Jabulani is recognised as one of South Africa’s most respected five-star safari lodges. But the essence of Jabulani reaches far deeper than luxury and leisure – it reflects an exceptional twenty-year journey that began with a brave little elephant named Jabulani.
It’s not every day that you get to go on safari. And choosing a safari lodge is about more than just game drives and a high thread count – it’s about the feeling it evokes in you, the memory that remains ingrained in your heart long after you’ve returned home.
The style and ambience of Jabulani resonate with that of a classic safari lodge, refined with a fresh and modish touch. The main area features an elegant dining room and lounge that lead to an outside wooden deck lying beneath the shade of Leadwood trees – the ideal setting to enjoy an alfresco lunch while overlooking the waterhole. Our signature suspension bridge stretches gracefully over the river bed, connecting to the six Jabulani suites and Zindoga Villa.
Designed with pure relaxation and intimacy in mind, the Jabulani suites are as discrete in positioning as they are lavished in detail. Each suite opens up to a private oasis set in the African bush. A crystal blue plunge pool with views over the riverbed below is complemented by a generous wooden deck, purely for your leisurely pleasure.
A traditional fireplace graces your Jabulani Suite lounge, creating a perfect setting for a romantic in-suite dining experience, followed by a nightcap in the privacy of your heated plunge pool. Your grand and luxurious freestanding stone bath can easily welcome you and your loved one, to soak up the sounds of the surrounding African wildlife and nature. Or enjoy a semi-outdoor shower, that whilst frosted for your privacy, enjoys a view over the natural environment outside.
The Zindoga Villa brings absolute exclusivity to one of South Africa’s finest game lodges. A private entrance leads you to a secluded 700 m2 three-bedroom grand villa that reflects the splendid elegance of the Jabulani offering. A dedicated team of staff consisting of a private chef, butler and ranger will make your experience truly unforgettable, whilst respecting your personal space at all times.
The master suite and main suite each have their own expansive wooden deck, private heated plunge pool and traditional fireplace. The en-suite bathrooms have free-standing stone baths, as well as showers with views of the surrounding natural environment. A charming twin-bedded suite adjoining the main suite is ideal for two children or two adults sharing. The spacious and luxurious lounge and dining room offer a wonderful space to relax. The living areas are complemented by an impressive fireplace and an adjoining deck for alfresco dining.
We believe that your safari accommodation should be more than a room and restaurant; it should be a destination where you can work, play, and unwind. And that’s exactly what we created for you. You might feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but you still have everything you need at your fingertips. Consider Jabulani your home for the duration of your stay.
The pulse of the African bush provides an ideal setting for calm and rejuvenating body treatments. Our Bush Spa is both private and peaceful, tucked beneath nature’s natural canopy of trees. The therapy selection includes body massages, natural wraps, skin-care treatments and hand & foot treatments. Our spa therapist will help you choose suitable treatments.
Our glass-panelled wine cellar invites you to settle in for a private wine tasting or food and wine pairing experience. With ambient lighting against the face brick wall, and wine bottles stacked high, your glass and heart will overflow in this special place. Settle in around our intimate dining table, and lend your ears and taste buds to our team as they share the secrets and taste of South African wine with you.
At Jabulani, we believe in wellness. In a healthy body, mind, and soul. And so, we’ve created the perfect space for you to focus on your health and fitness. Trust us, working out is much more enjoyable when you get to do it in the heart of the African bush and to the soundtrack of the birds chirping.
Our Jabulani gym is fully equipped, allowing you to stay in shape while staying with us. We also have a sauna where you can sit back and relax, all under a thatched roof and open-air with plenty of ventilation and views of the bush.
After ten years of welcoming our special guests to Jabulani, we celebrated a decade of sharing soulful safaris by expanding our offering with brand-new additions. In 2013 we thought long and hard about how we could make our guests’ experience even more special. And so the Jabulani Boutique was born.
We built our Jabulani Boutique from scratch and lovingly hand-picked only the highest quality items we could find for you. We hope that what you select will make a beautiful addition to your home and that your family and friends will love you for giving them something worth keeping!
We want to create the full experience that will leave your heart full and your suitcase well-packed. It’s hard enough to leave Jabulani, so we allow you to take a piece of it home with you.
Going on safari is all about experiences. You want moments, not things. And so, our carefully compiled safari experiences will suit any kind of traveller. From early morning and sunset safari drives to meeting our elephant herds, helicopter flips, and hot air balloon rides – you’ll have something to take your breath away.
Your first African safari experience will remain a cherished memory for the rest of your life. A game drive on a Big Five reserve is a humbling and soulful experience. At Jabulani, game drives are conducted by experienced and knowledgeable rangers in open, custom-built safari vehicles in a private game reserve of 16 000 hectares.
Morning Game Drives
Wake up in sync with the heartbeat of Africa, venture out to greet the dawn and have the opportunity of appreciating the sounds and beauty of the bushveld awakening. Later departures can also be arranged with your ranger.
Evening Game Drives
Evening game drives beneath the glittering stars of the African sky present our wildlife in a totally different way. Using only a spotlight to track the animals, this is a thrilling safari experience that offers excellent sightings of nocturnal animals.
Walking Safaris
A walking safari takes you that one step closer to the essence of the African bush. The exhilaration of being so close to nature, feeling the crunch of the wilderness beneath your feet, the texture of plants stroking your skin as you brush past and the amazing sounds and smells of Africa will remain with you long after you have left Jabulani. Follow the tread of your armed ranger, who will guide you safely through a memorable adventure.
Jabulani Weddings
Surrounded by the orchestra of the African bush, in the company of a special herd of elephants, our unique setting at Jabulani promises the most unforgettable bush wedding in South Africa. Jabulani’s renowned personalised service, attention to detail and exclusivity, ensures that we will make your special day unfold effortlessly. Please contact us should you wish to inquire about an African wedding at Jabulani.
Honeymoon Safaris
Nothing quite compares to a South African honeymoon safari. Jabulani’s emphasis on privacy, exclusivity, luxury, and elegance, makes us the ultimate honeymoon destination. Enjoy the intimacy of your Jabulani suite’s private deck and plunge pool, and our personalised romantic settings for every moment of your stay. Honeymooners will receive a bottle of sparkling wine served with chocolates and a romantic dinner for two, followed by a romantic turndown.
Experience the magic of a lighter-than-air Hot Air Balloon experience as you glide over the vast landscape around our private game reserve below. Meet before sunrise and enjoy a piping-hot cup of coffee while you watch your eight-storey high hot air balloon inflate in preparation for a flight you won’t soon forget. Watch the sunrise as you gently drift over the scenic terrain below stretching over part of the Blyde River, as well as nature reserves, wildlife estates and farmlands that all form part of the Greater Kruger region.
Whilst game viewing cannot be guaranteed, it is common to see giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, nyala, impala, bushbuck, waterbuck, duiker and even warthog, from the air. The big five are more difficult to find, but there is always the possibility that they too will be spotted. Sparkling wine and fruit juice are served after the flight that is approximately one hour long.
