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White Elephant Lodge


WHITE ELEPHANT LODGE, 5 STAR LODGE
KWAZULU NATAL LODGE ACCOMMODATION

At White Elephant Lodge, we value the journey that makes life so precious; the moments, memories and magic that makes up the filmstrip of our life. Better still, we want to be a part of this unique and important voyage so that we can leave a small imprint in the life that you create.

White Elephant Lodge is all about celebrating the moments, beauty and splendour of nature, in all its effortless wonder.

Activities

Guided game drives and bush walks are conducted by experienced guides. Our guides are committed to exposing the natural mysteries of this area to inquisitive guests, as well as to continuing to explore the ever-changing offerings that the wild boasts.

Cycling safaris are a one-of-a-kind experience, as guests traverse dusty African roads in the late afternoon. The warm sun beats down on your backs and the sights and smells of Africa are all around, ensuring a valuable memory that will be etched into your journey forever.

Lake Jozini is frequented by the local wildlife and is a fantastic venue for boat cruises. Fish Eagles and Hippos surround you as the fresh air embraces you. Avid fishers and bird watchers are well rewarded.

Fishing guides are at guests' disposal to ensure that fishing trips are as fruitful and informative as possible. Because of the variety of fish living in Lake Jozini, fishers of all levels of experience are sure to enjoy the experience.

Rhino are one of Africa's largest animals. Yet, their footsteps are almost silent. Guided walks offer visitors from around the world to enter into their environment and to learn about their habits and the threats they face from cruel poachers.

We have dubbed the exciting opportunity to interact with the mighty Elephant of the reserve 'elephanting'. Guests of White Elephant Lodge are able to participate in our Research Programme, as you stand in their footsteps and become part of their awesome presence.

Zululand Mission Air Transport soars effortlessly over the grandiose Lebombo Mountains and the lodge. This service also brings medical assistance to the rural people in the remote areas of Maputaland. ZUMAT's committed pilots demonstrate the spirit of care and humanity that defines the essence of this community.

Dumazulu Cultural Village and Illala Basket Weavers are lovely day visits and can be arranged through White Elephant Lodge. In addition, guests are advised to visit the rural schools, Zulu chiefs and herbal doctors for an authentically African experience. Surrounding Maputaland game- and nature reserves include Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, Mkuze, Itala, Ndumu, Tembe and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park.

The "Ubombo Children's Care Village" is nestled within the Ubombo village. This is a special refuge for children to be nurtured and cared for in a warm environment. This important project began with no fixed income, and achieved success only through the help of many remarkable and generous people. Thanks to this assistance, the property has been purchased to provide a secure home for the local children.

Pongola Game Reserve

The Pongola Game Reserve was first declared as such in 1894, and is the second-oldest reserve in the world. Giraffe, Wildebeest, Zebra, Impala, Hyena, Buffalo, Rhino and Leopard reside in this sanctuary, and are supported by a host of other animals. Two breeding herds of Elephants were reintroduced just over 100 years ago.

Over 350 species of birds are found in this area, taking advantage of the range of habitats and all that it implies.

Pongola Game Reserve is a conservation project that demonstrates cooperation between private landowners in the area, tribal communities and government conservation services. As a project, Pongola aims to form a Big Five reserve that is ecologically, socially and economically viable. The "Space for Elephant" Foundation has allied itself to this initiative in order to accomplish a biosphere that is large enough to sustain an elephant population of 1000 elephants. It also aims to facilitate the re-establishment of the migration routes that were once so deeply etched in the African soil.

History

The awe-inspiring Lebombo Mountains emanate from the hot, humid Maputuland plains. Expansive herds of a variety of game enticed hunters and explorers alike, which was the onset of the white man's advancement into the area in the early 19th century. "Elephant White" was a hunter who shot 15 elephant in one season and reaped his fortunes in doing so. At that time, Africa boasted such abundance, it seemed inexhaustible. However, hunters ravaged the area to such an extent that the game numbers began to deplete. In 1874, President Kruger proclaimed the Pongola Game Reserve the first reserve in Africa to counteract this sad situation.

This game reserve was abandoned in the chaos of the Anglo Boer War in 1899. Thereafter, a shortage of finance, confusion of borders and complicated political activities meant that this game reserve came to be considered a "white elephant".

After 1918, when World War I was finally declared over, people tried to cultivate and develop the African plains. However, this tough environment was relentless, and only rewarded these toiling people with drought and disease. Sleeping sickness, inflicted by the Tsetse fly, was a major challenge. Due to the uninformed nature of the population, they believed that they had to kill the game in order to get rid of the flies. As a result, hundreds of thousands of harmless animals were slaughtered. By 1940, game numbers were almost completely annihilated, leaving only the Tsetse fly behind.

In 1948, the notorious DDT insecticide meant that the Tsetse fly was finally combated. This relief meant that cattle were able to abound and the sugar cane expanded along the course of the Pongola River.

Construction of Jozini Dam began in 1970, but it was flawed and caused considerable controversy. It, too, became known as a "white elephant".

Finally, in 1993, relief came for the area. Fences were destroyed and valuable game was re-introduced. Two herds of elephant were re-located to the "new" reserve to revitalise this valuable African resource. One of members of these herds is partly albino, a true "white elephant"! It has been 100 years since Lebombo thundered to the deep call of these mighty beasts, and this impressive sound once again resounds.

The name of the newly-restored lodge has an interesting origin. In 1999, a sizeable bull elephant pushed one of the impressive Mphafa tree in the lodge's garden right over. It was this tree that had given the lodge its name, so it seemed appropriate that the refurbished lodge be renamed "White Elephant".

In the last century, this area has undergone tragic losses, abundance and progress. We are convinced that large herds of powerful animals will, once again, dominate these plains.

Location

White Elephant Lodge is nestled in the stunning Pongola Game Reserve, which towers over the escarpment of the Lebombo Mountains, Lake Jozini and the breathtaking savannah woodland of Zululand.

By road, White Elephant Lodge is easily accessible from the South African provinces of Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal, as it is conveniently situated directly adjacent to the main N2 route on the East Coast, between Mkuze Village and Pongola.

White Elephant Lodge is also close to many popular game- and nature reserves in Zululand. These include Mkuze Game Reserve, Ndumo Game Reserve, Tembe Elephant Reserve, the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park.