Blog - White Elephant Safaris

Nesibindi Capture

2025-11-14T00:00:00+02:00

At the ripe age of 25, he has sired more than 15 calves and will continue to do so in a new area to strengthen the genetic diversity of his species. One of the many challenges these incredible animals face is a genetic bottleneck due to low population numbers.

Ezemvelo’s continuous hard work — gathering DNA samples for their database, analysing this data, and then using it to swap bulls and females between sites — helps ensure a genetically diverse meta-population.

At Pongola Game Reserve, where Nesibindi ruled as the dominant bull, he was captured by Ezemvelo and transported to a new area along with a female captured from a different site. There, several new females anxiously awaited the arrival of this experienced bull.

He was a legend on the reserve, taking no nonsense from anyone or anything! We will all miss him terribly but take comfort in the knowledge that he is playing a crucial role in securing the future of the critically endangered Black Rhino. Pongola Game Reserve will soon receive two new breeding bulls to continue the race against extinction.

On the morning of Nesibindi’s capture, he mock-charged Sipho Mtshali, one of our dedicated guides with a great love for these explosive creatures. “It’s sad — he said goodbye till we meet again,” were the emotional words of Sipho after Nesibindi was loaded a few hours later.

Nesibindi safely arrived at his new home later that afternoon. His tracks and scrapings will disappear from Pongola Game Reserve but will reappear in a new area — marking a new beginning.

The current Black Rhino population is approximately 6,700, a significant recovery from the low of 2,140 individuals recorded in 1995. They are found in 12 African countries, with the majority in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.

This recovery is due to the incredible efforts of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, WWF, Project Rhino, The Bateleurs, and dedicated rhino monitors. Anti-poaching units on the ground, in the air, and on the water work tirelessly to protect rhinos from being killed for their horns.

Ezemvelo has also launched a major project to dehorn rhinos to deter poachers. Approximately 1,071 rhinos have been dehorned as part of this anti-poaching initiative launched in April 2024. This large-scale operation has shown promising results, with poaching incidents dropping significantly.

Bird Ringers strike gold

2025-10-17T00:00:00+02:00

White Elephant (Bird) Ringing Group has been active since 2004 and to date has ringed nearly 2,500 birds of 127 species. In November 2024, 22 ringers and helpers from 4 countries gathered at the Bush Camp and Umkhaya Cottage. They set out each morning for different parts of Pongola Game Reserve South to erect their mist nets. Over a period of 3 weeks, 35 Red-backed Shrikes were caught, ringed, measured and released back to the wild. The bird later found in Egypt, was ringed by Ezra Shirwell from the UK.

Lyndon Roberts (lead ringer) commented as follows: “This exciting long-distance recovery of one our ringed birds matches with the classic pattern of ‘loop migration’ known to be exhibited by this species. The route south (which peaks in August and September tends to be concentrated over the Mediterranean, especially the Greek mainland and islands. Northward migration, on the other hand, is usually well to the east, bypassing the Mediterranean altogether.”

In former times the Red-backed Shrike Lanuis collurio was known in the UK (where unfortunately it is now largely absent), as ‘the butcher bird’ owing to its habit of impaling prey on thorns, until ready to eat it. Although shrikes do sometimes take small songbirds, their usual prey consists of insects and small vertebrates.

The Ringing Group will be returning to White Elephant on 13 November (2025) for 4 weeks. Guests will be welcome to join a ringing session by arrangement. Please just speak to one of the staff if you are interested. This is a unique opportunity to see birds close-up, get some supervised hands-on experience and learn about the scientific and conservation value of bird ringing.

To learn more about bird ringing in southern Africa, please go to the Safring website at: https://safring.ringing.africa/

WORLD RHINO DAY 2025

2025-09-19T00:00:00+02:00

As many of you know, our reserve is part of the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. If you’re new to it, you can read more about the project and its purpose on WWF's website here and here.

Meet Cusha – our beloved founder female. At the remarkable age of 25, she has survived the relentless wave of poaching that threatens her species. Her name means “to hide”, a fitting description for a mother who quietly raises her calves, with her secret life revealed only through our trail cameras. She is currently raising her seventh calf, fiercely protective and wise in equal measure.

Saving this extraordinary species requires collective action. Just 6 788 black rhinos remain in the wild – a sobering number – yet, it is also a story of hope: in the late 1990s, numbers had plummeted to around 2 000, and only through dedicated conservation efforts across Africa have we seen this recovery.

Cusha and the rest of her kind rely on these ongoing efforts to survive the senseless demand for rhino horn. Greed not only disturbs the balance of nature but also erodes the future of humanity. Climate change, global warming and traditional medicine demands are together chipping away at the very core of our existence.

🌍 PLEASE HELP PROTECT CUSHA AND HER HABITAT.

#ProjectRhino plays a vital role in supporting both private and public reserves to keep rhinos safe. If you feel moved to help, please click here.

World Conservation Day

2024-07-28T00:00:00+02:00

The below companies all send groups to stay at our Research Camp. They each have a different market, area of focus and programme, yet they all have one thing in common: Conservation!

