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Jabulani Safari

Kapama Private Game Reserve • Hoedspruit • OVER THE TOP

avg. $1,116 / night

Includes $59 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

Credit and debit card charges are processed directly by the hotel (i.e. not PressBeyond), meaning that any travel-specific credit card points or incentives that you normally get as a cardholder for direct hotel bookings are preserved

Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Part of Relais & Châteaux

Location

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PB hotel design editorial

Beside a reflective waterhole deep within Kapama Private Game Reserve, a cluster of thatched pavilions steps gently into the Limpopo bushveld with the unhurried confidence of structures that were always meant to be there. Jabulani Safari, which takes its name from the Zulu word for happiness, was established around a herd of rescued elephants — and that founding story shapes everything about how the lodge sits in its landscape, deferring to the wildlife corridor rather than commanding it. The main lodge pavilion, visible from the water's edge, carries deep overhanging thatch on heavy timber poles, the rounded form absorbing afternoon light rather than reflecting it back. Inside, the interiors draw from the decorative tradition of the old Transvaal hunting lodge translated into something warmer and more layered. The great room is anchored by a floor-to-ceiling dry-stacked stone fireplace, rough-hewn in the manner of Lowveld farm architecture, with dark polished concrete floors striped by shafts of lateral light cutting through slatted timber screens. Antique mahogany furniture upholstered in bold geometric fabrics in crimson and cobalt furnishes the communal spaces, while the nine suites exchange the lodge's density for a quieter register — four-poster beds draped in white mosquito net, freestanding stone bathtubs, cork-textured walls, and private timber-decked plunge pools overlooking mopane scrub. The palette throughout is drawn directly from the reserve: red oxide, ochre, bone white, and the particular silver-grey of a leadwood tree in dry season.

Travel notes

30min drive from Hoedspruit airport (HDS)

About

Jabulani, where luxury and purpose meet. As a proud Relais & Châteaux member and 5-star luxury lodge in Kapama Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger Park area, a Jabulani safari promises nothing but the best experience from start to finish. Jabulani, with its six superior suites and the exclusive, family-friendly Zindoga Villa, offers a unique opportunity for gracious living in a five-star luxury lodge. Each spacious and elegant suite is luxuriously furnished and features both a private deck and a plunge pool. Children are welcome at Jabulani from the age of six and at Zindoga Villa at any age. Protecting the gentle giants was one of the founding principles at Jabulani. The lodge was started to help care for a rescued elephant herd nearly 20 years ago. Today, they continue with this by sharing the experience with guests while guests help to conserve this magical species just by visiting. Devoted elephant carers share insightful stories of their life journeys with the Jabulani herd, whilst you have an opportunity to respectfully observe the elephants during their daily routines – while they enjoy their midday swim and forage in the wild. There are also plenty of other things to do, such as game drives, walking safaris, bird-watching, exploring the little creatures, helicopter flights, hot air balloon rides, and spending time at Jabulani’s onsite facilities, like the luxury bush spa. Jabulani offers a one-of-a-kind, all-inclusive dining experience. Enjoy fine cuisine in the best setting, from breakfast bush picnics and sundowner canapés, to star-lit private dinners or gatherings in the boma. Twice-daily morning and evening game drives are designed to coincide with the times of day that the wildlife is most active. Head into the bush on an open, custom-built safari vehicle, with our experienced and knowledgeable rangers at the helm. Jabulani is a soulful, insightful and unforgettable experience.

Amenities

Pool

Restaurant

Fitness center

Room service

Free Wifi

Suites

Non-smoking rooms

Internet

Kids Activities

Free Internet

Jabulani Safari Reviews

601 reviews

"We had a really great stay at Jabulani, with great game drive experiences, extraordinary service, food and wine. And the luxury of the Villa was just outstanding. An outstanding experience was the interacting with the elephants, it is simply amazing."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 09, 2026

"The most mind blowing stay we’ve ever experienced. We stayed for 3 nights. It was booked as part of a South African tour with our 10 & 13 year old kids. There were a few destinations on our schedule, so I hadn’t fully researched before we arrived and boy was we impressed. It holds 2 Michelin keys, which seemly get awarded for accommodation - Michellin certainly got this right… we stayed in the 2 bed Somopane villa - it was HUGE, the living room was probably 20ft square and the decor was stunning, with several large sofas (even having a bloody great tree in the middle - which the kids climbed) On arrival you meet the chef who discusses likes/dislike’s, so they can construct your menus. The food was unbelievable. Although there was breakfast and lunch daily changing menus, it seemed if your fussy kids wanted something else - there wasn’t anything they could rustle up. Dinners were all in the style of a tasting menu - and they were all excellent. Every room gets their own safari guide and truck. We had a fantastic South African guy called Matt Densham - he was bloody incredible, chatting and educating us throughout. He found us the big 5 and a hell of a lot more. His enthusiasm was unbelievable and was awesome with the kids, who never once moaned (even with a 4:30 start one morning). From watching the other safari reserve to share the park, who you occasionally see around, it seems to pay a little more to go to Jumbalani as otherwise you’re sharing safari cars (we had our own) and they appear to have set driving patterns - we just roared wherever Matt thought we’d find the best bits. Jumbalani also houses rescued elephants, that roam free, but seem comfortable with human interaction - spending an hour feeding these 15 creatures will be a memory the kids won’t ever forget. Nothing was too much trouble, with Matt even taking the kids fishing for catfish in the lake one afternoon. An amazing place and staff . If it’s on your shortlist for consideration - 100% go there and nowwhere else."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 04, 2026

"Jabulani was the best experience I have ever had on vacation. The animals, the facility, even the safari felt like luxury. The thing you can’t get from a website is the warmth and care of the people. Kayla was the absolute guide and Richman was a delight! Go visit Jabulani!!!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Mar 22, 2026

"All started that I followed THE HERD on Instagram 6 Years ago and Watched all the cute Videos and Reports of the Little pink Elephant Khanyisa. Was Keen to See her live and visit her Elephant family. We met the owner of Jabulani accidently and always said we will visit the lodge and get to know her Little Paradise in the Kapama Reserve. We booked Short notice and were very surprised by the warm Welcome, the super nice staff (Ruan, AM, Jeffrey, Roos, Nathan, Kurt, Richman, Chefs in the Kitchen, housekeepers, Gardener, SPA Ladies, Tiger, Manuel and all the Rest of the whole Lodge & THE HERD Team), the amazing Environment, the exceptional food and Wine Selection, the cosy room, the cleanness and thanks god not modern and not cold and Sleek style of the lodge as You have it often those Days, but takes completely Away the African Spirit and feeling attached to the Nature. And last but Not least the magic encounter with THE HERD itself. It was magic! Even Khanyisa isnt a baby anymore it was a Happening to See her & her family and watching them taking a bath, going home at Sunset and being able to get close but not too Close to them and Feed a few of the Giants from Simbabwe and Touch their Trunks and feel their air blowing into your Face! It was magic and touched my Sole! Thank You JABULANI & THE HERD Team we will Come back and See You hopefully all again!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Feb 27, 2026

"An absolutely amazing experience. The staff are constantly looking to make guest experiences as perfect as possible. Be prepared to be spoilt as Jabulami sets standards way above anywhere else you will experience. Our guide, Kayla, was amazing and whatever we wanted to see she somehow tracked them and there they were for unforgettable pictures. We saw the big 5 and so much more. The food is amazing. Highly recommended."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Feb 25, 2026

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