White Elephant Safari Lodge
Offers a quintessential 'Out of Africa' experience.

Classic, colonial décor, refined simplicity, deep verandahs and sweeping views, capture the history and romance of a bygone era.

Guests are accommodated in 8 luxurious safari tents (each with indulgent bathroom, outdoor canvas shower, private verandah, personal bar and tea/coffee facilities). Insect gauze on windows and tent-flaps, overhead ceiling fans, mosquito nets and crisp white percale bed linen provides luxurious comfort as well as old world romance.

Sumptuous meals are served at the main house (a restored colonial homestead) on the wide verandahs, in the dining room, garden or on the wooden deck alongside the swimming pool.

Personalised service, utter comfort and passionate attention to detail ensure beautiful memories of Africa.

* * * * * (Full-Board)
(Tourism Grading Council)

Location

The lodge is located in the beautiful Pongola Game Reserve, overlooking the western escarpment of the Lebombo Mountains, Lake Jozini and the endless savannah woodland of Northern Zululand.

The lodge is easily accessible from Gauteng and Durban, being situated directly adjacent to the main N2 East Coast route, between Mkuze Village and Pongola.

The lodge is within close proximity to many renowned Zululand game and nature reserves, including Mkuze Game Reserve, Ndumo Game Reserve, Tembe Elephant Reserve, the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park.

Kindly note: Gate entrance time ist 06.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m.




About Us

In 1954, K.W. Kohrs, purchased the farm "Leeuwspoor". Primarily a cattle farmer, he was also a great naturalist, preserving and managing carefully the little remaining game species on "Leeuwspoor".

As early as 1963, when conservation of wildlife on private farmland made no economic sense, as there was no demand for hunting or tourism, Mr. Kohrs was awarded the Natal Parks Board Conservationist of the Year trophy. It was during this period, when the today world renowned Ian Player was chief warden of Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Game Reserve, that "Kallie" Kohrs request of 10 warthog for re-introduction on to "Leeuwspoor" was granted and the 'Return of the Wilderness' commenced. (Up until the 1980's the sighting of a warthog by the Kohrs family or their visitors was a cause for great excitement on Leeuwspoor.)

During the 1960's the SA Government initiated plans for the construction of the Jozini / Pongolapoort Dam. ± 15 000 hectares of riverine Guarri bush and savannah woodlands habitat was bulldozed to clear this area of trees and make way for the dam's waters.

Today Mr and Mrs Kohrs with veterinarian son, Heinz and family (5th generation German speaking South African's), still live in the original homestead on 'Leeuwspoor', also built after the first World War during the colonisation years of Zululand.

Mr Kohrs has an interesting room filled with trophies collected over his many hunting years throughout Southern Africa and can be viewed by request.

In 1999 Dr. Heinz Kohrs realised a life's dream with the foundation of the White Elephant Lodges. This engangement is appreciated by the WWF and in partnership, for the protection of the elephants as well as the white and black rhinoceroses, supported.

Kamertype	2011-11-01 tot 2012-04-30	2012-05-01 tot 2012-08-31	2012-09-01 tot 2012-10-31	2012-11-01 tot 2013-04-30
White Elephant Safari Lodge Tent	€ 305,00	€ 229,00	€ 305,00	€ 305,00
White Elephant Safari Lodge Tent	€ 305,00	€ 229,00	€ 305,00	€ 305,00

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Activities Listing



Guided walk minimum of 2 guests per walk
Walking trails are very much a part of the White Elephant Safari experience. Walks go out daily, either early morning or late afternoon. (no children under 16 unless parents give permission)

Game drive
Game drives are conducted in an open 4-wheel drive vehicles with a professional guide, either in the early morning or late afternoons. Cooler box with beverages is included.
(Please note – no driving around is permitted unless you are accompanied by a Reserve staff member)
Departure times: Winter 06h30 – 09h30
15h00 – 18h00
Summer 05h30 – 09h00
16h00 – 19h00

Boat cruises
Enjoy an early morning boat cruise, viewing spectacular bird-life or a late afternoon sunset excursion. Cooler box with beverages is included. Departure times: (See Game drive)

Elephanting
Offers guests the opportunity to participate in the reserves' elephant monitoring project, a programme that provides one with a deeper insight and knowledge about the relocation of two elephant families and their adaptation since 1997 into their new environment. NO persons under the ages of 16 years. Please take note of the regulations pertaining to elephant tracking for your own safety.

