Jabulani Safari | Relais & Châteaux

Jabulani’s executive chef has trained in the kitchens of great chefs around the world, and takes pride in designing fusion creations with a South African twist – always with an artistic finish.Menus change on a daily basis. As individual tastes are as unique as personalities, a range of dietary preferences and restrictions are catered for effortlessly (Kosher and Halaal meals are sourced by prior arrangement). Vegetarians or those who prefer lighter meals are well catered for, with inventive choices each day. Some may even prefer simple, hearty meals. At Camp Jabulani, everything goes.The chefs like nothing better than to interact with guests at each mealtime, and will personally present their menus. They have also been known to share a special recipe or two.The sub-tropical climate means that chefs are spoiled for choice with an abundance of delicious fresh ingredients produced in the surrounding region. Tastes are enhanced courtesy of our very own herb garden. Wherever possible, we support initiatives that promote sustainable local employment.Freshly baked muffins, delectable teatime treats, and moreish sundowner snacks are baked daily. The chefs pride themselves on making as much as possible with their own hands. Through private cooking classes, guests may even be treated to ‘insider’ tips on making homemade breads, sauces and ice-creams.A perfectly paired wine will transform a great meal into a sublime experience. Camp Jabulani has very carefully collected an impressive medal-winning collection of both red and white South African wines, sourced from the winelands of the Cape to be enjoyed in the bush.Private tables are impeccably set for each guest, as we appreciate that time spent with close family and friends is all too precious. But some may prefer to share the company of new friends just met, and special arrangements will be made for a more social environment. The atmosphere, whether indoors or out, is always elegant yet relaxed with a friendly and professional team of service staff. Mealtimes are flexible, and venues tend to change (weather dependent). From private candlelit dinners, to traditional South African boma nights – there is no equal to the ambience of bonfires, lanterns and starry nights.

MEET THE BULLSOur remarkable history and journey with the Jabulani herd is shared by our team of passionate elephant carers, many who have walked side by side with the elephants for over twenty years. Take part in an intimate and educational talk hosted by our elephant carers and in the company of Jabulani, Sebakwe or Somopane, who are older bulls of the herd. It is an extraordinary opportunity to understand elephants on a deeper level, both physically and emotionally, and to appreciate the importance of the conservation and protection of the elephant species. During a stay at Jabulani, there are further respectful opportunities to observe the herd from a comfortable distance, as they spend their days foraging in the big- five Kapama Game Reserve.Duration: 30 - 45 minutesELEPHANT SWIMDuring the hottest times of the day, the herd enjoys taking time out from foraging to swim in one of the dams on the reserve, providing an excellent opportunity to observe the elephants drink, play and relax in the water from the comfort of our shaded vehicle. The perfect way to see their unique personalities in play from a respectful distance.Duration: 45 minutesSIGNATURE SUNDOWNERS AND ELEPHANT STABLES EXPERIENCEEnjoy our Jabulani Signature Sundowner experience as you relax with a refreshment and view the herd as they pass by on their way to their stables after a day out on the reserve. Join one of our elephant carers at the stables and observe the herd from a viewing point as they settle in for the night. It allows us to explain the dynamics of the herd’s sleeping arrangements in the elephant stables.Duration: 30 minutes

The Training Centre, an extension of Green Trax, offers a comprehensive range of services including dog and handler training, boarding facilities, educational events, and group activities for tourists and conservation volunteers. It serves as a base for highly trained dogs aiding local law enforcement in crime prevention. Green Trax values collaboration over competition, fostering partnerships with organisations and individuals to combat various crimes, including wildlife poaching. They believe in making a positive impact through active participation and dog-assisted conservation efforts, driven by a passion for working with animals and a commitment to nature conservation.Cost: R8 500 per personDuration: 3 hoursThird-party activity prices are subject to change without notice, and the prices listed here are provided as suggestions only.

The Kapama Game Reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, and large populations of giraffe, impala, blue wildebeest and kudu. Predators include lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and many smaller species. Bird-watching is most rewarding and more than 350 bird species have been recorded, including the rare Gymnogeg and Knob-billed duck.Guests join their ranger in his open safari vehicle for a game drive, and head out in search of The Big Five, and the smaller (but no less significant) creatures that are part of an African safari.Jabulani Safari rangers are consummate professionals. Highly experienced in guiding, they are the perfect safari ambassadors while out in the African bush.Safaris may be arranged at any time of the day. A word of warning though – the summer months are incredibly hot in the middle of the day! This time is best spent enjoying the cool respite of a private plunge pool, with a chilled refreshment in hand!

The intrepid walker will take pleasure in experiencing a guided walking safari. Heading into the bush with an armed ranger, guests can learn more about the many different facets of the bush. From tracking spoor (animal prints left in the ground), to touching and examining trees and plants, to sitting quietly and simply absorbing the many smells, sounds and sensations of Africa in its most primitive glory – this is a safari in its purest form.The lucky may encounter animals in close proximity on the Kapama Game Reserve, although great care is taken to ensure safe and respectful distances are always observed from the larger and more dangerous animal species.It is recommended that walking during summer months is restricted to early mornings before the heat of the day fully sets in.Walkers need not be fitness fanatics, as the pace is set around the guest.

