Check-in: Strictly between 14h00 and 18h00 on day of arrival.

Check-out: Before 10h00 on day of departure.

Reception hours: 08h00 to 16h00. Should you arrive after 16h00, please report to reception first thing the next morning.

Please note, Pongola Game Reserve South Gate opens at 06h00 and closes strictly at 18h00 for the safety of the animals, staff, and guests. Please ensure you have all the necessary supplies for your self-catering stay before arrival. The closest shop is roughly 50 km away. Our on-site shop sells wood, firelighters, water, and gifts.

Gate entrance fee: R25 per vehicle, payable in cash at the gate. Please note this gate fee is not included in your accommodation rate.

Before arrival: Please contact your host, Lorraine at +27 (0)82 945 7174 with your estimated time of arrival. The road from the gate to the camp is a 12 km dirt road with clearly marked signs. White Elephant Safaris reserves the right to refuse entry by latecomers that have not arranged in advance. Latecomers will still be granted access until 19h00, but a late entry fee of R500 will apply.

Wood-fired hot tubs
All 12 tents have their own wood-fired hot tub. A wood-fired hot tub is the purest form of relaxation. After a day of exploring, relax while listening to the calming crackle of the fire. Or use it as a splash pool on the hotter days.

Swimming
Come relax at the pool overlooking the vast plains of the reserve and take a dip among nyala and warthog roaming on the lawns.

*Please note, the use of our swimming pool area is at own risk and children should be supervised by adults at all times.

TOURS ON THE PROPERTY

No self-drive game viewing is allowed in Pongola Game Reserve.

Safari Boat Cruise
White Elephant Safaris is the only lodge in South Africa to offer Kariba-like, water-based safari activities. The 15 000-hectare Lake Jozini provides the focal feature of Pongola Game Reserve and is the perfect setting for an early morning or late afternoon boat cruise. Spot herds of antelope, hippo, and crocodile as well as an enormous variety of bird species during this cruise.

Cost (2023): Adults R500 pp | Children 4-12: R250 pp | Children 0-3: Free
Cost (2024): Adults R520 pp | Children 4-12: R260 pp | Children 0-3: Free

Time/duration: Early mornings or late afternoons (duration +/- 3 hours)
Group size: Minimum 4, maximum 16 per boat

*Rate includes a transfer to the boat.

Game Drives
Game drives are conducted in open 4×4 vehicles, either in the early morning or late afternoon by a professional guide who will show you, not only the larger game but also the many varied and interesting smaller species in our game reserve.

Cost (2023): Adults R500 pp | Children 4-12: R250 pp | Children 0-3: Free
Cost (2024): Adults R520 pp | Children 4-12: R260.00 | Children 0-3: Free

Time/duration: Early mornings or late afternoons (duration +/- 3 hours)
Group size: Minimum 3, maximum 10 guests per vehicle

Guided Game / Birding Walks
This is the best way for bird watchers to spot some of the 350+ bird species on the reserve. Walking trails are very much a part of the White Elephant Safaris experience. Being on foot is not only a more energetic way of experiencing the bush but also provides a ‘closeup’ invigorating encounter with nature. The sounds smells and minute detail of the wilderness become much more apparent on a guided walk. The duration and speed of your walk will be tailored by your professional guide to suit your fitness and stamina. Walks go out daily, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Cost (2023): Adults R270 pp | No children under 16 permitted
Cost (2024): Adults R290 pp | No children under 16 permitted

Time/duration: Early mornings or late afternoons (duration +/- 3 hours)
Group size: Minimum 2, maximum 6 adults per walk 

Black Rhino Expansion Project

Guests depart early morning or afternoon on a special conservation-orientated activity. The experience provides educational insight into the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project and aims to encourage a new respect for the “prehistoric” rhino.

This is a vehicle-based activity in which we set out to locate tracks, middens and, if lucky, sightings of black rhino. From the vehicle, we follow the natural signs – spoor, dung, and other evidence – to find rhino and show guests how we monitor them using technology, such as camera traps. If conditions and circumstances allow, (i.e. if deemed safe by the guide), we will approach these leviathans on foot, to truly appreciate their size and power. 

Finding rhino is by no means a certainty, as these beautiful animals’ inhabit thick bush, where they browse, rest and shelter from the heat of the sun. Even if the rhino cannot be located during the excursion, we will still enjoy the beauty of the environment and other animal sightings, as we would on a game drive.

Poaching and habitat loss are major threats to the black rhino’s existence and may even rob the next generation of the opportunity to know these intriguing mammals. Part of our mission is to educate and spread the word about the beauty and vulnerabilities of these animals, with the hope that we can help protect them and their future.

Cost (2023): Adults R680 pp | No children under 12 permitted
Cost (2024): Adults R700 pp | No children under 12 permitted

Duration: +/-3 hours
Group size: Minimum 2, maximum 8

Fishing / Boat Hire
Lake Jozini is the most southern lake where tiger fish are endemic. It’s the ideal location for the novice fisherman and the expert angler for the tiger fishing experience of a lifetime, strictly catch and release. Tilapia, barber (sharp-toothed catfish), yellowfish, grass carp, Mozambique, and red-breasted bream are also found in the lake. The best time for tiger fishing at Lake Jozini is September through April.

