White Elephant Bush Camp

Boating safaris and rhino tracking in South Africa's lush Zululand

A perfect family holiday camp, with a private ranger to guide you through Pongola's delightful wilderness. White Elephant is the only lodge in South Africa to offer water-based safari activities.

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About White Elephant Bush Camp

Lying in KwaZulu-Natal's lovely Pongola Game Reserve, flanked by the Lebombo Mountains and sparkling Lake Jozini, White Elephant Bush Camp is a jewel of a destination. This smaller relative of the White Elephant Safari Lodge is a self-catering escape with just seven spacious thatched chalets, all equipped with luxury fittings and en-suite bathrooms. Create life-long memories of four of the Big Five (sadly there are no lions), track black rhino, polish your wilderness skills on an educational bush walk or a cruise on the lake. There's an elephant research facility and, back at camp, a rim-flow pool overlooking the bushveld.

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From $250 person/night

Camp

8 Tents

Zululand & The Elephant Coast, South Africa

Highlights

Start or end your day with a serene two-hour canoe ride along Lake Jozini's shoreline. The birdcalls and rhythmic splash of the oars create the perfect soundtrack for viewing hippo, crocodile, elephant, a magnitude of birds and plenty of other land-based game, all from the safety of the canoe.

Tracking black rhino is both thrilling and fun. Using a radio transmitter, the seasoned guide will lead you closer to the rhinos on foot, teaching you about these beautiful creatures. You may even get some up-close photographs.

The "elephanting" activity on offer is unique. Spend a few hours talking to the on-site elephant researcher, learn about the relocation of elephants from the Kruger National Park and examine elephant skulls and bones.

The property

White Elephant Bush Camp is a self-catering escape, with an open-plan kitchen, dining room and bar – all open on one side with soft white drapes to shelter you from the sun. This is not your regular bush camp – the kitchen is fully equipped, the dining room has a long wooden table, lighting is provided by chandeliers. Outside is a fire pit and a swimming pool. Sit with your feet in the water and take in the spectacular views.

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The rooms

If you can bear to tear yourself away from the exceptional views, you'll find a room fitted with all the necessary comforts – a large comfortable bed, good quality linen, overhead fan and enough room to swing more than one cat! Simply elegant is the best description here, from the interiors of the seven thatched en-suite rooms to the open-plan main area a few steps from your doors.

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One more thing...

Watching a family of rhinos romping on the lake shore at sunset is absolutely magical. This lovely camp is definitely worth a few visits.

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Activities

Cultural

Canoeing

Bush Walks

Boat Cruises

Show all activities

Lions may be absent, but there are plenty of other creatures just waiting to be spotted. A great way to track them is on a boat or canoe safari on Lake Jozini. Look out for the comically small ears and watchful eyes of hippo poking above the water, or antelope, crocodile and elephant in the shallows. Guided walks, safari game drives and thrilling black rhino tracking are also on offer. Bring your camera and binos and don't miss a thing!

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About Zululand & The Elephant Coast

Zululand & The Elephant Coast

Ancient battlefields and wild shores merge to create a multi-faceted masterpiece.

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