African Insight Academy

Inspire, Educate, Empower!! African Insight Academy’s slogan... it says it all really. We have been working with African Insight since 2018 building up our camp and facilities to accommodate a wide range of groups. African Insight has been facilitating meaningful field trips for international and local schools, colleges and universities for the last 25 years. Hosting over 18,000 students. Every field trip is carefully thought out and fine tuned to complement, enhance and enrich each study programme and age group.

African Insight Academy create wildlife, conservation and traditional cultural experiences for young people that give them a life-changing opportunity to learn. This type of beyond-the-classroom education opens students’ hearts and minds to the diverse world they live in. “Through experiences such as these, young people begin to learn the most important life lesson of all: the essential role they play in building and shaping a sustainable future for all.”

Live4Now

Live4Now..live for the moment and follow your dreams before its too late. Live4Now’s aim of their programmes is for students from all over the world to come to South Africa and gain practical experience in their field of study and to use the experience gained here to not only supplement their studies but to increase their passion in their particular field.

By exploring the world, seeing all the beauty it has to offer and learning from it. This gives them the passion and knowledge to better it.

Discover Eden

Discover Eden are passionate about introducing the wonders of our magnificent country South Africa, as well as biodiverse countries like Kenya and Ecuador.

At Discover Eden they acknowledge the importance of participating in meaningful short-term courses that provide real experiences within the conservation field. This not only helps students realize the variety of career opportunities around but provides them with the relevant knowledge on a practical scale to acquaint the theoretical studies they collected in university

Bird Ringing November 2023

2024-01-17T00:00:00+02:00

Bird ringing is an important scientific tool which tells us a great deal about the health, survival and mobility of the bird population. Ringing data is used by scientists in population models to inform the conservation of our wild birds. All ringing projects are carried under a strict permit system; in this case, permits were issued by Safring https://safring.birdmap.africa/ and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife http://www.kznwildlife.com/. All bird ringers are highly trained to ensure that that the birds they handle are not harmed in any way, while assistants and less experienced handlers are very closely supervised. After processing, birds are released back to the wild. The highlight of this latest ringing session at White Elephant was the recapture of an African Scops Owl (Otus senegalensis), ringed by the late Dr. Barry Taylor in 2014 in more or less the same place that it was originally caught. This recapture extends the longevity record for O. senegalensis by almost one year (the previous record being held by an individual caught, ringed and locally recaptured in Namibia).

YouTube Video Link

World Elephant Day 2022

2022-08-12T00:00:00+02:00

With the support from Save the Elephants, Council of contributors and Project Rhino, we have reduced human elephant conflict in our area. Our newly employed elephant monitor in eSwatini is doing great in the accomplishment of this. I also continuously monitor the Elephants in the Biosphere Reserve.

Let us celebrate this day with our epic elephants and work together to face all the challenges these mega herbivores are currently experiencing – Ubuntu!

“There is an animal that fills the sky, that can block out the sun and that allows you to feel small. When they contact rumble each other you can feel the tremors beneath the soles of your bare feet. When they flap their ears, it reminds you of the sound of thunderstorms slowly building momentum in the distance, on a hot African day. They can melt your heart when you watch them guard the bones of their kind. When you see the direct trunk –lifts for their young, so they don’t unnecessarily have to struggle over obstacles, you know that we need to be kinder too. When you watch how youthful jostling bulls suddenly stand still as if on parade when a mature bull walks past, you realize that we have forgotten what respect is. When you watch elephants, you will discover a society that is lesson-ready to learn from their elders. We need this type of peaceful-yet-powerful presence in this world. We need to learn how to balance power with great care for one another. As I grow older I realize they are the nation I want to be with. I want to live in a world of constant gardeners that plant seeds as they go. I want to be close to those that don’t talk more than what the birds sing and when they have something to say, it is mostly comforting. Like them, I want to breathe clean air and rest in the shade of large trees while drinking from clear streams. At night I too want to sleep in silence surrounded by darkness. Long may the elephants be our teachers. Long may we guard our grey, crinkle-clad friends and like them listen to the voices of the elders” - Michelle Deborah Henley

What can I do you ask? Go to https://worldelephantday.org/ and sign the pledge to learn about what others are doing to conserve and protect elephants. Support efforts to treat and care for these magnificent creatures in non-exploitive and sustainable environments where they can thrive.

Warmest Regards

Suzette Boshoff

A TRIBUTE TO TWO GREAT CONSERVATION CHARACTERS AND A LAND ROVER

2021-07-30T00:00:00+02:00

Nicknamed ‘Blythe the Bhejane’, she was driven from England across Africa to Namibia in 1988 and given to Blythe as a gift, to be used for her work in the Save the Rhino Trust. Blythe was a legend in Namibian wildlife circles; during the Border War in northern Namibia and southern Angola, she courageously took on the might of the South African military, including colonels, generals and influential politicians, who were illegally hunting elephants and the critically endangered desert black rhino at the time. Unconventionally, Blythe also enlisted the help of tribal chiefs, news media, miners, geologists and even soldiers, and appointed rehabilitated poachers as game guards. She involved village communities, badgered government officials and set up community tourism programmes. Blythe deservedly won the prestigious IUCN Survival Award for Conservation of an Endangered Species in 1992 and together with her friend Ina Britz (co-founder of Save the Rhino Trust Namibia), is still today credited with saving the desert black rhino from extinction.

