White Elephant Safaris is the only lodge in South Africa to offer Kariba-like, water-based safari activities. The 15 000-hectare Lake Jozini provides the focal feature of Pongola Game Reserve and is the perfect setting for an early morning or late afternoon boat cruise. Spot herds of antelope, hippo, and crocodile as well as an enormous variety of bird species during this cruise.

Cost (2026): Adults R560 pp | Children 4-12: R280 pp | Children 0-3: Free
Cost (2027): Adults R580 pp | Children 4-12: R290 pp | Children 0-3: Free

Time/duration: Early mornings or late afternoons (duration +/- 3 hours)
Group size: Minimum 4, maximum 12 per boat

*Rate includes a transfer to the boat.

*Please note, a 50% cancellation fee will be charged for late cancellations.

Book with your host via WhatsApp:

Alternatively, call your host at +27 (0)82 945 7174

Game drives are conducted in open 4×4 vehicles, either in the early morning or late afternoon by a professional guide who will show you not only the larger game but also the many varied and interesting smaller species in our game reserve.

Cost (2026): Adults R560 pp | Children 4-12: R280 pp | Children 0-3: Free
Cost (2027): Adults R580 pp | Children 4-12: R290 pp | Children 0-3: Free

Time/duration: Early mornings or late afternoons (duration +/- 3 hours)
Group size: Minimum 3, maximum 10 guests per vehicle

Book with your host via WhatsApp:

Alternatively, call your host on +27 (0)82 945 7174

Walking trails are very much a part of the White Elephant Safaris experience. Being on foot is not only a more energetic way of experiencing the Bush but also provides a ‘close-up’ invigorating encounter with Nature. The sounds, smells, and minute detail of the wilderness become much more apparent on a guided walk. The duration and speed of your walk will be tailored by your professional guide to suit your fitness and stamina. Walks go out daily, either early morning or late afternoon.

Cost (2026): Adults R320 pp | No children under 16 permitted
Cost (2027): Adults R340 pp | No children under 16 permitted

Time/duration: Early mornings or late afternoons (duration +/- 3 hours)
Group size: Minimum 2, maximum 6 adults per walk

Book with your host via WhatsApp:

Alternatively, call your host on +27 (0)82 945 7174

Lake Jozini is the most southern lake where tiger fish are endemic. It’s the ideal location for the novice fisherman to the expert angler for a tiger fish catch of a lifetime, strictly catch and release, of course. Tilapia, Barbel (sharp-toothed catfish), Yellowfish, Grass carp, Mozambique, and Red-Breasted Bream are also found in The Lake. The best time for tiger fishing at Lake Jozini is September through to April. Basic rods and tackle boxes are provided.

Per boat includes: Use of the boat, skipper, and a tank of fuel. (Max 12 guests)

1-5 Persons
2026: Half-day R2050 | Full-day R3500
2027: Half-day R2350 | Full-day R3800

6-8 Persons
2026: Half-day R2550 | Full-day R4200
2027: Half-day R2850 | Full-day R4500

Additional guests
2026: Half-day R150 pp | Full-day R280 pp
2027: Half-day R150 pp | Full-day R280 pp

Fishing Rod Hire
2026: R200 per rod per day
2027: R200 per rod per day

*Please note, additional charges apply for lost or damaged tackle or equipment.

Book with your host via WhatsApp:

Alternatively, call your host at +27 (0)82 945 7174

Bringing your own boat?

Guests are welcome to bring their own boat. Please inform us if you do.

White Elephant Safaris has its own launch site and jetty that guests may use. Please note, there are several lodges with jetties in the river. Please ensure you are using the correct jetty as you may have to pay a daily fee.

Guests need to check in at reception before heading to the launching site to launch their boat.

Contact the camp host or guide to assist you with directions.

Guests depart early morning or afternoon on a special conservation-orientated activity. The experience provides educational insight into the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project and aims to encourage a new respect for the "prehistoric" rhino.

This is a vehicle-based activity in which we set out to locate tracks, middens and, if lucky, sightings of black rhino. From the vehicle, we follow the natural signs – spoor, dung, and other evidence – to find rhino and show guests how we monitor them using technology, such as camera traps. If conditions and circumstances allow, (i.e. if deemed safe by the guide), we will approach these leviathans on foot, to truly appreciate their size and power. 

Finding rhino is by no means a certainty, as these beautiful animals’ inhabit thick bush, where they browse, rest and shelter from the heat of the sun. Even if the rhino cannot be located during the excursion, we will still enjoy the beauty of the environment and other animal sightings, as we would on a game drive.

Poaching and habitat loss are major threats to the black rhino's existence and may even rob the next generation of the opportunity to know these intriguing mammals. Part of our mission is to educate and spread the word about the beauty and vulnerabilities of these animals, with the hope that we can help protect them and their future.

Cost (2026): Adults R740 pp | No children under 12 permitted
Cost (2027): Adults R760 pp | No children under 12 permitted

Duration: +/-3 hours
Group size: Minimum 2, maximum 8

Book with your host via WhatsApp:

Alternatively, call your host on +27 (0)82 945 7174

Light your private outdoor wood-fired hot tub and relax after a day of exploring. Use your hot tub as a splash pool on the warmer days.

Go for a dip and cool down at the swimming pool overlooking the Lebombo mountains, Lake Jozini, and the plains of the reserve.