Per boat includes: Use of the boat, skipper, and a tank of fuel.

1-5 Persons
2023: Half-day R1700 | Full-day R2500
2024: Half-day R1800 | Full-day R2600

6-8 Persons
2023: Half-day R2200 | Full-day R3300
2024: Half-day R2300 | Full-day R3400

Additional guests
2023/2024: Half-day R100 pp | Full-day R150 pp

Fishing Rod Hire
2023/2024: R150 per rod per day

*Please note, additional charges apply for lost or damaged tackle or equipment.

PLEASE NOTE:

Activity rates include a conservation levy that is utilised for anti-poaching, the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, Elephant Research on Pongola Game Reserve, and the Space for Elephants Foundation. More info is provided on request.

For your own safety, no self-drive game viewing or walks are permitted outside camp boundaries.

Guests are welcome to bring their own boats. Our camp managers and guides will provide directions on where to launch and moor your boat. Please advise reservations if bringing your own boat. Please check in before launching your boat. The reserve consists of different camps each with its own rules and owners. If you launch or moor your boat at the wrong place, a fee may be charged.

Activities times
Winter – 07h00-10h00 / 14h00-17h00
Summer – 06h00-09h00 / 15h00-18h00

Game activities’ departure times and durations are carefully planned according to seasons, prevailing weather patterns, and other environmental factors to ensure maximum enjoyment for our guests.

*Please note, rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Spa’s

Mvubu Spa
Situated near Mvubu River Lodge, with a breathtaking view over the Pongola river, Mvubu Spa offer you the experience to relax, unwind and breath during your spa treatment.

Ghost Mountain Inn Spa
Escape to an oasis filled with serenity and pampering at the Ghost Mountain Spa. Choose from a variety of bodypampering treatments and soothing facials.

Wildlife Experiences

Zululand Cat Conservation Project
An up-close and personal experience with Zululand Cat Conservation Project where guests learn more about South Africa’s endangered wild cat species including the Caracal (Lynx), Serval, Cheetah and African Wildcat.

Cultural Experiences

Ghost Mountain Cultural Experience
A unique experience and one of authenticity, the Myeni Cultural Experience includes a visit to a local homestead as well as the chance to interact with members of the Myeni family.

Dumazulu Traditional Village
Experience traditional KwaZulu-Natal hospitality at Gooderson DumaZulu Traditional Zulu Village, South Africa’s biggest cultural village. Watch as locals make spears, shields, baskets and clay pots.

Ilala Basket Weavers
Shop to the rhythm and beat of African music as you explore the age-old Zulu women’s tradition of handcrafts at Ilala. Witness crafts being manufactured and view unique artefacts collected across Africa.

Other

Pongola Golf Course
The Pongola Golf Club offers a lovely country 9-hole golf course, situated amongst Tamboti trees, sugar cane fields and irrigation dams, approximately 45km from White Elephant Safaris.

Pongola Sugar Mill
Take a tour of the Pongola Sugar Mill on Tuesdays and Thursday during milling season, for a peek into one of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading agricultural industries – sugar!

Breakfast

We offer ‘Cook Your Own’ breakfast baskets which are placed in the tents for guests to prepare. Pre-order your breakfast basket when making your booking. Breakfast baskets should be booked 48 hours in advance.

Each breakfast basket serving includes:

Sliced bread
Savoury bread
Two eggs
Rashers of bacon*
Cheese
Fresh fruit
Sausage*
Fruit juice
Milk
Plain yoghurt
Muesli
Jam
Butter
Ground filter coffee

*Vegetarian option (available on request): Meat substituted with additional fruit unless requested otherwise.

Cost: R165 per adult | R125 per child (0 to 12 yrs)

Dinner

We offer ‘Cook-Your-Own’ traditional South African braai baskets which are placed in the tents for guests to prepare. Pre-order your braai basket when making your booking. Braai baskets should be booked 48 hours in advance.

Each braai basket serving includes:

400g Meat or game meat*
Bread
Green salad
Side dish
Two marshmallows to braai for dessert

*Vegetarian option (available on request): Meat substituted with vegetarian patty and roast vegetable parcel.

Cost: R225 per adult | R160 per child (0 to 12 yrs) 

On-site Shop
Essentials like water, wood, firelighters, ice, and curios are available at the shop from 8:00 – 16:00.

Dining Out
There are a number of great restaurants in the area. Please call to book lunch before departure, as bookings are essential. Please remember that the reserve gate closes strictly at 18:00. We recommend the following restaurants for lunch or early dinners:

Ghost Mountain inn Hotel Restaurant
Mpeti Lodge
Mkuze Country Club
Nkwazi Lake Lodge

For your convenience, AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris operates a generator during certain times when there is load shedding. Operational times: 07h00 – 09h00 and 17h00 – 21h00. Guests will have access to all amenities including lights, power plugs, and warm water whenever the generator is in use.