After Blythe’s death in 2005, her brother Digs went to Namibia and drove the battered old Defender nearly 3,000Km back to Zululand. As unconventional and as serious about conservation as his sister, Digs particularly loved elephants. He established the Space the Elephants Foundation and together with Dr Heinz Kohrs from White Elephant Safaris, dedicated much of his life to the elephants of Pongola and Jozini.

Digs joined us on many an expedition; he once arrived with a single tin of pilchards and half-loaf of bread for a journey that lasted 38 days! In Mana Pools, we found him sitting alone on the banks of the great Zambezi River, his back against an Acacia Albida tree making elephant rumbling sounds, as hundreds of elephants surrounded him on their way to the river to drink. A few years ago, we gave him the honour of christening ‘Mashozi’, our new Defender 130, at the Land Rover Jamboree; he smashed the champagne bottle against the bull-bar so hard that shards of glass flew in all directions and slashed a big cut on the arm of Land Rover International’s MD. ‘Wear that scar with pride – it’s for our rhinos!’ he famously shouted, as we rushed to stop the bleeding. That Defender was quickly covered from axle to roof-rack and from bonnet to tailgate in hundreds of messages of support for rhinos and became a powerful, moving billboard against rhino poaching. Digs was also one of the founders of our Rhino and Elephant Art educational programme that’s now reached over 600,000 kids throughout Africa and beyond.

Zulus have a unique art of giving people uncannily accurate nicknames that are often insights to their soul. In Dig’s case, it was ‘Yandlulindlovu’ — ‘Let the elephants pass’. Digs passed away on 24 July 2018, but his legacy and indomitable spirit live on in the many lives he touched in this special part of Zululand – human, rhino and elephant.

We’re convinced that Digs’ spirit was with us this past weekend. When Ricky Sparks (Empangeni’s legendary LandyMan) who’d been storing ‘Blythe the Bhejane’ at his Land Rover workshop told us that he had a gap last Friday afternoon to tow the old Landy to White Elephant Safaris for its ‘planting’ outside Digs’ eclectic museum of all-sorts known as The Loose Mongoose – which galvanised us into action – we didn’t realise that, by some strange quirk of fate, Saturday 24 July was the anniversary of Digs’ death.

And how can you explain – when Dr Heinz Kohrs went to start his beautifully restored 1958 Series 1 to join the Landy Tribute Convoy that would accompany ‘Blythe’ to her final resting place, he was delayed because a little banded mongoose had somehow managed to get itself wedged in the engine? He carefully eased it out and it scampered off – a true ‘loose mongoose’!

And finally, as we were building an ‘iSivivane’ (stone cairn) in tribute to Blythe, Digs and their Landy and as a memorial to their beloved rhinos and elephants, the most beautiful and unexpected rainbow appeared in the skies above.

Dr Heinz said it best: “It’s wonderful that this special Land Rover’s final resting place is here in Digs’ old stomping ground within the oldest game reserve in Africa, right where she belongs on the shores of Lake Jozini below the majestic Lubombo Mountains, where elephants and rhinos still roam.”

A big thank you to everyone took part in this special tribute, especially Ricky Sparks, Digs’ grandson Jean-Michel and son-in-law Pierre Delvaux, Casper Strydom (White Elephant’s resident Landy mechanic who got ‘Blythe’ going for her final drive), his wife Vicky and 2-year-old Tobias (who loved pretending to drive ‘Blythe’), Richard ‘Mahlembehlembe’ Mabanga, Grant Fowlds and Dr Heinz and his family.

If you’re ever in the Lake Jozini area, go stay at White Elephant Safaris on Pongola Game Reserve (a great bush-break, even with tiger fishing) and visit ‘Blythe the Bhejane’. On the track that leads to The Loose Mongoose, you’ll see the iSivivane; so spit on a stone to propitiate the spirits and add it to the pile, in memory of two great conservationists and their old Defender, who did so much for Africa’s rhinos and elephants.

Thanks to Casper Strydom for the moving video tribute and the Kingsley Holgate Foundation for the story.

You can view the tribute video in the gallery

Respect for Elephants

2021-03-23T00:00:00+02:00

Previous sightings of elephants near this summit were in 2016 after a severe drought 'forced' them to look for browse and grazing near the community homesteads where luscious marula trees were intact after many decades of elephants not being in the area. The last elephant was killed in the early 1900's in the Pongolapoort before they were reintroduced in 1997.

It is interesting to note that the big game hunter and ivory trader, "Elephant" White, shot over 150 elephants in one season in the 1860's in the Pongolapoort, which now holds the Jozini Dam.

Once again, we have learnt from dedicated monitoring and research of our elephant in the PGR, is that elephant need mega SPACE to roam and migrate, which they always had up to the 1800's, before the scramble for Africa divided up the African continent with borders, boundaries, roads, railways, 'new age' monoculture and settlements. With this 'colonisation' came development, prosperity, exploitation and high human population growth; all of which has led to the demise of our natural resources and wildlife inhabitants; particularly the elephant for his ivory.

Today we have pockets and small 'islands' of wilderness with remaining wildlife, which is not enough SPACE for migratory species like elephant and wild dogs.

The only way we can provide that SPACE is for man to value elephant and grant them the respect and dignity of access to their ancient migrating pathways and land by way of creating elephant corridors.

SPACE for Elephant was founded in 1999 when two elephant bulls went on a wanderlust from PGR to Mkuze Falls Game Reserve in search of SPACE and other companions. We realised that elephant need to be accommodated on their wanderings – to not have to negotiate fences, roads, settlements, crops and humans who no longer know or understand these magnificent, dignified beasts of the African bush.

A couple of years after this first 'escape', two more bulls tried to negotiate their way back to the Kruger National Park via their ancient migratory routes through eSwatini - obviously without success. Why? Because of us: people, humans who have developed and settled all over the country, without any consideration for the original inhabitants of this land - the elephant. Their migratory routes are now blocked, and crowds gather and harass them in their efforts to reach their old destinations and greener seasonal pastures.

Did you know that most of our roads, highways and railway lines are all built along old elephant migratory pathways? Yes, even the Trekboers migrated from the Cape of Good Hope north into the interior and over the Drakensberg into Kwazulu-Natal following the ancient well-established elephant pathways.

The same can be said of the ancestral Nguni people and their civilisations, who all originate from East and Central Africa. These tribes gradually moved south along the elephant marula lanes and pathways as nomadic pastoralists, never settling permanently at one place for long, living side by side with elephant and other wildlife. They learned from elephant how to find the source of water, salt licks, marulas, use of herbal medicines and positive concepts such as ubuntu and family values.

Elephant are an example of family unity; caring for their young and old; of leadership, and tolerance, never aggressive unless persecuted; adaptable to change; ability to listen and learn (with big ears); quiet animals (silent is golden!).

Why did man never factor in the survival of elephant on the land that they once owned and roamed in peace before our arrival? Was (is) it greed for wealth (ivory), ego (hunting elephant), hunger (poaching) barbarism, or shear ignorance?

Even today in our so called developing and developed societies, and 'civilisations', the great majority of people (yes, you reading this) do not respect or care to accommodate elephant on your land, near your homestead or anywhere, because you do not consider wildlife or possibly anyone else for that matter.

It is time for us to reflect on why we and our land are troubled. We must learn to treat animals with reverence, learn to care for our fellow man and nurture the environment because we all need to live together with respect and dignity.

Learn from the majestic elephant. They are the engineers that first surveyed our roads. Now give them the SPACE that they need for their own migratory pathways and treat them with the respect they deserve.

Bayete Ndlovu Bayete!

Mahatma Gandhi acutely observed that "the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." To seek to reduce the suffering of those who are completely under one's domination, and unable to fight back, is truly a mark of a civilised society.

Dr Heinz Kohrs is a descendant of the Hermannsburg Missionaries who first arrived in KwaZulu Natal in 1854 to teach Christianity amongst the Zulu nation. He is a veterinarian practicing in Phongolo and was instrumental in the reintroduction of elephant into the Pongolapoort and co-founder of the Space for Elephants Foundation.

Vulture Rescue

2021-02-25T00:00:00+02:00

On the 21st January Casper Strydom, our Project Manager, was told that an injured vulture had been sighted on the reserve. Once found, he was easily rescued, and brought back to the Research Centre where he was closely monitored and examined by Dr. Kirstin Kohrs. He was kept overnight and the following morning a team from Wildlife ACT, supported by Ezemvelo KZN WIldlife and the Zululand Vulture Project, organized transport to take him to Ben Hoffman's Raptor Rescue Rehabilitation Centre in Pietermaritzburg. He has a fractured clavicle but is doing well and will hopefully make a full recovery.

A massive thanks to PJ Roberts, Pippa Orpen and Zama Ncube from Wildlife ACT and to Ben Hoffman for taking him in.

The African White-Backed Vulture is critically endangered and faces many threats. Some of these threats include poisoning, habitat loss and collisions with power lines. Pongola Game Reserve is an important stronghold for breeding vultures in the northern part of Zululand.

Over the past 10 years, this region has seen a severe decline in the number of breeding pairs, but Pongola Game Reserve continues to be home to more than 10 nesting pairs each year. We are proud to play our part in conserving the remaining habitat these birds have left and protecting the species from extinction.

