HERD Elephant Orphanage and Jabulani
South Africa's first elephant orphanage and a luxury lodge offering intimate encounters with rescued elephants and thrilling safaris.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime wildlife viewing times
HERD Elephant Orphanage and Jabulani
Best Time
Prime wildlife viewing times
Highlights
Must-see attractions
South Africa's first elephant orphanage and a luxury lodge offering intimate encounters with rescued elephants and thrilling safaris.
"An absolutely incredible experience we had that we honestly just cannot put into words."
Book Elephant Experiences Early
Secure your spot for HERD orphanage visits and Jabulani herd interactions well in advance.
Tailored Game Drives
Communicate your interests to your guide for personalized wildlife sightings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Meet the HERD Elephants
HERD Elephant Orphanage
Witness rescued orphaned elephants being cared for and integrated into a loving herd. A truly heartwarming and educational experience.
Jabulani Herd Interaction
Jabulani Lodge
Experience respectful, up-close encounters with the resident Jabulani elephant herd. An unforgettable highlight for any elephant lover.
Private Game Drives
Kapama Private Game Reserve
Explore the reserve with knowledgeable guides, seeking out the Big 5 and other incredible wildlife. Tailored experiences are a specialty.
Luxurious Tented Suites
Jabulani Lodge
Indulge in spacious, elegantly appointed suites with private plunge pools for a comfortable and scenic safari stay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Elephant Encounters in Advance
Consider Your Accommodation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Elephant Experiences Early
Secure your spot for HERD orphanage visits and Jabulani herd interactions well in advance. 
Tailored Game Drives
Communicate your interests to your guide for personalized wildlife sightings.
Chef-Curated Menus
Enjoy flexible dining with chefs who cater to dietary needs and preferences. +1
Pack Layers
Temperatures can vary significantly between morning and evening drives. :cloud:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Elephant Experiences Early
Secure your spot for HERD orphanage visits and Jabulani herd interactions well in advance.
Tailored Game Drives
Communicate your interests to your guide for personalized wildlife sightings.
Chef-Curated Menus
Enjoy flexible dining with chefs who cater to dietary needs and preferences. +1
Pack Layers
Temperatures can vary significantly between morning and evening drives. :cloud:
Respect the Elephants
Observe and interact with the elephants ethically and from a safe distance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the unforgettable experiences at HERD and Jabulani, highlighting the exceptional care for elephants and the luxurious safari offerings. The personalized service, incredible food, and knowledgeable guides create a truly magical and highly recommended stay. Some guests found it difficult to leave due to the profound connection they formed.
"We had our elopement here and couldn't be happier. Heck, I would have paid 1000000000x the cost the have the same experience we did in general. This was an absolutely incredible experience we had that we honestly just cannot put into words. anyone who gives anything but a 5 star review deserves to get their google account taken away. The staff and everything is just so loss for words to describe. So good that we actually cried leaving because of how incredible it was staying here. Whether you're getting married or not, I highly recommend staying here. You will not be disappointed. We would come back 100x just to see our guide jeffery. We couldn't be happier.
Our photographer Lotty H Elopements was also perfect to work with if you're wanting photos taken."
James Turner
"If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! Jabulani is the epitome of a 5 star lodge. We stayed 4 nights as a part of our honeymoon and every aspect of our stay was fantastic - they truly make you feel special and like family. Our guide Matt was amazing. Based on our arrival and other guests departures, we were able to have 2 private game drives with Matt and he really tailored them to our preference. We had stayed at another lodge just prior and saw many sightings including the big 5 so Matt was able to provide a truly intimate experiences with the animals, allowing us to spend additional time at each unique sighting. He was super knowledgeable and showed he truly cared about the wildlife. The elephant experiences with the herd were unforgettable and a highlight of the trip. The service during our stay was next level, starting with Chef Henlu. Chef would discuss his menu with each guest at every meal and was super flexible if you preferred something else or wanted to try something new. We asked on our first day if we could try different kinds of game throughout our stay and he made sure that this became a reality (Impala, Kudu, Springbok, Crocodile, Ostrich). Songs was our assigned waiter and the energy and brightness he brought everyday was truly infectious. Jabulani was super difficult to leave and is certainly on our list to return to!"
Brad Currao
"Jabulani was an unforgettable part of our South African adventure. We spent three nights here and were blown away by the experience from start to finish. The food was exceptional—beautifully intricate dishes presented with care, and the chef personally came out before each meal to explain the menu. The tented suites were massive, with a private plunge pool (a bit chilly in winter, but I can imagine it's perfect in the summer).
Our guide Jeffrey was phenomenal. He was incredibly knowledgeable and somehow managed to track down every animal we hoped to see—we spotted the Big 5 in just three days. But the true highlight? The elephants. If you're an elephant lover, this is hands down the best place in South Africa to get up close and personal in a respectful, unforgettable way.
I also loved how easy it was to get there. We landed, Jeffrey picked us up in the safari vehicle, and within 20 minutes—after already spotting game—we were pulling into the lodge. What an entrance. Jabulani is something truly special."
Jim Augerinos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors fly into Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS). From there, Jabulani Lodge offers convenient pick-ups directly to the lodge, often within 20 minutes and with game sightings en route.
Yes, driving is possible, but it's a significant journey from major South African cities. Flying into Hoedspruit is generally recommended for a more efficient arrival. Check road conditions if you plan to drive.
Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) is the closest airport, serving the Kapama Private Game Reserve area. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) is another option, but further away.
If you book accommodation at Jabulani Lodge, transfers from Hoedspruit Airport are typically included or can be arranged as part of your package.
Yes, if you are transferring from another lodge within the Kapama Private Game Reserve or a nearby area, arrangements can usually be made. It's best to confirm this with your accommodation provider in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to HERD is often part of a stay at Jabulani Lodge or can be booked as a specific experience. It's recommended to book any orphanage visits in advance to ensure availability.
Specific times for elephant interactions, such as feeding times, vary. It's best to check the schedule upon arrival or inquire when booking your stay or visit.
Jabulani Lodge operates on a lodge stay basis, where the cost includes accommodation, meals, game drives, and elephant experiences. There isn't a separate 'entrance fee' for day visitors to the lodge itself.
Yes, it's often possible to book a visit to the HERD Elephant Orphanage as a standalone experience, but advance booking is highly recommended.
Experiences can range from general viewing to more involved interactions. Inquire directly with HERD or Jabulani about the specific types of elephant encounters available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You have a high chance of spotting the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), as well as numerous other animals like giraffes, zebras, hippos, and various antelope species. +1
Encounters are designed to be respectful and ethical. You can observe them closely, and in some instances, participate in feeding or walking with them under strict supervision.
Yes, all game drives are led by experienced and knowledgeable guides who enhance your wildlife viewing experience. +1
Jabulani offers luxurious, spacious tented suites, often featuring private plunge pools and stunning views of the surrounding reserve.
Wi-Fi is typically available at the lodge, though connectivity can sometimes be intermittent in remote safari locations. It's best to check with the lodge directly for specifics.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The food is exceptional, with beautifully intricate dishes prepared by talented chefs. They often personalize menus and cater to specific requests, including local cuisine. +1
Absolutely. Chefs are very flexible and will happily cater to dietary restrictions, allergies, or preferences. +1
Yes, stays at Jabulani Lodge typically include all meals, offering a full-board experience.
Yes, chefs are known to incorporate local flavors and traditional South African cuisine into their menus upon request.
Yes, there is usually a bar and lounge area where guests can relax, enjoy drinks, and socialize before or after game drives.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and often more active wildlife.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own camera equipment. Many guests bring telephoto lenses for wildlife shots.
While not always advertised as specific 'photography tours,' guides are adept at positioning vehicles for optimal viewing and photography opportunities.
You can expect stunning photos of elephants, the Big 5, diverse birdlife, and beautiful savanna landscapes.
Some lodges may have recommendations for local photographers or elopement specialists who can capture your experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Key recommendations: Book visits to the orphanage in advance. Consider family-friendly game drives where guides can tailor the experience to younger attention spans. The luxury suites at Jabulani provide a comfortable base for families, and the personalized dining ensures even picky eaters are catered for. Ensure children understand the importance of respecting wildlife from a distance.
💍 Couples & Honeymooners
Highlights for couples: Enjoy private game drives tailored to your interests, intimate elephant encounters, and exceptional fine dining experiences. The personalized service ensures a memorable and special occasion. Many reviews specifically mention Jabulani as an ideal honeymoon spot.
🐘 Elephant Enthusiasts
+1Must-do: Participate in the orphanage visits to see the calves being cared for and witness the integration with the Jabulani herd. Engage with the guides and carers to learn about individual elephant stories and the ongoing efforts to protect wild elephant populations. This is more than just an encounter; it's an education and an emotional connection.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The HERD Elephant Orphanage Mission
+2The orphanage focuses on nurturing these vulnerable calves, offering them specialized care, milk feeds, and most importantly, a surrogate herd. This integration process is crucial for their psychological well-being, allowing them to learn natural elephant behaviors and social structures. The goal is to eventually reintegrate them with the Jabulani herd or, if possible, release them back into the wild.
+1Visitors can learn about the challenges elephants face and the vital conservation work being done. Witnessing the dedication of the carers and the resilience of the elephants is a profoundly moving experience, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in protecting these magnificent creatures.
+1Understanding the Jabulani Herd
+2These elephants live on the Kapama Private Game Reserve, coexisting with the Jabulani Lodge. Guests have the extraordinary opportunity to interact with the herd in a respectful and controlled environment. These interactions are not just tourist attractions; they are a vital part of the elephants' rehabilitation and social development, allowing them to form bonds and exhibit natural behaviors.
The presence of the Jabulani herd offers a powerful connection to these gentle giants. It's a chance to understand their intelligence, their social complexities, and the deep emotional bonds they form. The experience is often described as life-changing, offering a profound appreciation for elephants and the conservation efforts dedicated to their future.
Luxury Safari Experience at Jabulani
The lodge prides itself on exceptional service, with staff who make guests feel like family. This extends to the culinary experience, where Chef Henlu creates exquisite meals, often engaging with guests to tailor menus to their preferences and dietary needs. The flexibility in dining, including the opportunity to try various local game meats, is a standout feature.
Beyond the luxurious amenities, the core of the Jabulani experience lies in its guided safaris and unique elephant encounters. The lodge's location within the Kapama Private Game Reserve ensures incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, with knowledgeable guides like Matt and Jeffrey leading guests to unforgettable sightings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit