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OVERVIEW ON CAMP JABULANI IN KAPAMA KRUGER
This is the story of an abandoned baby elephant who could never have known the impact he would have on the lives of 12 other elephants, and on thousands of people around the world. In June 1997, just 4 months old, a tiny elephant arrived at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC). He had been found stuck in the mud of a silt dam, and was injured and severely dehydrated. He had been abandoned by his herd. It took a full year to nurse the elephant back to health. He truly beat the odds, as not much hope was held that he would pull through. He was monitored around the clock by a dedicated team (including a hand-reared sheep called “Skaap” which acted as a surrogate mother) and was slowly brought back to a state of health. He was called Jabulani meaning “to rejoice”.
Now came a challenge of an altogether different kind. Despite numerous attempts to re-introduce Jabulani to the bush, he would have none of it! These humans were his family, and he had no intention of parting ways. What to do with a quickly growing elephant? …. enter the hand of fate once again. In March 2002 word reached the HESC of 12 Zimbabwean elephants which faced a grisly and untimely end. Their owner’s farm was in the process of being expropriated by war veterans, and the elephants were tagged for their meat. A rescue mission was put into place within a matter of weeks. A massive truck left Johannesburg for Zimbabwe empty and returned with a dozen pachyderms. It was with amazement that the HESC team witnessed the meeting of Jabulani and the herd. He was immediately adopted by Tokwe (the matriarch) and had finally found his kin. Left with the overwhelming custodianship of these beautiful but mammoth animals, the next logical step was in the creation of a camp to support them. This camp would enable travellers from around the world to experience the extraordinary impact of interacting with elephants. Camp Jabulani was born!
About The Elephants: Camp Jabulani’s herd has matured over time to become a very close knit family group. They each have their own character, and just like a human family, have unique bonds with one another. Since the arrival of Limpopo in August 2006, three additional babies have joined the Camp Jabulani herd – Klaserie, Zindoga and Mambo. The intra-herd dynamics have changed significantly since their arrival. While wild elephants group themselves in matriarchal herds, with male bull elephants joining the herds from time to time and having little to do with the younger members – Camp Jabulani’s herd are all involved. The males have become as attached to the youngsters as the females. The art of motherhood is something that is usually passed on from generation to generation. Camp Jabulani’s elephants had no experience with childbirth or childrearing. It therefore came as a huge shock to the elephants when they were confronted with this massive unchartered challenge. But Tokwe took to the job admirably, and together the herd has learned to become a more relaxed and stable one. The babies have added a touch of colour with their delightful antics and playful nature.
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Camp Jabulani is a perfect translation of the African bush, seamlessly blending classic and elegant interiors (fit for princes and kings, but warm enough to make the most “down-to-earth” feel completely at home) with the natural bush beyond. A camp of and within the elements. Rich textures of organic elements create a harmonious and pleasing balance between “designer” and “authentic”. Grass-pressed mud walls, stone floors and thatched roofs are but some of the natural features guests may expect to find. An open flow of light and air allow for a communion with the African bush without forsaking optimum comfort. Rich woods, crystal glasses, silver service somehow seamlessly blend into an experience of genuine hospitality and sensory indulgence. The camp is built along the bank of a seasonal stream. An open-plan dining room and lounge merge with the wooden deck which lies in the shade of gigantic leadwood trees (around which the main facility was constructed). An impressive suspension bridge connects these living areas with the suites which lie scattered beyond the river bed.
The sole objective of the team of professionally skilled and personable staff is to meet the needs of their valued guests. To indulge, spoil, pamper and entertain. But most importantly – to share with them the story and the experience of the elephants. Each of the six luxury suites is remote and private. Massive wooden sliding doors present interiors which are a pure translation of style, comfort, elegance and overall – an appreciation of the natural environment. Pure cotton sheets, massive stone tubs, an outdoor glass-enclosed shower, a fire-place with a separate lounge area, and a private plunge pool complement each of the rooms. Suites are also equipped with a mini-bar, safe, hairdryer and electric blankets. Comfort is ensured by the 24 hour temperature control and overhead ceiling fan. During the day the “walls” of the suites are rolled away to bring the bush just that bit closer. In the evenings, cozy lighting, a blazing fire and a welcoming bed draw to a perfect close another day in Africa.
Spa: Camp Jabulani’s Therapy Lapa lies tucked within the dense foliage of the reserve. “Absolutely Natural and Absolutely Pure” finds no better expression than in an environment such as this. Whether the product of choice is a blend of natural aromatic oils, or something more extravagant from shores abroad, treatments administered by the expert therapist are relaxing and rejuvenating in equal measure.
Treat yourself in winter to a spa treatment in the comfort of your suite in front of a blazing fire. The Therapy Selection includes body treatments, natural wraps, skin-care treatments and hand & foot treatments. The Zindoga Villa is Camp Jabulani’s most recent addition (end of 2009), and has been designed for the guest who prefers the more exclusive touch, for the smaller group, or for the family traveller with younger children. A completely self-contained facility, the Zindoga Villa is a palatial replica of Camp Jabulani’s style and elemental premise. Two individual suites are connected by a joint lounge and dining area. Each unit has a massive bedroom with bathroom en-suite (including glass enclosed shower), expansive wooden deck, and a private heated plunge pool. One of the suites also has a charming twin room, with private bathroom, for two children sharing. The suites are separated by an interleading door. The Zindoga Villa has wireless internet connectivity throughout for those who need to be connected to business or home, and is serviced by its own dedicated team – including ranger (and private vehicle), chef and butler. Elegance, grand open spaces, luxurious finishes, and a harmonious union with the African wild are the order of the day.
Dining At Camp Jabulani
Meal times at Camp Jabulani truly are a celebration of the senses. Perfectly sized portions are arranged in an art form of colour, texture and balance. A fusion of tastes and ingredients thrill the palate. As course after course materialise from the magicians in the kitchen culinary appreciation reaches altogether new heights. Only fresh ingredients are used in each of the dishes prepared. Home baked muffins and tea time treats, as well as sundowner snacks are created each day. Many would argue that no good meal is complete without a good bottle of fine South African wine. Camp Jabulani has a good selection of both red and white wines proudly produced in the rich and unique wine-lands of the Cape. Prepare to feast like a king!
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