White Elephant Safaris Joins AfriCamps

2019-08-16T00:00:00+02:00

Our joint venture with AfriCamps, South Africa's boutique camping specialist, will offer guests all the thrills of nature combined with the comforts of home.
Our team will manage and maintain the camp, keeping the Safari Lodge image that we have passionately developed. Game drives, boat cruises, guided walks, tiger fishing, black rhino tracking and elephant research program will remain on offer to our guests.

Food services will include a breakfast and braai basket freshly packed (uncooked) to order; a signature of the AfriCamps experience.

All the administration and marketing will be handled by AfriCamps, however, White Elephant Bush Camp, umKhaya Cottage and our new White Elephant Research Camp will continue unchanged.

Bookings for the new AfriCamps at White Elephant can be made through the affiliate link on our White Elephant website (www.whiteelephant.co.za) or on the AfriCamps (www.africamps.com) online booking system.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause for existing bookings and know that you will embrace this new adventure with equal enthusiasm.

Tree planting

2019-06-11T00:00:00+02:00

On the 11th May Heinz Kohrs and members of White Elephant Safaris held a tree planting ceremony at the newly renovated Loose Mongoose Research Centre. Last year Heinz announced their intention to expand their conservation and eco-tourism footprint. This has always been close to Heinz’s heart and White Elephant Safaris has been committed to responsible travel that conserves the environment, sustaining the well-being of locals and promoting education.

White Elephant Safaris has cemented a partnership with African Insight Academy,whose determined vision is to inspire, educate and empower. The newly developed 30 bed camp is an exciting project bound to have a positive impact on the next generation of global citizens and environmental custodians. The Academy provides academic field trips and youth development programmes.

Staff members from White Elephant Safaris & African Insight Academy. planted several Red Ivory, Weeping Boerbean, Marula, Natal Mahogany and Forest Toad Trees. The trees were purchased in Jozini from George Mpontshane Buthelezi, who owns a nursery and is well known for his wood crafting.

Tree planting ceremonies have played a major role in welcoming new chapters on the White Elephant Safari journey. 30 years ago, in the late 1980’s, Heinz planted a Baobab & Wild Olive (which he was given by his uncle) at Bush Camp. This was to commemorate the conversion of the original camp, which was really 2 basic rooms, into a rustic full equipped bush camp made from reeds, stone and thatch. This exclusive self-catering facility accommodates up to 20 guests.

Around the same time the Kohrs family restored the old derelict homestead into a self-catering unit known as uMphafa. Heinz planted another Baobab & Wild Olive tree here. The house got its name from the Mphafa tree (Buffalo Thorn) that marked the spot – but this was soon knocked over by an elephant! In 1999 the family decided to upgrade uMphafa into a 5-star lodge. The flagship White Elephant Safari Lodge was celebrated with more trees – a Sausage Tree, Paper Bark and Pepper Bark Tree. The 8 well-appointed tented rooms embrace the solitude and peace that only the bush can offer. The main lodge’s classic colonial décor, refined simplicity, deep verandas and sweeping views capture the history and romance of a bygone era, well known to the Kohrs family.

Farewell to Heike Zitzer

2019-02-12T00:00:00+02:00

For the past 10 years Heike has been our resident Elephant and Black Rhino Field Monitor and Researcher. The Pongola Game Reserve has benefited greatly from Heike’s contributions.
Heike has been a dedicated, passionate and enthusiastic member of the White Elephant Safaris team, always giving her best professional service as a researcher, monitor, field guide, student supervisor and presenter of all our conservation projects, which are numerous: Disney World - Elephant Population Management Project, WWF-Black Rhino Range Expansion, Space for Elephants Foundation, Leopard Research, Vulture Breeding Project, Camera trapping, Monthly Reports – mortalities, sighting.
Many people will recognize Heike as a member of our marketing team at a number of Indabas promoting White Elephant Safari Lodge with focus on history, conservation and rewilding the Pongola Game Reserve and surrounding areas. These topics are very close to Heike’s heart and she will be successful following any similar initiative or projects.
Relationships are very important to Heike, and her peaceful presence and patience will be missed by all at White Elephant.
Heike is currently taking some time off with no specific future plans.

Warm White Elephant Regards

Heinz Kohrs

Post Vasectomy Behaviour in Elephants, a study conduct at Pongola Game Reserve

2018-11-27T00:00:00+02:00

In a study published in September 2018, Heike Zitzer and her colleague and previous student, Victoria Boult summarised six years of observations to understand how vasectomies affect male elephant behaviour. This is a unique monitoring and research study as it is the only one in the world that has studied the long-term effects of vasectomies.

Heike Zitzer came to the Pongola Game Reserve in 2009 where she took over her predecessor’s position as an Elephant monitor, which also included rhino & general field monitoring. Subsequently this has expanded into valuable scientific elephant research.

The primary objective of the elephant monitoring and research program, undertaken by Heike, is to halt elephant population growth and lessen the impact confined elephant have on the vegetation and manage the competition between species.

The secondary objective was to observe the elephant males in their natural environment, record their behaviour and establish if this had changed due to their vasectomies.

Some interesting factors have been recorded:

Heike observed signs of musth in five of the seven vasectomised males confirming that vasectomies do not alter testosterone production.

Despite males tending to leave their family group around 12 years of age, adult males continue to spend a proportion of their time associating with female groups, especially when females are in oestrus. The study males spent roughly half of their time in mixed-sex groups. This is quite a large proportion of time and is possibly because population control reduces birth rates and means female elephants’ cycle more frequently through oestrus, thus attracting more male attention.

Dominance hierarchies in male elephants are linear and age-structured, so that the oldest and largest male is the most dominant. Dominant individuals are afforded the best access to females and so sire most offspring. Using Landau’s linearity index, Heike and Vicky determined that the dominance hierarchy in vasectomised males was as expected. This was maintained when including non-treated adolescent males in the analysis, who fell in line with all older vasectomised males in the age-structured dominance hierarchy. Importantly, this means older vasectomised males will continue to restrict access of younger non-treated males to females, maintaining the low birth rates and the long-term efficacy of vasectomies.

These results confirm expectations that vasectomies do not alter important male elephant behaviour. Given that vasectomies effectively reduce elephant population growth whilst crucially maintaining normal behaviour, it was concluded that vasectomies can be used in similar fenced reserves wishing to limit elephant population growth. Additionally, given the need for repeated treatments, ongoing costs and behavioural changes associated with pZP and GnRH, Heike and Vicky believe vasectomies are preferable to these alternative contraceptives.

Heike continues to monitor and research the Pongolapoort Elephant population with specific emphasis on the long-term impact of vasectomies, and the resulting low birth rates, on female elephant behaviour. It is important to monitor the long-term ability of vasectomies to maintain reduced population growth as young, non-treated males become sexually mature.

The full free access AOSIS publication can be viewed and downloaded from Bothalia, African Biodiversity & Conservation: https://abcjournal.org/index.php/abc/article/view/2313

White Elephant also offers an activity called Elephant Research Project giving guests the opportunity to spend time with Heike to learn more about the elephant research at our research centre. White Elephant Safaris Activities

Kohlewe: never "The Forgotten One"

2018-10-02T00:00:00+02:00

Despite his name he has become a very memorable, much loved and respected individual who is full of spunk! He seems to be one of our male elephants which are known as Askaris. In recent years he and other askaris have explored our neighbouring reserves in search of new feeding areas by circumventing the fence boundaries that lead into the Pongolapoort Dam (Lake Jozini) .

Soon afterwards the rest of the Pongolapoort Elephant population followed suit . We believe that Kohlewe and his mates were taught this behaviour from our older, wiser males who in years gone by re-connected with still existing, ancient elephant pathways. The history of the northern Zululand area and the movement of our Pongolapoort Elephant leads us to believe this is true.

It is the long standing mission of “Space For Elephants” ( http://spaceforelephants.com/ ) to open corridors and drop fences between adjoining reserves to re-create and re-connect with these pathways so that these elephants, and other wildlife, may follow their explorative instincts for new and already existing, ancient ranges!

Kohlewe is normally quite mellow in character, but he can also be full of testosterone charged energy when he is in musth, and then he only has one thing in mind: females! During these times it is best to keep a healthy distance from him, as he does not appreciate any one getting in his way during his search, nor does he like any intrusions on his amorous intentions when he is close to any female, whether they be human or not!

Kohlewe’s intelligence is so admirable. Heike Zitzer, our elephant monitor, has watched Kohlewe opening water taps at reservoirs in the reserve. Unfortunately, he doesn’t bother to close them again! He also digs deep into the ground to unearth (but break at the same time) thick water pipes to drink fresh water instead of walking longer distances to the dam.

Heike has watched him displaying unique empathy toward a female, known as Klunkers-Africa. She had a man-made obstruction stuck to her foot for 10 days before we were able to remove it. Kohlewe looked like he was keeping her company while patiently moving closely beside or behind her as she was quite desperately trying to keep up with her family who were a far distance ahead of her!

For these, and many more reasons, our special Kohlewe remains never “The Forgotten One!”

Ostriches laying early or late?

2018-09-12T00:00:00+02:00

In the last few months our rangers have discovered stray freshly laid ostrich eggs. On a bush walk with guests we were thrilled to stumble upon a complete nest of eggs. This unusually late for this time of the year as nesting season is from March to September, and most chicks have hatched by now.

Ostriches mate for life and share the task of incubating eggs. A communal nest will hold anything from 14 to 60 eggs, each one being 15cm long and equivalent to 24 chicken eggs. That’s a big omelette!

The male has black feathers and he will sit on the eggs at night. The brown feathered female covers them during the day. Eggs take approximately 35 to 40 days to hatch, and the male takes the responsibility of looking after the young chicks. The flightless ostrich is the world’s largest bird.

Orphan Herd Story

2018-08-07T00:00:00+02:00

18 years ago Ken and Lois Kuhle bought a farm in the Rooirante Mountains, 15 kms away from the Pongola Game Reserve. Included in the purchase were 5 juvenile orphan elephants. They were a result of a re-introduction program from the culling days in the Kruger National Park in the early ‘90s.

