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Camp
Jabulani is a sublime experience. A perfect translation of the
African bush, reduced to a classic and elegant environment fit for
princes and kings – but warm enough to make the most
“down-to-earth” feel completely at home.
Rich
textures of organic elements create a harmonious and pleasing balance
between “designer” and “authentic”. An open flow of light and
air allow for a communion with the African bush without forsaking
optimum comfort. Rich woods, crystal glasses, silver service somehow
seamlessly blend into an experience of genuine hospitality and sensory
indulgence.
The
camp is built along the bank of a seasonal stream in the protective
shade of impressive leadwood trees. Six luxurious suites afford the
ultimate exclusivity. An open air spa promises the finest products in
the midst of nature in its’ purest form.
The
sole objective of the team of professionally skilled and personable
staff is to meet the needs of their valued guests. To indulge, spoil,
pamper and entertain. But most importantly - to share with them the
story and the experience of the elephants.
Accommodation
Each of the six luxury suites are remote
and private. With every creature comfort met, the suites offer the
optimum environment in which to relax and recharge. Massive wooden
sliding doors present interiors which are a pure translation of style,
comfort, elegance and appreciation of the environment.
Pure
cotton sheets, massive bath-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 blanket. Comfort is ensured by the 24 hour
temperature control and overhead ceiling fan. A
dedicated butler completes the experience by personally responding to
the needs of the guest. 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
response to the ever-growing global demand for family travel, Camp
Jabulani will be launching a brand new and exclusive unit in September
2009. Aptly named The Zindoga Suite, this unit is named after the
first male born to the herd in 2007, and means "On Its
Own".
Designed
to blend with the surrounding bush in the same manner as the existing
camp, the two luxury units will be specifically tailored to appeal to
smaller groups, and families with children of all ages. The Zindoga
Suite will be sold as an exclusive unit (maximum capacity is 6,
with 2 adults in one of the luxury units, and 2 adults with 2
children in the other). A dedicated chef and team of staff will be on
hand to ensure that each member of the party enjoys their safari
experience in optimum comfort and luxury.
Cuisine
Rudolf
van den Berg is the chef at Camp Jabulani. A
graduate of the Institute of Culinary Arts in Stellenbosch, Rudolf is
ardent about cooking and says: “For me cooking is like music, a
symphony of flavours. It is a show and the show can never stop.”
Meal
times at Camp Jabulani truly are a celebration of the senses. Perfectly
sized portions are arranged in an art form of colour, texture and
balance. A fusion of tastes and ingredients thrill the palate. As course
after course materialise from the magicians in the kitchen – culinary
appreciation reaches altogether new heights.
Only
fresh ingredients are used in each of the dishes prepared. Home baked
muffins and tea time treats, as well as sundowner snacks are created
each day.
Many
would argue that no good meal is complete without a good bottle of fine
South African wine. Camp Jabulani has a good selection of both red and
white wines proudly produced in the rich and unique wine-lands of the
Cape.
Prepare
to feast like a king!
Wellness
Centre
No spa experience quite touches the one enjoyed in
the African bush. As one surrenders the body to the soothing treatments
on offer, the elements of the bush take over. Hearing sounds as if
magnified through vapour, or feeling the warm breeze weave its African
magic.
"Absolutely
natural and absolutely pure" is our motto.
Products
are manufactured from top quality base and essential oils. No artificial
substances are added.
Only
the finest ingredients are used, including indigenous fynbos essential
oils – such as Cape Kapokbush (also called Cape Chamomile) and
Snowbush.
Elephant
Back Safaris
Nothing
quite tops the first introduction to the Camp Jabulani elephants! Their
sheer size and presence is humbling.
Camp
Jabulani 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 particpant 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. 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.
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 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!
One
thing is certain – one cannot help but be changed forever after
sharing an experience with the Camp Jabulani elephants.
Game
Drives
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.
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.
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