Jabulani Elephant Sanctuary
jabulani elephant sanctuary

Encounter elephants – the ethical way

jabulani elephant sanctuary

Jabulani Elephant Sanctuary

Being in the presence of Africa’s ancient giants can be deeply profound and humbling. And something only a handful of people will ever get to experience. Jabulani Elephant Sanctuary, in the Kapama Private Game Reserve in the Kruger National Park, offers visitors the chance to meet an extraordinary family: the Jabulani elephants.

Genesis

The luxury lodge’s story started more than 20 years ago. An injured four-month-old elephant calf, found stuck and abandoned in a mud pool. Brought to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, little Jabulani thrived and grew in the protected environment. Efforts to re-integrate him into the wild failed, as the herds of elephant in the park repeatedly rejected him. So Jabulani kept returning to the sanctuary.   

Jabulani and the orphans

In 2002 the centre became involved in a frantic rescue of 12 elephants. Mainly trained for elephant-back safaris, from a commercial farm in neighbouring Zimbabwe. Earmarked for culling during a politically turbulent time, the group, itself made up of orphans, moved in almost overnight. Once introduced to Jabulani, they immediately accepted him as one of their own. The little orphaned elephant had finally found his family. Since then, five new babies have been added to this group. Thus, a sure sign that they are unstressed and happy in their current environment.

The elephants of the Jabulani Sanctuary

It is this band of survivors visitors to Jabulani Elephant Sanctuary get to meet. Because of their dependency on humans, releasing them into the wild was never an option. Instead, a luxury lodge was developed around the elephants. Above all offering guests a rare glimpse into these gentle giants’ world.

The Ethical way

In line with future legislation in South Africa, Camp Jabulani took the decision to end its elephant-back safaris in 2006. So they took a more observational and ethical approach to the interaction on offer. The herd spends most of the day roaming through the private game reserve. Under the supervision of its carers, who prevent conflict with wild elephant. At sunset, they come home to stable.

Interaction

jabulani elephant sanctuary
jabulani elephant sanctuary

During this 90-minute sunrise orientation, guests meet not only a few of the more outgoing and sociable of the herd. But also hear the incredible stories of their keepers. As well as the life-long bonds they have formed with their charges. Visitors find out about their biology, habits and quirks while getting up close and personal with Jabulani, Sebakwe, Manbo and Lundi.

Sunset and Stable Walk

jabulani elephant sanctuary

Against the backdrop of an incredible sunset, guests have a great view of the elephants’ final stop at a watering hole. And finally follow them on their slow amble back to the stables. Here the layout and design of the stables are furthermore explained. As well as how individuals group together according to their personal preferences and characteristics. Watching the babies retire for the night is above all a special treat!

jabulani elephant sanctuary

Elephant swim

During summer, the elephant will often gather at a watering hole to indulge in their favourite activity: a midday swim. Once rangers receive notification of their location, guests join them in an open safari vehicle to quietly observe from a distance. It is a wonderful opportunity to see how their different personalities emerge. As well as to watch while they indulge in fun activities. It will also present some of the best photographic opportunities you’re likely to encounter on your visit.

jabulani elephant sanctuary
jabulani elephant sanctuary

Tracking the elephants

Join a ranger, trails guide and senior elephant carer through the reserve’s bush in the footsteps of the herd. While tracking them down, visitors learn a wealth of information about their environment and the animals that live in it. Once the herd is located, spend the afternoon quietly observing their foraging. And so learning more about their stories, personalities and how to identify them.

jabulani elephant sanctuary
jabulani elephant sanctuary

Fore More Info, Visit Jabulani’s Webite – Here

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