“We were so excited to be a part of a conservation effort which included these orphans. Imagine our disappointment when we took transfer of Milimani and discovered that the elephant had gone to greener pastures,” said Lois. Ingani, the resident male from Pongola Game Reserve, had been on a walk-about or ‘wanderlust’ in March 2000 and met up with the 5 shy and elusive orphan elephant. Soon after their first encounter the orphans walked, accompanied by Ingani, to the Pongola Game Reserve and there they stayed. They became known as the C-Family or Orphan Herd.

A lot has happened in the past 18 years. The farm that the Kuhles purchased was soon absorbed into a land claim that is now a part of the Somkhanda Game Reserve. Lois has remained in the area and is a regular visitor to White Elephant.

“We had no intention of further traumatising the elephant and relocating them back to Milimani,” continued Lois. “I am happy they settled down in the Pongola Game Reserve and made this their home.”

Heike Zitzer has been researching the elephant on the reserve for over 9 years. The orphans were not accepted by the resident A&B Herd, except for a young male called Tusker. Constant became their capable matriarch despite the fact that she and the other females had been orphaned at a very young age. The orphan family has grown to 17+ individuals who are accompanied by their own adolescent sons and on occasion by other males of the Pongolapoort elephant population. Two rare twins, that created a lot of interest, were born into the C-Family in November 2014 and they are doing extremely well despite the drought cycles in the last 3 years.

Eureka Havemann, Reserve Manager, and affectionately known as the Matriarch of White Elephant, was on the reserve when the orphans arrived 18 years ago. Eureka is pictured here with Constant the Orphan Herd matriarch.

There is a move to create more space for the elephants inspired by Heinz Kohrs (Owner of White Elephant) and local conservationist, Digs Pascoe. “Space for Elephants” is a non-profit organization that intends opening up corridors for elephant and wildlife. Passion, initiative, education, research and incorporation of the surrounding communities are the key factors that make up the basis of this foundation. For more information visit: www.spaceforelephants.com

The Lost Baby Crocodile

2018-05-28T00:00:00+02:00

In early April we noticed a single baby croc. Knowing that a mother will fiercely protect her babies we left it alone. Almost every time we went to the jetty the baby croc was there alone. We did spot a huge croc a couple of times but after a while it also moved away, leaving the youngster behind. There didn’t seem to be any other hatchlings.

Three weeks passed and we saw the baby croc again. This time I decided to catch it once we were certain the mother was absent. As small as it was it was surprisingly strong. I held it behind the head so that it wouldn’t bite me with its needle-sharp teeth. It sent out a loud squeaking noise to alarm the other crocs of danger. I was sure I heard a response back but no one came to its rescue. This little guy was probably separated from the group and seemingly forgotten.

Baby crocs are vulnerable at this stage and they have many predators. Usually only 1 out of a clutch will survive into adulthood. Not wanting to draw too much unwanted attention I released it back into the water.

It seems to be doing quite well despite having no protection from the mother, and we see it every time we are at the jetty. Hopefully it will continue to grow until it reaches an age where it will leave the jetty area and find another habitat to thrive!

The Elusive Leopard

2017-11-08T00:00:00+02:00

Like Elephant and wild dog, leopards depend on vast land tracts to survive. However, leopard has the ability to adapt to semi-urban environments: crossing fences and barriers, living an elusive territorial existence. They thus have a better chance of survival than elephant or wild dog.

Over population, over development and the loss of natural habitat and migration routes linking the remaining conservation 'islands' will eventually wipe out elephant and wild dog in the next decade.

Growing up on an expansive bushveld farm in Northern Zululand, where wildlife was conserved and integrated with cattle ranching, I have closely observed the predator numbers, especially leopard, noting how they have made a comeback over the last 40 years.

By the 1960's most predators - leopard, hyena, wild dog, cheetah and lion - had disappeared from farmland, wiped out by liberally poisoned livestock carcasses.

This poisoning unfortunately killed many vultures. I can recall as a small boy watching vultures descending and crowding our cattle drinking troughs, regurgitating tainted lumps of flesh they had picked up from our neighbours' poisoned livestock carcasses.

Fortunately a few predators survived the poisoning and persecution era of the 1950's, but only in the last 10 years have sightings of leopard, hyena and wild dog been reported more frequently in our area.

At White Elephant, where we have been conserving predators for last 50 years, leopard sightings have only been recorded in the last three years. At first, one per month and today we see leopard every week on game drives with guests.

According to leopard specialists, the genetically elusive and shy leopard survived the persecution years. They are the founders of today's rapidly increasing leopard population in Zululand. Only recently has the leopard become less secretive, and started to show themselves in the presence of vehicles and people.

Leopards breed like feral cats, and there is no doubt that leopard conflict with livestock farmers will escalate dramatically in the next couple of years. Veterinarians will need to equip themselves to assist with leopard anesthesia and sterilization to curb the inevitable overpopulation.

