Welcome to AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris, Pongola Game Reserve
Welcome to AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris located in the beautiful and unhindered Pongola Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal.
AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris is the perfect destination for a self-catering getaway where land-based and water-based guided safaris are the highlights of your stay.
Pongola Game Reserve is the world’s second-oldest private reserve and the oldest in Africa, dating back to 1894. Here, at the shore of the 15 000-hectare Lake Jozini and at the foot of the majestic Lebombo Mountains you will find 12 fully equipped AfriCamps tents.
You will get the opportunity to spot various species of wildlife in our reserve including buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard, hyena, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, warthog, 12 different antelope species, and over 350 bird species. Hippo, crocodile, and tigerfish in Lake Jozini provide an exciting water-based safari experience. Safaris, guided bush walks, tiger fishing on Lake Jozini and sundowners by the pool are some of the must-dos during your stay. Spend a day in the life of a rhino and elephant researcher and uncover all the mysteries of these majestic, but vulnerable creatures. The experiences at this camp are both thrilling and educational and will give visitors an insightful look into conservation.
To end off your day, soak up the African sunset from your outdoor wood-fired hot tub and, if you’re lucky, antelope roaming among the tents will pay you a visit.
Have a memorable stay with us!
The White Elephant Safaris Team is led by camp owners Dr. Heinz Kohrs and his wife, Debbie. The team also manages the bush camp, umKhaya Cottage, and the White Elephant Research camp. White Elephant Safaris is situated on Leeuwspoor farm, where Dr Heinz grew up. The farm was purchased by Dr Heinz’ father, a cattle farmer, in 1954. He had a passion for conserving the few remaining game species on the farm and in 1963, was awarded the Natal Parks Board Conservationist of the Year trophy. It was during this period that he requested 10 warthogs for re-introduction to Leeuwspoor from Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve. Keep an eye out for these ‘Pumbas’ between the tents during your stay.
Like his father, Dr Heinz has a passion for conservation and eco-tourism and is committed to responsible travel that conserves the environment, sustaining the wellbeing of locals, and promoting education.
Dr Heinz Kohrs (BVSc) is a veterinary surgeon with a practice in Pongola dealing with domestic and wild animals as well as cattle. Dr Heinz’ special interest lies in the co-existence of man and wildlife. He has also been the driving force behind the reintroduction of elephants, buffalo, and rhinos into the reserve. He is a co-founder of the Pongola Game Reserve's Space for Elephants initiative, which is a partnership between the Pongola Game Reserve and the Space for Elephants Foundation (SEF). This project supports conservation and community projects in and around Pongola Game Reserve. One of the main objectives of SEF is to develop corridors (or ‘highways’) between protected areas to reinstate historic elephant migratory routes.
The Kohrs Family