Surrounded by the majestic Lebombo mountains and the shimmering waters of Lake Jozini, White Elephant Safari Lodge offers every comfort for your journey into the African wilderness.
White Elephant Safari Lodge is situated in the Pongola Game Reserve, which 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.
Originally built in the 1920s, the lodge captures the history and romance of a bygone era. The main lodge comprises a central reception area, dining room and lounge with a magnificent veranda, a swimming pool and outside dining area.
The sweeping views and a myriad of bush and water-based activities, including game drives, guided walks and elephant tracking, tiger-fishing and sunset lake cruises, promise a rare African experience.
Guests are accommodated in 8 luxurious safari tents. Each has a ball & claw bath, an outdoor canvas shower and a private veranda, and ensure a secluded retreat in unspoilt savanna bushveld teeming with game and birdlife.
Insect gauze on windows and door tent-flaps, overhead ceiling fans, mosquito nets and crisp white percale bed linen ensure comfort as well as old world romance. At the end of a long day, unwind with dusky birdcalls, moonlit vistas and the distant gentle lapping of water.
Rates Include
Breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea (high tea) and dinner; tea/coffee; juices; cakes, snacks and savouries; soft drinks, bottled water, local branded beers and house wines (and drinks while on your activity); and 2 shared eco-activities per day (game drive, boat cruise, a guided walk, canoeing, rhino walk) are included. PLEASE NOTE: The gate entrance fees are NOT included.
Children Policy
Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request.
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.
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These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at White Elephant Safari Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that White Elephant Safari Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.
If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.