Rhino walks
Experience rhino tracking by foot – adrenalin – rasing experience.
NO persons under the ages of 16 years.

Canoeing – on lake Jozini (no children under the ages of 12 years)
For the adventurous………………………………….Double canoe maximum 3.

*Fishing/Boat Hire R1000.00 half day –max 6 guests
R1750.00 half day –max 16 guests
R1750.00 Full day –max 6 guests
R2750.00 Full day –max16 guests

*Fishing Rod Hire R50.00 per rod per day
+ Additional charges for lost or damaged or broken tackle

*Ubombo Cultural Tours S.Q.
A glimpse into African living today and yesteryear including • Entabeni Children's village for orphaned children • Rural Zulu homestead • Missionary church • account of the Battle of Ghost Mountain and history of the area.
A relaxing day full of interesting moments and people.

Scenic Flight (ZUMAT) S.Q
Sightseeing by air and visits to the rural clinics within the surrounding areas can be arranged with Zumat through us. A Maule 3 seater (+ pilot) is used for this activity. Tours can be arranged for any day of the week depending on weather conditions.

RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

From Johannesburg (approximately 5 hours drive)
Take the N12 to Middelburg. Turn of onto the N11 to Hendrina and continue to Ermelo. Alternatively take the N17 via Secunda to Ermelo. From Ermelo follow the N2 to Piet Retief and Pongola. Approximately 40 km after Pongola towards Mkuze at hte sign on your left hand side that reads "Pongola Game Reserve (SOUTH) White Elephant", turn left into the White Elephant main gate. The lodges are signposted from here with the 'White Elephant' marked stones up to Safari Lodge or Bush Camp.

Alternative route from Johannesburg – due to road constructions between Piet Retief and Pongola – until 2011
From Johannesburg take the N3 to Heidelberg, then take the R23 to Standerton and Volksrust. From Volksrust take the N11 direction Newcastle, turn left on the R34 to Utrecht/Vryheid. Take the R33 to Vryheid and the R69 to Pongola. Turn left at the T-junction and take the R66 into Pongola. Approximately 40 km after Pongola on the N2 towards Mkuze you will find the sign "Pongola Game Reserve (SOUTH) White Elephant", turn left into the White Elephant main gate. The lodges are signposted from here with the 'White Elephant' marked stones up to Safari Lodge or Bush Camp.

From Swaziland (approximately 30 to 60 minutes drive)
After leaving Swaziland via the Golela-Lavmesa Board post. Drive 11km through the Phongola Nature Reserve to Main N2 T-Junction. Turn left to follow sign "Pongola Game Reserve (south)" towards Mkuze, drive 13 km on N2, at sign "Pongola Game Reserve (SOUTH) White Elephant", turn left into the White Elephant main gate. The lodges are signposted from here with the 'White Elephant' marked stones up to Safari Lodge or Bush Camp.

From Durban (approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours drive)
From Durban follow the N2 north towards Hluhluwe and then on to Mkuze. Continue 24 km along the N2 past Mkuze towords Pongola. Ath the sign on your left hand side "Pongola Game Reserve (SOUTH) White Elephant", turn right into the White Elephant main gate. The lodges are signposted from here with the 'White Elephant' marked stones up to Safari Lodge or Bush Camp.

LOCATION
White Elephant is located within the Pongola Game Reserve (South) along the shores of Lake Jozini (Pongolapoort Dam). The 10 000 ha Game Reserve is situated east of the N2, in north eastern Zululand bordering Swaziland (Golela/Lavumisa Border Post). The lodge is approximately 485km from Johannesburg and 330km from Durban, and half-way between Durban & Skukuza in the Kruger National Park. The closest major center is Richards Bay, which is 180km south east on the N2 freeway.

