Elephant Back SAfaris
Experience the African bush from a very different perspective

An Elephant Back Safari will change you forever

An Elephant Back safari can be expienced close to Johannesburg, in Pilanesberg Park or near the Kruger National Park

Elephants - the gentle giants of Africa

For a true Elephant experience you will need to spend a few days with these stunning animals and not just a few hours. This is why Go SAfari has selected a three day Elephant Back Safari to Camp Jabulani in the private Kapama Game Reserve very close to the Kruger National Park.

On elephant back, one is truly an integral part of the African Bush

Share in the ultimate African experience. View tree tops, birds' nests, and giraffes almost face to face. Sail high above the bushveld and feel part of the environment, instead of being just a passive observer. Atop their mighty spines, guests soon become lulled by the step by step amble – the gentle “side to side” rocking motion. Moving in single file silence reigns. A silence with no words – but with beautiful harmonious communication of the bush and its inhabitants.

Three Day Safari Tariff & Itinerary:

Cost based on minimum of 2 guests traveling together

Camp Jabulani Accommodation	Cost
Per person sharing, fully inclusive	ZAR 18 870.00
Per person single accommodation, fully inclusive	ZAR 26 870.00
Watch this space for any seasonal specials !

Prices valid from 1st April 2011 to 31st March 2012

( Currency converter )

Day One

Depart Johannesburg at 07h30 and travel east to Dullstroom and Lydenburg. A short refreshment break in Ohrigstad then a drive along the panorama route along the escarpment of the Drakensberg mountains, stopping at the Blyde River Canyon to experience the breathtaking view. This magnificent canyon is the third largest canyon in the world. Continue down the Abel Erasmus Pass into the Lowveld and a stop for lunch and time to visit a curio gallery. It is now only a forty five minute drive to Camp Jabulani within big five territory. After enjoying a cold welcome drink on arrival, time to settle it to your suite.

Meet you ranger for an informative introduction and orientation into the personalities of the elephants – providing useful information that will no doubt both entertain and educate.

And so begins the elephant safari. Each participant is partnered with an elephant based on temperament. Guests mount their elephant via a specially constructed ramp. Saddles have been designed with comfort in mind - for both the elephants and riders. Made of high density foam (ensuring a light weight), they are built up laterally, and have both handles and stirrups.

You end the evening with dinner at the lodge.

Day Two

A very early morning wake up call an a welcome mug of coffee with your ranger before departing for the stabels to meet your elephant. After saddeling up head out into the bush for another special game experience. Return to the lodge and freshen up, and enjoy a sumptuous brunch. After brunch you have opertuinaty to join experienced rangers in open safari vehicles as they head out in search of The Big 5, and the smaller (but no less significant) creatures that are part of an African Safari. Identify the call of a bird; follow the bark of a baboon or the roar of a lion in the midst of their natural environment or just enjoy the lodge surroundings, relax next to the pool with a good book, get pampered in the Spa or catch up on some sleep. Afternoon high tea is a time to interact with other guests and is served at around 3:30pm with a selection salty and sweet treats. Following directly thereafter you depart on the afternoon safari – the elephants ultimately converge on the romantic setting of lanterns, a white linen table adorned with a selection of beverages, crystal glasses, fresh flowers and delectable canapés specially prepared by the chef watching the splendour of the African sun setting over the mountains.

Camp Jabulani offers the only night safari on elephant back in the world! Under the stars amidst the night sounds and dwellers, each guest is able to create their own experience as the sole proprietors of potent battery-powered spotlights. They may choose between swaying through the inky dark; finding millions of glittering eyes in the surrounding bush; or observing the planetarium-like splendour of the milky-way above.

Guests have the opportunity of “tucking” the elephants into their stables for the evening ahead, and of witnessing firsthand the mutual respect and genuine fondness between the elephants and their tenders.

Return to the lodge where dinner is served at various settings - around the fire, by candle light in the dining room, on the lodge deck, or even in your suite for a more romantic affair!

Day Three

A very early morning wake up call an a welcome mug of coffee with your ranger before departing on the early morning game drive tracking animals and searching for the Big 5.
or enjoy a last ride on your elephant.Return to the lodge and freshen up, and enjoy a sumptuous brunch. Check out and enjoy the last few hours at the lodge. A driver will meet yoy at the lodge and drive you to another luxury lodge nearby for a few more days safari OR drive you to Hoedspruit Airport in time for the 14h30 flight back to Johannesburg Airport. You will be back in time to connect to a flight to Cape Town or your return flight home.

This Elephant Back Safari is a great add on to your "normal" safari. The itinerary may be changed to accommodate weather and time constraints.

The above tariffs include:

• Private transfer from Johannesburg to the lodge with a guide.

• Daily sunrise/morning and an afternoon/evening elephant back safaris or open Land Rover game drives hosted by an armed field guide/ranger and tracker.

• Breakfast, lunch & dinner at the lodge.

• Two nights 5 star luxury accommodation.

• Conservation levy..

• Services of a qualified tour guide and field guide.

• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicle including fuel, tolls and insurances.

• Life long memories and hopefully great pictures.

• VAT and tourism Levy

Excluded are:

• Lunches (day 1 and 3)

• All Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.

• Travel & Medical insurance

Camp Jabulani

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.

In summer, a great delight is watching the elephants as they frolick in the nearby dam on Kapama for a mid-day swim. Truly spectacular is the sight of elephants at play – especially in water or in mud-baths. Cameras are a necessity!

Guests are transferred to the waterhole in an open safari vehicle, and are able to stand at the dam's edge to see the huge beasts submerged, spraying water out of their trunks, or splashing about in the murky waters.

The babies are a particular treat!