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White Elephant Game Lodge, Zululand & The Elephant Coast | Timbuktu Travel
Zululand & The Elephant Coast

White Elephant Game Lodge

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About White Elephant Game Lodge

Bush meets water on Africa's oldest game reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal
Proclaimed in 1894, Pongola Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal is the oldest reserve in Africa. Covering 31,000 hectares, it borders Lake Jozini (also known as Pongolapoort Dam) to the east. White Elephant Safari Lodge, which dates back to the 1920s, sits right on the reserve's edge, facing the lake and just a kilometre from its shore. It's a small camp, accommodating a maximum of 16 guests in comfortable en-suite tents and a classic colonial house. Between the rhino and elephant tracking and the opportunity to get out on the water, there's much to keep you interested for a few days.
Zululand & The Elephant Coast , South Africa
From $430 per person/per night
Safari
8 Rooms
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Property details

The property

Surrounded by a lovely garden, the main lodge has an easy charm and that distinctive classic colonial feel. There's no shortage of history here: old rifles, photos and antelope horns on the walls tell many a story. Sumptuous couches furnish two open-plan lounges with polished stone and wooden floors, and the adjoining dining room is elegantly set for delicious meals at private tables. A rim-flow pool overlooks the bushveld, and there's a deck with a fire pit for evening chats.

The rooms

The eight rooms may resemble tents from the exterior, but once inside you'll feel like you're in a smart hotel. They're rustic enough to make you feel you're in the bush, but with all the mod cons. Quality beds are elegantly draped with mosquito nets, and leather armchairs invite you to relax. Each has an en-suite bathroom with a classic claw-foot bathtub, double basins and an outdoor shower and, in front, a small patio furnished with a couple of chairs.

Activities

The reserve is home to four of the Big Five (no lion), including white and black rhino, as well as giraffe, zebra and various antelope. Guided game drives and bush walks are led by experienced rangers who, besides pointing out all the small things, will seize the opportunity to track down big game. Accompany a professional researcher to track down rhino and elephant, and canoe or cruise on the dam, home to hippo, croc, tigerfish and a plethora of birdlife.
Trips

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Explore Kwa-Zulu Natal
South Africa

Explore Kwa-Zulu Natal

11 nights from $3.8K per person

Off the beaten track in Lesotho & South Africa
South Africa + Lesotho

Off the beaten track in Lesotho & South Africa

10 nights from $7.4K per person

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How to book White Elephant Lodge

How do I book White Elephant Lodge?

White Elephant Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring White Elephant Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at White Elephant Lodge?

Stays at White Elephant Lodge start from around $430 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

White Elephant Game Lodge

South Africa

Zululand & The Elephant Coast

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