The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre aims to support conservation within a sustainable ecosystem by prioritising the survival of endangered species. This is achieved through maintaining diverse bloodlines of cheetahs, rehabilitating rhinos, educating both local and international communities about conservation imperatives, and conducting focused research for the long-term sustainability of endangered speciesCost: Adults: R750 per person Children under 12: R550 per child Duration: +/- 2 hours

HELICOPTER FLIPSwoop over deep and mysterious gorges, linger above roaring rivers and cascading waterfalls and view the fascinating and dramatic rock formations of the Blyde River Canyon. The Mpumalanga Helicopter Co. is based in Hazyview in the beautiful Mpumalanga Lowveld. Most flights take place from the surrounding lodges, hotels, Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, and Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Duration : 1 Hour Cost : POACASCADES AND CANYON SPECTACULARThis exhilarating flight travels over canyons bursting with colourful vegetation and cascading waterfalls, allowing for spectacular photographic opportunities. Your flight will continue along the escarpment to God’s Window which offers unforgettable panoramic views of the bushveld below and on to the wonderful rock formations of the 1 000 metre deep, 30 km long Blyde River Canyon (the third deepest and greenest canyon in the world). You will be treated to a magnificent bird’s eye view of the curious Three Rondavels before landing at a picnic site with glorious views of the Mpumalanga Lowveld for a delicious lunch accompanied by South African Sparkling WineCost: POADuration: 1 hourPre-booking recommended

HOT AIR BALLOONINGExperience the magic of a lighter-than-air Hot Air Balloon experience as you glide over the vast landscape of our private game reserve below.Meet before sunrise and enjoy a piping-hot cup of coffee while you watch your eight-storey high hot air balloon inflate in preparation for a flight you won’t soon forget.Watch the sunrise as you gently drift over the scenic terrain below stretching over part of the Blyde River, as well as nature reserves, wildlife estates and farmlands that all form part of the Greater Kruger region.READ MOREWhilst game viewing cannot be guaranteed, it is common to see giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, nyala, impala, bushbuck, waterbuck, duiker and even warthog, from the air. The big five are more difficult to find, but there is always the possibility that they too will be spottedSparkling wine and fruit juice are served after the flight that is approximately one hour long.Passengers don’t have to be physically fit but must be able to stand in the basket for at least an hour. Youngsters are welcome but should be at least 1.2 metres (4 foot) tall, to see over the rim of the basket. Regrettably, pregnant ladies are not permitted on balloon excursions.Please note: Hot Air Balloon safaris are entirely dependent on weather conditions. This service is contracted out to a third-party supplier and while we delight in making the arrangements on behalf of our guests, we cannot be held accountable for changes or cancellations to schedules as dictated by the service provider. NOTE:1 hour flight timePlease contact us for further information, or to make a reservation.

The “Roots of Rhythm” show group presents an exceptional and lively evening performance, delivered directly to your lodge. Under the starlit sky, around a crackling fire, the rich songs and dances of various African cultures come alive. From the rhythms of the Shona & Venda, Tsonga, Shangaan, Pedi, and BaHananawa (Tswana), to the vibrant dances of the Swati and Zulu, guests are treated to an hour-long spectacle culminating in interactive dancing. Many lodges offer the option to welcome guests to the performance area with a medley of beautiful songs, ranging from local tribal tunes, gospel melodies, to popular English songs of Africa, serving as both an icebreaker and a delightful surprise before the main dance show begins. This is available for weddings, special events, corporate groups, and other celebrationsCosts:Full village tour, Roots of Rhythm dance show and lunch: Adults: R750 per personChildren under 12: R450 per child Village tour and show (no lunch): Adults: R650 per person Children under 12: R350 per childDuration: 1 hour

While Jabulani does not have a photographic studio on site, the lodge will gladly arrange for guests to have their special photo memories captured at the lodge and printed in town (at their own expense) to share with friends and family on their return.Should you be an avid photographer and wish to hire equipment in advance for your safari experience, please advise the lodge 45 days prior to arrival so that we can arrange the necessary equipment (subject to availability) in town. Jabulani does not have a camera and photographic equipment available on site. There are 2 Toyota Landcruisers available to use that are fully equipped for photographic tours, and each seat has a camera rest that can rotate respectivelyPlease note that the guides can assist guests as they are passionate about nature and photography, but that they are not professionally trained photographersCost: POADuration: POA

An on-site gym is available with experienced therapists that offer soothing massages in the outdoor spa or in the comfort of the suites.A bush-gym is equipped with basic weights and exercise machinery for those who enjoy something a little more active. With each itinerary fully customised for our guests, visitors can choose from a wide variety of activities at the lodge. Options include relaxing spa treatments at our Jabulani Bush Spa, a steam session in our sauna, and enjoying our outdoor gym facilities. .

Visit the two schools in the town, Mpsis Primary and Xilaveko.Obert Chauke is one of the highly respected butlers at Jabulani and has been at the lodge for 16 year. In 2014, Obert started a new venture outside of working hours, paying forward the opportunities he’s been given and opening a not-for-profit daycare in his garage, together with his wife. The daycare is situate in Timbavati Village in Acornhoek. Obert and his wife, Ivy Sibuyi have applied for NPO status, as they endeavour to care for the children in the area who need supervision and support during the day.Cost:R1 500 per personDuration: 3 hours

Enjoy intimate dinners with wine pairing are offered in The Gallery in an effort to continuously enhance Jabulani’s bespoke guest experience. Only South African wines are featured, and guests have the opportunity of selecting their own wine for dinners.Guests may also choose from the boutique for gifts back home (or for themselves!). Stocked with a variety of art pieces, jewellery, trinkets, crockery, clothing and more, those who enjoy retail therapy will find their happy place here.