White Elephant Bush Camp is situated in the Pongola Game Reserve, which was first proclaimed in 1894 and is the second oldest reserve in the world.
The reserve is a sanctuary to a large variety of wildlife, including giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, impala, hyena, buffalo, rhino and leopard. Exactly 100 years ago after the last sighting of elephant in the Pongola area, 2 breeding herds were reintroduced.
Birdlife is prolific due to the diversity of habitats, with in excess of 350 species recorded.
The camp is only booked out on an exclusive basis, so is ideal for families or groups of friends travelling together.
Your stay here will be on a self-catering basis, and you do therefore have to supply and cook all your own food and bring your own drink. Alternatively, for an additional daily cost we can arrange for a cook to prepare your food for you.
The main lodge facilities include a swimming pool, waterhole and hide, lounge and viewing deck.
The accommodation consists of 7 spacious thatched chalets with private verandas and spectacular views.
With a personal field guide and camp attendant on hand, you get to arrange your bush itinerary to cater for your exclusive needs.
For an additional cost, guests can journey into the bush on a game drive or a bush walk, or enjoy other activities such as boat cruises, canoeing and elephanting.
Directions For Drivers
From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 to Middleburg. Turn off onto the N11 to Hendrina and continue to Ermelo. Alternatively, take the N17 via Secunda to Ermelo. From Ermelo, follow the N2 to Piet Retief and Pongola. Approximately 40 km after Pongola heading towards Mkuze, there is a sign on the left-hand side that reads PONGOLA GAME RESERVE (South) - WHITE ELEPHANT. Turn left into the White Elephant Main Gate. The lodge is signposted from here.
From Durban: Follow the N2 north towards Hluhluwe and then onto Mkuze. Continue 24 km along the N2 past Mkuze towards Pongola. There is a sign on the left-hand side that reads PONGOLA GAME RESERVE (South) - WHITE ELEPHANT. Turn right into the White Elephant Main Gate. The lodge is signposted from here.
There is a gate entrance fee of R20 per vehicle (subject to change). The gate times are from 6 am to 6 pm.
Please note that you drive through the reserve to get to the lodge - do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstanance.
General Information For Guests
Kindly note that the Pongola Game Reserve gate times are from 6 am to 6 pm. An entrance fee of R20 is payable at the Pongola Game Reserve main gate in order to gain admittance (R50 after hours) - please note these costs are subject to change.
Additional activites / optional extras are as follows:
Game Drive, Boat Cruise, Guided Walk, Canoeing (no children under the ages of 12 years), Elephanting (no children under the ages of 16 years), Rhino Walk (no children under the ages of 16 years), Lebombo Gem Stone Trail, Wellness Centre, Scenic Flights (Flying Doctor Mission Service). Please check with Reception on arrival for prices, or contact Travel Butlers for further information and to make any bookings.
