Sometimes, a message arrives that stops us in our tracks.

This letter was shared with us by Jacqueline following her stay at Jabulani Safari, and from the very first line, we knew it was something special. What she and Lanita so beautifully captured is not just an experience, but the people, purpose and heart that live at Jabulani every single day.

We are deeply grateful for words like these, not because they praise us, but because they reflect our team so honestly. From guides and butlers to chefs, students and the HERD team, this letter speaks to the soul of Jabulani: genuine care, meaningful connection and conservation led with heart.

We are honoured to share this letter in full.

“Dear Jabulani Safari Family,

I hope this message finds each and every one of you well and you’re having a happy and productive week.

I should probably start my email with a warning: you have completely ruined every future experience for us — From now on, every place we visit, every service interaction we encounter, and every “special” experience will inevitably be compared to Jabulani Safari and most will fall short. That is the standard you have set, in the best possible way.

My colleague, Lanita, and I recently returned from our time at Jabulani Safari, and even now, we find ourselves struggling to put into words just how profound and memorable the experience was. Still, I felt it was important to try — because what you offer at Jabulani deserves to be acknowledged, celebrated, and deeply thanked.

From the very first interaction to the moment we left, it was evident that Jabulani is not simply a luxury safari lodge, but a living, breathing space built on heart, purpose, conservation, and exceptional people. There is a rare authenticity at Jabulani — one that cannot be manufactured — and it is felt in every detail, every interaction, and every smile.

While the setting is beautiful and Villa Somopane was wonderful, what made our time at Jabulani truly unforgettable had very little to do with where we stayed — and everything to do with the people and the way they deliver service, with heart, intention, and authenticity.

There is something rare about the way your team shows up. Not just professionally, but personally. Service at Jabulani is not transactional or scripted — it is genuine, thoughtful, and deeply human. Every interaction felt purposeful, sincere, and grounded in care, and that is what set this experience apart from anything else we have EVER encountered.

Our journey began long before arrival, and for that we would like to sincerely thank Ashleigh and Adele from the Reservations Team. Your patience, clarity, warmth, and efficiency made the entire process effortless. You set the foundation for what would become an unforgettable stay, and your professionalism and care did not go unnoticed.

Our time in the bush was elevated beyond expectation by our remarkable guides — Kayla, Kyle, and Ross. Each of you brought something uniquely special to our experience. Kayla, your passion and calm confidence was inspiring – even while navigating a challenging guest situation, you remained composed, professional, and gracious throughout, you dodged bumpy roads, flooded tracks, and tricky guests with the same effortless poise. Honestly, we’re starting to think you might have secret safari superpowers!

Kyle, your encyclopedic knowledge of the bush combined with your legendary dad jokes made every moment with you a joy. And that zebra joke? It’s officially stuck in our brains forever — we can’t stop laughing about it and we know it will haunt every safari we ever go on again. Every time your radio crackled in your ear, we couldn’t resist joking that you were receiving a secret ‘safari vision’ from the bush — and somehow, you managed to act like it was totally normal while keeping us entertained and informed. You somehow made learning, laughing, and just enjoying the bush feel effortless, and your energy kept the drives feeling light, fun, and full of surprises.

And Ross — our unforgettable “Barbie Girl” — we will never forget your hilarious “Hallo julle” and “Bye julle” greetings in that playful voice — it made us laugh every single time and added so much personality to every interaction. Your humor, warmth, and enthusiasm brought an extra spark to every moment, making the bush feel welcoming, alive, and impossibly fun.

One of the most meaningful and memorable parts of our stay was meeting Bianca, who was completing her practical student hours at Jabulani. What stood out so strongly was her humility, eagerness to learn, and genuine passion for what she is doing. Despite being “just a student,” Bianca carried herself with such professionalism, and heart. It was incredibly special to witness someone at the beginning of their journey being mentored and supported in such a remarkable environment. Jabulani is clearly shaping the next generation of conservationists, and Bianca is a wonderful reflection of that. She left a lasting impression on us, and we have no doubt she has a bright future ahead.

To Portia, our Guest Relationship Manager — thank you for your incredible warmth, attentiveness, and emotional intelligence. From the very first moment, you made us feel completely seen and cared for, without ever being intrusive. Every interaction with you was personal, thoughtful, and effortlessly professional. You have a rare gift for making guests feel not just welcome, but truly part of the Jabulani family. Your presence was grounding, reassuring, and a constant reminder that what makes Jabulani extraordinary is the people who work there. You went above and beyond in every way, anticipating our needs, making every detail seamless, and adding a sense of calm and joy that stayed with us throughout our visit. It is clear that your care is genuine, and it left a lasting impression on both of us.

Richman, our exceptional butler — thank you for your kindness, attentiveness, and the quiet excellence with which you do everything. You anticipated our needs before we even voiced them, ensured every meal was executed seamlessly, and somehow managed to keep our glasses full at all times (we’re still wondering if you have a sixth sense!). Your gentle professionalism, thoughtfulness, and genuine care added so much comfort, ease, and joy to our stay. It’s rare to encounter someone who makes service feel effortless yet so personal, and you did it with grace and warmth every single day. You truly set a new standard for hospitality, and we felt completely looked after because of you.

A heartfelt thank you to Henlo and Duvan, whose culinary talent added another extraordinary layer to our Jabulani experience. Every meal was thoughtfully prepared, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious — but beyond the food itself, it was the personality and joy you brought to the table that made dining so memorable. Henlo, your dishes were flawless and bursting with flavor, and Duvan, we loved watching your playful ‘dad-joke competition’ with Kyle unfold. Between the delicious courses and the constant joking, every meal felt like an event — we laughed as much as we ate, and sometimes we weren’t sure which we were enjoying more! It was clear that every dish was made with care, pride, and love, and that your sense of humor and warmth made dining at Jabulani just as unforgettable as the bush itself.

And finally, to Sheperd, Last, and the entire HERD Team — words truly fall short. Witnessing the relationship between the elephants and the herd team was deeply emotional and profoundly moving. The respect, patience, dedication, and love with which you care for the herd is something we will carry with us forever. It is clear that this is not just work — it is a calling. You are the heartbeat of Jabulani, and your commitment to conservation and animal well-being is inspiring beyond measure.

Please extend our sincere gratitude to every single person behind the scenes as well — those we saw and those we did not. It is the collective effort of your entire team that makes Jabulani such a rare and magical place.

Thank you for creating an experience that touched us deeply, taught us so much, and left an imprint on our hearts. Jabulani Safari is a place we will speak about often, recommend without hesitation, and hope to return to one day – please.

With the warmest thanks and heartfelt appreciation,
Jacqueline (on behalf of Lanita and myself)”

To Jacqueline and Lanita, thank you for taking the time to reflect so thoughtfully on your experience and for seeing our team so clearly. Your words will be carried with us for a long time.

To our Jabulani family: this letter belongs to you. It is a reflection of your dedication, warmth, humour, professionalism and care. You are the reason moments like these exist, and the reason Jabulani feels the way it does.

And to everyone reading this: thank you for being part of a journey where conservation, people and purpose meet. These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do.