ROAD ACCESS
From Durban (approximate 3½ - 4 hours drive)
From Durban, follow the N2 north towards Hluhluwe and then on to Mkuze. Continue 24km along the N2 past Mkuze towards Pongola. At the sign on your left hand side that reads Pongola Game Reserve (SOUTH) White Elephant, turn right into White Elephant main gate. The lodges are signposted from here with the White Elephant logo marked stones up to Safari Lodge or Bush Camp.

From Johannesburg (approximate 5 hours drive)
Take the N12 to Middelburg. Turn off onto the N11 to Hendrina and continue to Ermelo. Alternatively take the N17 via Secunda to Ermelo. From Ermelo follow the N2 to Piet Retief and Pongola. Approximately 40 km after Pongola towards Mkuze at the sign on your left hand side that reads Pongola Game Reserve (SOUTH) White Elephant, turn left into the White Elephant main gate. The lodges are signposted from here with the White Elephant logo marked stones up to Safari Lodge or Bush Camp.
Please note: Road works between Piet Retief, Pongola and Pongola Game Reserve can cause delays. Travelling after dark is not advisable. Please enquire for an alternative route.

From Swaziland (approximate ½-1 hours drive)
After Leaving Swaziland via the Golela-Lavmisa Board post, drive 11km through the Phongolo Nature Reserve to Main N2 T-Junction. Turn left to follow sign Pongola Game Reserve (SOUTH) towards Mkuze. Drive 13 km on N2. At sign Pongola Game Reserve (SOUTH) White Elephant , turn left into White Elephant main gate. The lodges are signposted from here with the White Elephant logo marked stones up to Safari Lodge or Bush Camp.
A gate entrance fee of R20.00 per vehicle payable at the Entrance Gate. Kindly note Pongola Game Reserve gate times are strictly from 06h00 to 18h00

AIR ACCESS
SA Express operates daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Richards Bay Airport. Private air charter from Durban to Mkuze can be arranged. The lodge also has its own private landing strip for light aircrafts (co-ordinates: S27 24 671 E31 52 822) and a helipad (co-ordinates: S27 23 32 E31 54 545).

MALARIA
Pongola Game Reserve is a malaria free reserve. However, guests traveling via Mpumalanga - Swaziland to Zululand are advised to take malaria tablets. We advise guests to consult their GP or pharmacist regarding anti ~ malaria medication. Mosquito repellent is provided in our lodges, as well as mosquito nets on all beds. Tents/chalets have mosquito gauze on windows/doors for guests' comfort.

CLOTHING
Khaki clothing and good walking shoes are advised for those guests who wish to participate in game activities. During the summer months (October to March) cool cotton clothing is advisable as well as anoraks or raincoats as afternoon thunderstorms often prevail. Jerseys and pullovers are suggested for the winter months of May through to August. Hats, sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended for use throughout the year.

TEMPERATURES
Northern Zululand is situated in the subtropical zone of Southern Africa (Summer rainfall area). Temperatures average 34°c during the summer months of October through March. Winter months May through August, temperatures are moderate averaging 23°c.

INDEMNITY
White Elephant is host to a diversity of wildlife species. Guests are advised not to venture away from the lodge and gardens without the company a guide. All guests are required to sign an indemnity form on arrival at the lodge.

RESERVATIONS AND BOOKING CONDITIONS
All reservations are made through White Elephant central reservations office.
Please see our rate sheet for our cancellation fee policy.
A deposit is required to confirm and secure all bookings.
Children welcome at Bush Camp and children over 12 welcome at Safari Lodge
Payments can be made by direct deposit or credit card. All recognized credit cards accepted.

PLEASE NOTE
Gate times are strictly 06h00 – 18h00
Entrance fee: R25.00 per vehicle and boat
After Hours 18h00 – 6H00 Entrance fee: R 50.00 per vehicle and boat

CENTRAL RESERVATIONS OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 08H00 TO 16H00
Telephone: (+27) (0)34 4132489 Fax: +27 (0)34 4132499
e-mail: info@whiteelephant.co.za/whiteelephant@xsinet.co.za website: www.whiteelephant.co.za
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