White Elephant Bush Camp | Cottages / Chalets Pongola Game Reserve

Situated in the beautiful Pongola Game Reserve, this unique lodge can now be exclusively hired for a totally private bush experience. Thatched en-suite chalets are generously spacious with mosquito nets, quality linen and overhead fans. Open plan kitchen, dining room, bar and swimming pool with spectacular views ensure a “close to nature” relaxed ambience. Venture into the wilderness with a field guide on bush walks, game drives, boat cruises or cast the water for tigerfish. White Elephant Bush Camp is an ideal escape from the busy hurried world for families and friends.

Bush Camp can accommodate up to 16 guests within the following:

Chalet 1: en-suite bedroom “Honeymoon suite” (A ball’n claw bath has been placed under an old Marula tree some distance into the bush from the Honeymoon suite. Hot and cold water is on tap and the bath has been screened by a woven-stick “wall” (in traditional Zulu style) to ensure total privacy.)
Chalet 2-4: twin beds, en-suite shower.
Chalet 5-6: twin beds, en-suite shower and bath.
Chalet 7: family unit, en-suite shower. Twin beds in main room, 2 x single beds in children’s adjoining room.

PONGOLA GAME RESERVE


At the foot of the majestic Lebombo mountains and the shimmering waters of Lake Jozini, you will find a special destination called White Elephant. It is a place with magic and soul, inspired by a dream and created with passion.

The White Elephant Safari Lodge and Bush Camp (owned by the Kohrs family) are in the beautiful Pongola Game Reserve (South) in Northern Zululand near the Swaziland border.

White Elephant is easily accessible from the N2 (national route between Johannesburg and Durban) and Pongola Game Reserve (South) is a malaria free reserve.

Pongola Game Reserve, the first proclaimed game reserve in Africa, is host to four of the ‘Big 5’ species. Wildlife includes buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard, hyena, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, 12 different antelope species, over 350 bird species and an interesting array of smaller mammal and insect life.

The reserve consists of a consolidation of privately owned land which totals 30 000 hectares including Lake Jozini. Beautiful views, glorious sunsets, therapeutic silence, game drives, guided walks, boat cruises on the vast expanse of water, rhino walks, our unique ‘elephanting’ experience, scenic flights, an insight into our research projects and behind-the-scenes conservation operations, cultural tours and gemstone trails, ensure a rich, varied experience.

ACTIVITIES

Journey into the bush, on a game drive or a bush walk with one of our professional guides who will share with you what we have learnt, and explore together that which we still need to learn.

Gentle boat cruises on Lake Jozini add a new dimension to game viewing and bird-watching. Hear the haunting fish eagle cries, hippos snorting, feel the wind whispering against your skin, inhale the tranquility and solitude of Africa. Test the shimmering waters for the “tigers” with our expert fishing guide to assist you.

From the novice fisherman to the expert anglers fishing with a fly, Lake Jozini offers you the ideal location for tiger-fishing of a lifetime, while you enjoy the pristine wilderness setting that compares favorably to the wilds of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe.

Rhino walks are an exhilarating experience, allowing you to gain closer understanding of these prehistoric mammals, their ways and their battle against extinction.

“Elephanting” will give you so much more than the mere thrill of sighting elephants. As you participate in our Research Program, you will learn to “see” elephants differently. Stand in their footsteps and feel their mighty presence. Explore with us their problems in today’s world and learn with us about our “silent” elephants.

Soar over the majestic Lebombo Mountains and our corner of Africa with Zululand Mission Air Transport. This special “flying doctor” service brings medical assistance to the people in the remote rural areas of Maputaland. You will gain a new insight into Africa’s soul and her needs, from ZUMAT’s committed pilots.

A visit to Dumazulu Cultural Village and Illa Weavers can be arranged, as well as the visits to rural schools, zulu chiefs and herbal doctors. Venture a little further into some of Maputaland’s other wonderful Game and Nature Reserves (Hluhluwe/Umfolozi, Mkuze, Itala, Ndumu, Tembe and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park).

Located in the middle of the village of Ubombo, you will find a special place known as the “Ubombo Children’s Care Village”. It is where children are nurtured and cared for in a loving environment. The project began with no fixed income. Through the help of many remarkable and generous people, the property has been purchased to provide a secure home for the children and enable the organisation to grow.

Address
Pongola Game Reserve (South)
White Elephant - Leeuwspoor
Pongola
3170

Contact Us

Directions
From Durban (approximate 3½ - 4 hours drive)

From Durban, follow the N2 north towards Hluhluwe and then on to Mkuze. Continue 24km along the N2 past Mkuze towards Pongola. At the sign on your left hand side that reads Pongola Game Reserve (SOUTH) White Elephant, turn right into White Elephant main gate. The lodges are signposted from here with the White Elephant logo marked stones up to Safari Lodge or Bush Camp.

From Johannesburg (approximate 5 hours drive)

Take the N12 to Middelburg. 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 towards Mkuze at the sign on your left hand side that reads Pongola Game Reserve (SOUTH) White Elephant, turn left into the White Elephant main gate. The lodges are signposted from here with the White Elephant logo marked stones up to Safari Lodge or Bush Camp.

Please note: Road works between Piet Retief, Pongola and Pongola Game Reserve can cause delays. Travelling after dark is not advisable. Please enquire for an alternative route.

From Swaziland (approximate ½-1 hours drive)

After Leaving Swaziland via the Golela-Lavmisa Board post, drive 11km through the Phongolo Nature Reserve to Main N2 T-Junction. Turn left to follow sign Pongola Game Reserve (SOUTH) towards Mkuze. Drive 13 km on N2. At sign Pongola Game Reserve (SOUTH) White Elephant , turn left into White Elephant main gate. The lodges are signposted from here with the White Elephant logo marked stones up to Safari Lodge or Bush Camp.

Please note that there is a Gate Entrance fee of R 20.00 per vehicle. Gate hours: 6h00-18h00.