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Camp Jabulani
Elephant Back Safaris - South Africa
Nothing quite tops the first introduction to the Camp Jabulani
elephants! Their sheer size and presence is humbling.
Paul bridges the gap between man and giant with 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. 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
(with Jabulani in the lead), silence reigns. A silence with no
words – but with beautiful harmonious communication of the bush
and its inhabitants. Share in the ultimate African experience.
View tree tops, birds nests, and giraffes almost face to face.
Sail high above the bush veld and feel part of the environment,
instead of being just a passive observer. |
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On elephant back,
one is truly an integral part of the experience. Afternoon
safaris are conducted just before the sun sets – 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.
It is not hard to feel that “Life is good” as a sundowner sees
the end of another day at Camp Jabulani, and allows for quiet
reflection of the effect that a walk with elephants has
instilled on even the most hardened soul. 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 splendor
of the milky-way above. |
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Guests have the
opportunity of “tucking” the elephants into their stables for
the evening ahead, and of witnessing first hand the mutual
respect and genuine fondness between the elephants and their
tenders. In summer, of great delight is witnessing the elephants
as they frolic 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! One thing is
certain – one cannot help but be changed forever after sharing
an experience with the Camp Jabulani elephants. Guests are able
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. |
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Safaris may be
arranged at any time of the day. A word of warning though…. the
summer months are incredibly hot in the middle of the day! This
time is best enjoyed around the cool respite of a private plunge
pool with a chilled G & T in hand.
Camp Jabulani guests are treated to a visit to the Hoedspruit
Endangered Species Centre (about a 30 minute drive via open
safari vehicle).
Founded by Lente Roode, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
has established itself as one of the leading private research
and breeding facilities for endangered species in the country.
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Elephants are
renowned for their ability to follow a scent and are the only
creatures who are able to maintain this sense through water.
They are therefore often used in tracking - particularly of
poachers. Guests spending more than three nights at Camp
Jabulani are able to experience this extraordinary skill first
hand.
Guests on elephant back are split into two groups. The first
departs from the camp with guides on foot. The second group
depart a short while later. The elephants are given the scent of
one of the members of Group 1. They then begin to track that
scent .... Somapane is our very best! Test her skills first
hand. This is a thrilling experience and guaranteed to amaze. |
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Elephant Safaris
(Monday through Friday, 9 AM
to 5 PM Pacific Time.)
Or leave a message after hours. We WILL return your call. Promptly.
TOLL FREE
1-866-733-4263
(1-866-SEE-GAME)
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