Jabulani Safari has been awarded Two MICHELIN Keys for a second consecutive year, reaffirming its commitment to thoughtful hospitality, exceptional guest experiences and the enduring connection between people, wildlife and place.

The MICHELIN Guide announced its 2026 Key selection on 18 September, recognising 2,832 hotels worldwide, including 32 in South Africa. Following anonymous inspections, the MICHELIN Key distinction recognises hotels across three levels: One Key for a very special stay, Two Keys for an exceptional stay and Three Keys for an extraordinary stay. Inspectors assess five universal criteria: architecture and design, quality and consistency of service, personality and character, value for money, and contribution to the surrounding setting.

Two MICHELIN Keys recognise Jabulani as an exceptional stay, celebrating the care and attention behind every visit.

A Standard Rooted in Purpose

Recognition of this kind is rare. Earning it twice reflects something Jabulani continues to work toward every day: a way of welcoming guests, caring for its people and contributing to the landscape it calls home.

Jabulani’s story spans more than two decades of hospitality, built on over four decades of the Roode family’s stewardship of the land. Today, that legacy continues through an experience shaped by the Greater Kruger, where refined hospitality meets a landscape rich in wildlife, conservation and discovery.

As a member of Relais & Châteaux, Jabulani reflects a shared philosophy of distinctive hospitality, a strong sense of place and meaningful experiences. These principles continue to inform the way we approach every stay.

A Safari Shaped by Wildlife and Conservation

Jabulani offers guests an opportunity to experience the diversity of the Greater Kruger, from Big Five game viewing to the unique stories of the rescued elephants of the Jabulani Herd.

The herd, now comprising 15 elephants, forms an important part of Jabulani’s conservation story. Through our relationship with Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development (HERD), every stay contributes to the ongoing care and conservation of rescued elephants.

Guests can observe the herd in their natural environment, learn about their individual stories and discover the work that supports their wellbeing. The experience sits alongside the wider safari offering, where wildlife, landscape and the rhythms of the bush create a deeper connection to this extraordinary environment.

For Jabulani, hospitality and conservation are not separate commitments but part of a single responsibility: to care for the land, the wildlife and the people who share this place.

The People Behind Jabulani

Two MICHELIN Keys belong to the people who bring Jabulani to life every day.

“To be recognised once was an honour. To be recognised again is a tribute to our team, the rangers, chefs, butlers, housekeepers and elephant carers who make Jabulani what it is every single day. These Keys belong to them, and to the elephants of the Jabulani Herd, who remind us daily why we do this work.”

Adine Roode, Owner, Jabulani Safari

Exceptional hospitality is built through the details that guests experience, often without seeing the work behind them. Although their hard work may go unnoticed, our excellent staff deserve recognition for their contribution to Jabulani’s achievements.

Ruan Roos, General Manager of Jabulani Safari, has experienced this commitment throughout his own journey at the lodge.

“I started at Jabulani nearly ten years ago as a junior guide, and I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside this team ever since, from the vehicle to the ranger’s fire to leading the lodge today. What I’ve learned in every one of those roles is that exceptional hospitality lives in the small things: a ranger who notices what others miss, a housekeeper who remembers how a guest takes their tea, a carer who knows each elephant’s moods. These Keys are a recognition of all of them.”

Ruan Roos, Lodge General Manager, Jabulani Safari

Continuing the Journey

Jabulani continues to evolve, shaped by the people who work here, the wildlife that surrounds us and the guests who become part of our story.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the MICHELIN Guide for recognising Jabulani for a second consecutive year, and to every guest who has shared in our journey. Each of you has become part of the Jabulani story, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the bush.