Jewish tourists and provide food that is prepared according to Jewish kosher dietary laws. Jabulani sources top local kosher products, all containing the necessary certification stamps on the packaging and food labels (hechsher). Our Relais & Châteaux lodge has a dedicated lockable kosher kitchen with two separate sub-kitchens strictly for kosher food preparation, with one side for dairy (milchik) and the other for meat (fleischik) meal preparation.

Each kitchen is fully equipped with kosher equipment kits, including plates, cutlery, and tableware. After each usage these kosher equipment kits are sealed up, kitchens are locked, and are opened only by a mashgiach, on the next date scheduled for a kosher guest’s arrival. Jabulani Executive Chef, Alex van As has a long history of working with kosher guests and he leads his team with care and attention to detail, to manage the running of the kosher kitchen correctly. Guests can bring their own chef to the lodge, should they wish, to work alongside Jabulani chefs in creating kosher meals. We can source Chalav Stam dairy items quite easily from various local suppliers in the nearby town of Hoedspruit.

Chalav Yisrael dairy is severely limited, with only a handful of strict kosher suppliers offering this and shipped from the larger cities in South Africa via cold chain logistics. Jabulani would require at least 30 days’ notice to arrange for an order of this specialised ingredient. Mehadrin Commission (glatt) meat is also available with advanced notice of at least 14 days, as we must order it from kosher-approved butchers in Johannesburg.

Jabulani is generally able to source mevushal (boiled and pasteurised) kosher wine through local suppliers, such as Cape Jewel and Backsberg, who have kosher lines in their wine catalogue. Non-mevushal is more difficult to source as most options originate from overseas with high import duties.
All kosher wines do not form part of the standard package inclusions and are billed on consumption, as part of the premium drinks exclusions policy.

As a rule, Jabulani cannot provide a detailed day-by-day menu as seasonal availability and changes to importation or supplier shortages could result in menu changes. The general menu pattern followed by Jabulani includes tried and tested kosher menus featuring dairy and vegetarian breakfasts and lunches. Dinners include meat. Family-style or gourmet-plated meals vary according to the Executive Chef’s preferred style of presenting food. Breakfasts and lunches tend to be more relaxed styles, and dinners follow set courses and are plated.

NOTE: Additional costs apply. Please enquire at res@jabulanisafari.com

Jabulani lodge was built in 2004 as a way to support a rescued herd of elephants and new orphans in our reserve, through tourism revenue. Since our conception, we have grown deeper in our conservation efforts. 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 in 2019 to provide a unique adoptive family structure for these calves in need.

South Africa’s first dedicated elephant orphanage, named HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development), was 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.

As our guest, you play a crucial role in helping us and HERD Trust (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development – South Africa’s first dedicated elephant orphanage) to support the rescued herd and orphans and protect their future. Your elephant levy helps us to sustain these remarkable animals.

Guests have the opportunity to be a part of the elephants’ journey, by learning more about them, and their personalities and stories, and witnessing them in the wilderness of our reserve. You will be able to immerse yourself in the remarkable journey of the Jabulani herd, shared by the team of elephant carers who have walked side by side with the elephants for more than twenty years. 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, as well as to appreciate the importance of the conservation and protection of the elephant species.

Guests have an opportunity to meet a few of our elephant “ambassadors” – three of the 16 elephants, namely Jabulani, Sebakwe and Somopane. You can also enjoy a unique opportunity to share in the herd’s favourite pastime, their midday swim, accompanied by a Ranger and Elephant Carer. At the end of the day, join us for elegant sundowners and canapés served as we wait for the Jabulani herd to return to the homestead.

Food and taste are personal and so is our Jabulani chefs’ approach to each one of our guests. Every day a unique menu is created passionately and sincerely by our chef on duty, using only the freshest and finest of seasonal ingredients, and can be tailored to suit guests’ individual needs and tastes

The Jabulani chefs take their creative flair outside of the kitchen too, embracing the natural setting we are fortunate to be in, and creating innovative and memorable dining experiences for guests, including picnics, bush breakfasts, and our renowned sundowner canapés.

True to the reputation of being a Relais & Châteaux accredited property, we approach our gastronomy with brilliant creativity and soulfulness. This paired with our personalised butler service, creates a magical Jabulani Culinary Journey. Jabulani is an all-inclusive experience, and all meals and snacks are included during your stay, as well as a wide selection of beverages.

Main Lodge Dining
The main lodge features an outside wooden deck that lies beneath the shade of impressive Leadwood trees – the ideal setting to enjoy an al fresco lunch while overlooking the adjacent waterhole. In the evenings, guests can enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the Jabulani cocktail bar and lounge, and share their favourite safari experience of the day before heading into the elegant dining room where a memorable fine dining experience awaits.

Private Dining
Enjoy a private dinner for two with candlelight on the deck of your Jabulani Suite, or on cooler evenings, in front of your private fireplace. There are endless opportunities to create the perfect private setting for you and your loved ones.

Special Occasions
Whether you’re popping the question, having an unforgettable wedding in the bush, celebrating a big birthday, or experiencing a blissful safari honeymoon, Jabulani’s emphasis on privacy, exclusivity, luxury, and elegance, makes us the ultimate destination for special occasions.

Our world-class cuisine and variety of dining settings ensure the perfect experience for your special day.

Boma Dining
A South African safari experience is simply not complete without an elegant Boma evening – a local traditional dinner enjoyed under the stars, in candlelight, and prepared on open-flames by our passionate chefs.

The original term Boma refers to a space that would be used as a holding area for animals that needed to acclimatise to a new environment. In modern safari lodge terms, a Boma dinner refers to a magical setting around a fire where guests gather to share a hearty traditional meal in good company and with good wine.

Our glass-panelled wine cellar invites you to settle in for a private food and wine pairing experience. With ambient lighting against the face brick wall, and wine bottles stacked high, your glass and heart will overflow in this special place. Settle in around our intimate dining table and lend your ears and taste buds to our team as they share the secrets and taste of South African wine with you.

Yes. At Jabulani, we believe in wellness. In a healthy body, mind, and soul. And so, we’ve created the perfect space for you to focus on your health and fitness. Working out is much more enjoyable when you get to do it in the heart of the African bush and to the soundtrack of the birds chirping. Our Jabulani gym is fully equipped, allowing you to stay in shape while staying with us. We also have a sauna where you can sit back and relax, all under a thatched roof and open air with plenty of ventilation and views of the bush. End your workout with sweating of another kind – the relaxing kind. Sit back in our onsite sauna and feel the stress melt away. It’s the perfect well-deserved way to end a workout.

Yes. The pulse of the African bush provides an ideal setting for calm and rejuvenating body treatments. Our Bush Spa is both private and peaceful, tucked beneath nature’s natural canopy of trees. The therapy selection includes body massages, natural wraps, skin-care treatments, and hand and foot treatments. Our spa therapist will help you choose suitable treatments. Guests have the choice to enjoy treatments in the comfort of their suites. Find a detailed menu of the treatments on offer at the Jabulani Bush Spa here. You can pre-book your therapy treatment (recommended to avoid disappointment).