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God wrested the beautiful Lebombo Mountains from the steamy Maputuland plains and here nature ruled with a harsh hand for hundreds of years.

But the vast herds of game lured determined men, hunters and explorers.

The abundant game began to dwindle. In 1874, President Kruger proclaimed the Pongola Game Reserve, the first reserve in Africa.

Finally, in 1993 the wheel had turned full circle. Fences were dropped and game re-introductions began. Two elephant herds were re-located to our "new" reserve. One of these elephants is an albino, not entirely white but a symbolic reminder of the past "white elephants" After 100 years, the Lebombo reverberated again with triumphant sounds of nature!

In 1999, shrouded in the mist of early morning, a large elephant bull pushed over the mighty Mphafa tree in the Lodge's garden. It was this tree that had given the lodge its name. It seemed fitting that the newly - restored Lodge be renamed "White Elephant"

Originally built in the 1920's, this 16-bedded lodge captures the history and romance of the "colonial era".

Unwind with dusky birdcalls, moonlit vistas and the distant gentle lapping of water.

Luxurious, tented safari lodge with the ambience and romance of a bygone era.

Spectacular views of the majestic Lebombo Mountains and distant waters of Lake Jozini.

Game drives, guided walks and elephant tracking. Brilliant bird-watching and game viewing.

Tiger-fishing and sunset lake cruises.

Excellent cuisine and personalised service.
Private, exclusive experience.

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From Gauteng and Durban, the lodge is easily accessible, being situated directly adjacent to the main N2 East Coast route, between Mkuze Village and Pongola.

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From Durban:

- Follow the N2 north towards Hluhluwe and then onto Mkuze.
- Continue along the N2 passed the turn-off to Mkuze as if heading towards Pongola.
- Approximately 24 km from the Mkuze turn-off you will see a sign on your left had side that says PONGOLA GAME RESERVE.
- Turn in here. The Lodge's are signposted from here.

From Johannesburg:

- Take the N12 to middelburg, branching off onto the N11 to Hendrina and then onto Ermelo.
- From Ermelo you will follow the N2 towards Piet Retief then onto Pongola. - Continue along the N2 through Pongola.
- Approximately 38-39 km from Pongola you will see a sign on your left hand side that says WHITE ELEPHANT LODGE.
- A little futher on you will see a brown sign on you left hand side again that says PONGOLA GAME RESERVE. Please turn in here.

Safari Lodge guests can disembark at Mkuze airport - which is a little more than one hour flying time from Durban - where you will be met by one of our staff, who will transfer you free of charge in our airconditioned VW Microbus; the transfer will take approximately 20 minutes from Mkuze airfield to the entrance of Pongola Game Reserve (from there it normally takes about 10 minutes to the lodge itself). Guests for White Elephant can also fly to us from any of the Johannesburg airports, direct to our nearby Mkuze tarred runway.

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Kindly note that the Pongola Game Reserve gate times are from 6:00am to 18:00. This is a standard precaution for your own safety and security. An entrance fee is payable at the Pongola Game Reserve main gate in order to gain admittance.

Cancellation Policy: If cancelled up to 31 days before date of arrival, no fee will be charged.
If cancelled up to 15 days before date of arrival, 50 percent of all nights will be charged.
If cancelled later or in case of no-show, the total price of the reservation will be charged.

Children and Extra Bed Policy: Children older than 12 years are welcome.
Baby cots are not available.
Extra beds are not available.
There is no capacity for extra beds/cots in the room.

Deposit Policy: The total price of the reservation will be charged at least 30 days prior to arrival and is refundable.

VAT and city/tourist taxes: VAT is included.
Service charge is included.
City/tourist tax is included.

Internet: No internet access available.

Meal Plan: Full board is included in the room rate.

Parking: Free private parking is possible on site.

Pets: Pets are not allowed.


The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.