AfriCamps AT WHITE ELEPHANT SAFARIS, KZN

Your friendly camp hosts, Lorraine and Nala, look forward to your visit and will welcome you with open arms. Camp owners Dr. Heinz Kohrs, his wife Debbie, and their daughters – Kirstin, Andrea, and Clara – are eager to share their beautiful property with you. The White Elephant Safaris team also manages the bush camp, umKhaya Cottage, and the White Elephant Research Camp.

White Elephant Safaris is situated on Leeuwspoor Farm, where Dr. Heinz Kohrs grew up. The farm was purchased by Dr. Heinz’s father, a cattle farmer, in 1954. Passionate about conserving the remaining game species on the farm, he was awarded the Natal Parks Board Conservationist of the Year trophy in 1963. During this time, he requested 10 warthogs for reintroduction onto Leeuwspoor from Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve. (Keep an eye out for one of these ‘Pumbas’ during your stay at AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris).

Dr. Heinz shares his father’s passion for conservation and eco-tourism. He is dedicated to fostering responsible travel practices that prioritize environmental preservation, support local communities, and promote educational initiatives. Given his deep commitment to these principles, Dr. Heinz maintains a busy schedule, entrusting the camp’s operations to his capable team, who will ensure you have an amazing stay.

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 come with their own wood-fired hot tub. This is the purest form of relaxation. After a day of exploring, unwind while enjoying the soothing crackle of the fire, or use it as a splash pool on warmer 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 offering Kariba-like water-based safari activities. The 15,000-hectare Lake Jozini is the centerpiece of Pongola Game Reserve and provides the perfect setting for an early morning or late afternoon boat cruise. Spot herds of antelope, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species during the 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
Cost (2025): Adults R540 pp | Children 4-12: R270 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. You’ll see 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
Cost (2025): Adults R540 pp | Children 4-12: R270.00 | 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

These walks are ideal for bird watchers wanting to spot some of the 350+ bird species on the reserve. Walking trails are a key part of the White Elephant Safaris experience, offering a closer encounter with nature. The duration and pace of the walk will be tailored by your guide to suit your fitness level. Walks are available 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
Cost (2025): Adults R300 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 participate in a special conservation-focused activity that provides educational insight into the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. This vehicle-based activity involves locating tracks, middens, and, if fortunate, sightings of black rhinos. From the vehicle, you’ll follow natural signs to find rhinos and learn how they are monitored using technology, such as camera traps. If conditions permit and safety allows, you might approach these majestic animals on foot. Even if rhinos are not spotted, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the environment and other animal sightings.

Cost (2023): Adults R680 pp | No children under 12 permitted
Cost (2024): Adults R700 pp | No children under 12 permitted
Cost (2025): Adults R720 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
2025: Half-day R1850 | Full-day R2650

6-8 Persons
2023: Half-day R2200 | Full-day R3300
2024: Half-day R2300 | Full-day R3400
2025: Half-day R2350 | Full-day R3450

Additional guests
2023/2024: Half-day R100 pp | Full-day R150 pp
2025: Half-day R120 pp | Full-day R200 pp

Fishing Rod Hire
2023/2024: R150 per rod per day
2025: R175 per rod per day

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

PLEASE NOTE:

Activity rates include a conservation levy used for anti-poaching efforts, the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, Elephant Research on Pongola Game Reserve, and the Space for Elephants Foundation. More information is available upon request.

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

Guests may bring their own boats. Our camp managers and guides will provide directions on where to launch and moor your boat. Please inform reservations if you’re bringing your own boat and check in before launching. The reserve has different camps, each with its own rules and owners. Launching or mooring at the wrong location may incur a fee.

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

Nkwazi Lake Lodge Restaurant

Visit Nkwazi Lake Lodge restaurant for an unforgettable culinary experience with a delightful selection of venison dishes. Enjoy your meal in the boma or the open-plan dining area, all while taking in the stunning views!

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 BASKET

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.

Cost: R180 per adult | R140 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.

Cost: R250 per adult | R180 per child (0 to 12 yrs) 

On-site Shop

Essentials like water, wood, firelighters, ice, and curios are available at the shop from 08h00 to 16h00.

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 18h00. 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 five 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 booking calendar to check live rates and availability. Extras like meals, activities and tours are not included in the price unless otherwise stated.

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

Entrance Fee: A R25 per vehicle entrance fee applies at the Pongola Game Reserve South Gate. This fee is payable in cash at the gate and is not included in your accommodation rate.

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

Accommodation

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

• Food and beverages
• Activities and tours
• Additional daily cleaning service (available on request)
• Wood and firelighters for the wood stove and campfires (for sale at the property shop)

Pets

We do not allow pets at our camp. Please note that there are wild animals roaming certain areas of the property.

Music

No noise, parties or music are allowed in the camp unless the guest has booked the entire camp for a function.

Day visitors

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

PENSIONER SPECIAL

Enjoy 15% off a midweek stay!

From a discounted rate of R1777 per night for 2 adults sharing, excl. fees

• Valid until 30 April 2025 for midweek stays only
• Excludes weekends and peak season (13 December 2024 – 11 January 2025)
• 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 R2090 per night, excl. fees

• Valid until 30 April 2025
• Excludes long weekends and peak season (13 December 2024 – 11 January 2025)
• 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.