Travel and general information

Security

*Gate Entrance Fee is R25 per vehicle, payable in CASH at the gate.

*VERY IMPORTANT. PLEASE NOTE: The Game Reserve gate closes STRICTLY at 18h00 (for YOUR safety as well as the safety of our staff and wild animals)

*NO entry what-so-ever is permitted after 18.00. *Plan carefully to ensure that you arrive at the gate BEFORE 18h00 (factor in extra time for heavy traffic, potholed roads, accidents, and any other unforeseen delays).

Pongola Game Reserve has strict security systems and access control and is thus a safe area. 

Road Access

Please note the road to the camps are a rocky gravel road but is accessible with a normal sedan that has good ground clearance. The drive in could result in very good game sightings if you take it slow. If Elephant are encountered on the road, stop at a safe distance and wait for them to move off before you continue driving. Once inside the Pongola Game Reserve, do not leave your car until you arrive at the lodge. Remember, our wildlife have right of way. Please request detailed directions from Reservations office.

Avoid travelling at night. The South African Roads are frequently under construction and maintenance. Roads often have potholes and are subject to heavy truck and taxi traffic. Also many cattle, other animals and pedestrians can be encountered on the roads.

The wildlife in the reserve constitutes a potential danger to all persons, therefore do not walk or drive around without being accompanied by a guide outside of the lodges fenced in areas.

For general travel safety please ask your travel agency, or contact us for more information.

Air Access

SA Express operates daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Richards Bay Airport. SA Airlink offers scheduled flights three times a week from Johannesburg via Skukuza to Mkuze Airstrip, please enquire with reservations. Private air charter from Durban/Johannesburg/Kruger National Park to Mkuze can be arranged. The lodge also has its own private landing strip for light aircrafts (co-ordinates: S27 24 671 E31 52 822) and a helipad (co-ordinates: S27 23 32 E31 54 545).

Insurance

We highly recommend that travel insurance is taken out.

Transfers

Transfers can be arranged with reservations on request at an additional cost. All transfers are handled by accredited car hire and charter companies. All transfers must be arranged prior to arrival.

Gate hours are strictly 6h00 – 18h00. A fee of  R 25 per vehicle/boat at the entrance gate. 

Malaria

Pongola Game Reserve is Malaria free. However, if you are travelling via Mpumalanga and Swaziland or to the Northern coastal areas of KwaZulu Natal, before or after your visit to White Elephant, we advise the use of anit-malaria medication.

Please remember that the best insurance against contracting malaria is to prevent mosquito bites. 95% of malarial infections occur between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. It is advised to use mosquito repellents liberallyand to wear long sleeved shirts and slacks in the evenings. Mosquito repellent is provided in our lodges, as well as mosquito nets on all beds. Tents/chalets have mosquito gauze on windows/doors for guests’ comfort.

If you become ill on your return, whilst still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped, make sure that your doctor does everything necessary to establish that your illness is not malaria. It is essential to seek specialist advice– a delay of even 48 hours can be dangerous. Prompt and proper treatment of malaria should always be successful. Six/seven days is the minimum incubation period.

Other health precautions

Tick bite fever can be contracted from the ticks found in our game reserve.

We suggest that you spray all your packed clothing, socks and shoes with a tick repellant (such as Bayticol) prior to your safari and then re-applying repellent once you are at White Elephant Safaris  before going out on game activities. 

Should you have flu-like symptoms approximately 14 days after tick exposure, consult a doctor.

Clothing

Khaki clothing and good walking shoes are advised for those guests who wish to participate in game activities. Hats, sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended for use throughout the year.

During the summer months (October to March) cool cotton clothing is advisable as well as anoraks or raincoats as afternoon thunderstorms often prevail.

Jerseys and pullovers are suggested for the winter months of May through to August.

 

Temperatures

Northern Zululand is situated in the subtropical zone of Southern Africa (Summer rainfall area). Temperatures average 34°c during the summer months

of October through March. Winter months May through August, temperatures are moderate averaging 23°c.

Indemnity

White Elephant is host to a diversity of wildlife species. Guests are advised not to venture away from the camp and gardens without the company of a guide.

All guests are required to sign an indemnity form on arrival at their respective camp.

Reservations and booking conditions

All reservations are made through White Elephant central reservations office. Office Hours 8:00 – 16:00 WEEKDAYS or online via our website.

CANCELLATION FEE POLICY:
 100% payable if cancelled 7 days or less prior to arrival date
 75% payable if cancelled 1 to 4 weeks prior to arrival date
 50% payable if cancelled 4 to 6 weeks prior to arrival date
 25% payable if cancelled 6 to 8 weeks prior to arrival date

A deposit is required to confirm and secure all bookings.

Children of all ages welcome.

Payments can be made by direct deposit or credit card. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

PLEASE NOTE

NOTE: PROPERTY IS STRICTLY SELF CATERING, ALL FOOD AND BEVERAGES MUST BE BOUGHT BEFORE ARRIVAL, AS THE CLOSEST SHOP IS 50 KM AWAY AND WE DO NOT HAVE A RESTAURANT ON THE PROPERTY.
Kindly inform reservations of any specific interest you might have in terms of activities.