Our tents sleep up to 5 guests, but our rates are based on a two-person stay. Please note that the rates below are a price indication, please use our online bookings calendar to check live rates and availability. Extras like meals, activities and tours are not included in the price, unless otherwise stated.

Rates from 1 October 2023 – 30 Sept 2024

All rates exclude a once-off R250 cleaning fee per booking. This fee will be added to your total during the booking process.

Low season Midweek
1 May – 30 June 2024 (Midweek: Sun-Thurs)
Excludes long weekends
R1590 per couple sharing

Low season Weekends
1 May – 30 June 2024 (Weekends: Fri – Sat)
Excludes long weekends
R1840 per couple sharing

High Season
1 October – 7 December 2023
7 January – 30 April 2024
14 – 16 June 2024
September 2024
R2090 per couple sharing 

Peak season
8 December 2023 – 6 January 2024
1 July – 31 August 2024
R2590 per couple sharing

* Rates for additional Guests (up to 5 guests per tent allowed):
R295 per adult, R195 per child 3-16yr, child 0-2 years stay free

Rates from 1 October 2024 – 30 Sept 2025

All rates exclude a once-off R250 cleaning fee per booking. This fee will be added to your total during the booking process.

Low season Midweek
1 May – 30 June 2025 (Midweek: Sun-Thurs)
Excludes long weekends
R1740 per couple sharing

Low season Weekends
1 May – 30 June 2025 (Weekends: Fri – Sat)
Excludes long weekends
R1990 per couple sharing

High Season
1 October – 12 December 2024
12 January – 30 April 2025
13 – 15 June 2025
September 2025
R2240 per couple sharing 

Peak season
13 December 2024 – 11 January 2025
1 July – 31 August 2025
R2740 per couple sharing

* Rates for additional Guests (up to 5 guests per tent allowed):
R295 per adult, R195 per child 3-16yr, child 0-2 years stay free

Rates from 1 October 2025 – 31 January 2026

All rates exclude a once-off R250 cleaning fee per booking. This fee will be added to your total during the booking process.

High Season
1 October – 11 December 2025
11 January – 31 January 2026
R2440 per couple sharing 

Peak season
12 December 2025 – 10 January 2026
R2940 per couple sharing

* Rates for additional Guests (up to 5 guests per tent allowed):
R295 per adult, R195 per child 3-16yr, child 0-2 years stay free

3-NIGHT SPECIALS

Stay longer for less with our 3-night glamping special and SAVE R500!

From R5770 for 2 adults sharing, excl. fees

• Valid until 7 December 2023
• Excludes long weekends
• Rates are based on 2 adults sharing
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• Extra adults can be booked at R295 pn
• Extra kids aged 3-16 are R195 pn

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and select the camp and the dates you wish to visit.
• Select the applicable 3-night special option at the top of your screen.
• Make sure the amount has been discounted before confirming your booking.

PENSIONER SPECIAL

Enjoy 15% off a midweek stay!

From a discounted rate of R1479 per night for 2 adults sharing, excl. fees

• Valid until 7 December 2023 for midweek stays only
• Excludes weekends
• Rates are based on 2 adults sharing
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• Extra adults can be booked at R295 pn
• Extra kids aged 3-16 are R195 pn
• Person booking must be 60+
• ID number required when booking
• ID to be presented upon check-in
• T&Cs apply

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and select the camp and the dates you wish to visit.
• Enter your promo code: GoldenGlamping in the Do you have a promo code field. Click on the apply button.
• In the Special Requests block, at the bottom of the booking form, please enter your ID number.

SINGLE PARENT SPECIAL

Kids stay FREE!

From R1740 per night for 2 adults sharing, excl. fees

• Valid until 7 December 2023
• Excludes long weekends
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• Kids stay free (applies to kids aged 3-16)
• 1 Adult per booking (if an extra adult is added after the booking has been made, the special will no longer apply)
• T&Cs apply

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and book your stay.
• In the Special Requests block, at the bottom of the booking form, please enter the voucher code: SingleParentSpecial.
• Select EFT payment, and receive your discounted invoice via email.

Please find our full terms and conditions here: www.africamps.com/terms-and-conditions

Accommodation

All tents sleep a maximum of 5 people. The following items or services are not included in the price, unless otherwise stated:

• Food & Beverage
• Activities & Tours
• Additional daily cleaning service (available on request)
• Wood and firelighters for the indoor fireplace, outdoor wood-fired hot tub and braai (for sale at camp reception / shop)

Pets

Unfortunately no pets allowed on the farm.

Music

Out of consideration for fellow guests and our wildlife, no noise, parties or music is allowed in the camp unless the guest has booked the entire camp. Complete silence is required after 22:00.

Day Visitors

No day visitors are allowed in the camp. Out of consideration for fellow guests, the camp will only accommodate up to 5 paying guests per tent.