More concerted efforts should be made by EKZNW, livestock farmers, game ranches, communities and NGO's like Panthera to find common ground to co-operatively manage leopard populations.

Warm White Elephant Regards

Heinz Kohrs

Black Rhino Immobilizations September 2017

2017-10-13T00:00:00+02:00

We are proud custodians of the Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP), which was initiated by WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature) in partnership with KZN Wildlife and private landowners in 2004. The aim of the project is to monitor and research the repopulation of the critically endangered black rhino on private land as an incentive for landowners to drop fences and co-operatively conserve both rhino and their habitat. Some offspring of the founder group are relocated to other reserves to increase their genetic diversity and enhance their chances of survival.

Some selected individuals are immobilized annually for genetic sampling, ear notching and other veterinary reasons. This is funded by BRREP grants and/or participating guests staying at White Elephant Safari Lodge. The funding covers the entire procedures expenditure, including veterinary costs, helicopter flying time, equipment, man power and logistics.

At the end of September (2017) we hosted African Vet Safaris and Swedish Television company who filmed the procedure;

· Ear notching the rhino for identification;

· Taking blood, tissue, and hair samples for the national Rhino DNA Indexing System (RhODIS) and microchipping.

· Measuring the horns, feet, body length and shoulder height;

· Placing a radio transmitter collar around the rhino’s ankle to monitor their movements;

· De-horning for the sake of security against poaching.

It is priceless for us to watch guests as they touch these unique animals for the first time, plus their understanding of the magnitude of the importance of having assisted and contributed to the welfare of our rhino and on-going conservation efforts!

Warm Research Regards

Heike Zitzer

LEOPARDEN rund um die Safari Lodge

2017-08-23T00:00:00+02:00

Michael und ich kamen von unserer Tagestour als Tristan und 2 Gäste die Lodge für einen morgentlichen Safari Rundgang verlassen wollten. Während wir uns in der Küche einen Kaffee holten hörten wir draussen die Affen aus Richtung des Pool Bereiches Alarm schlagen.

Wir wollten nachsehen, warum die Affen so viel Lärm machten und sahen diese in Richtung Haus 5 zu sehen. Wir liefen den Grenzzaun ab und fanden einen junge Leopardin, die ihrerseits einen Kontrollgang entlang des Zaunes machte und zwar innerhalb. Michael und ich folgten ihr um zu sehen, wo sie sich aufhält. In diesem Moment sahen wir einen weiteren jungen Leoparden, der von der anderen Seit auf uns zu kam. Wir beobachteten die beiden für erstaunliche 10 Minuten. Nachdem sie sich beschnuppert und kennengelernt hatten, gingen sie beide ihrer eigenen Wege. Das Weibchen schlüpfte durch den Zaun und verschwand doch das Männchen machte sich auf in Richtung Haus 7. Michael, Nala und ich folgten ihm und konnten sehen, wie er versuchte auf den Aussenkühlschrank vor dem Haus zu klettern. Dann verschwand er irgendwo hinter dem Haus. Wir gingen weiter zum Vordereingang und sahen einen weiteren großen Leopard, währenddessen rief Nala vom Büro aus dem Hauptgebäude an und erzählte, dass der junge Leopard gerade mit einem Hasen im Maul durch das Tor gerannt sei.

Wir verließen den jungen Leoparden mit seinem Fang sicher ausserhalb des Zauns und entschieden uns den ganzen Lodge Bereich erneut zu kontrollieren, so dass kein Leopard mehr innerhalb des Zauns war. Tristan und seine Gäste haben ebenfalls bei der Rückkehr von ihrem Safari Rundgang noch die Leopardin ausserhalb gesehen.

Was für ein wundervoller Tag mit so vielen Sichtungen der seltenen Leoparden.

HIDE & SEEK auf WHITE ELEPHANT

2017-08-23T00:00:00+02:00

Eine der besten Möglichkeiten Tiere in der Natur zu beobachten ist es, sich ganz still und leise in die Nähe eines Wasserlochs zu setzen um dann Vögel, Warzenschweine, Affen und wenn man Glück hat auch Elefanten, Nashörner oder Leoparden beim Trinken beobachten zu können. Wasserlöcher sind der ideale Standort für Fotografen um so nah wie möglich an Vögel und Wildtiere heran zu kommen und die besten Fotos „schießen“ zu können.

Ich erinnere mich an einen Besuch am Masinga Wasserloch im Mkuze Game Reserve als ich noch ein Kind war, der mir in absolut bleibender Erinnerung geblieben ist. Wir haben damals auf der Leeuwspoor Farm in Zululand gewohnt und als ich als Erwachsener dorthin zurückkam, habe ich White Elephant Safaris gegründet. Damit habe ich mit meinen Lebenstraum erfüllt und um mit unseren Gästen meine Erlebnisse zu teilen einen Platz am Wasserloch gebaut, an welchem Mann in aller Ruhe und Stille und ohne die Tiere zu stören, alle Wildtiere beobachten kann.

Unser “verstecktes Beobachtungshaus” wurde von einheimischen Arbeitern nur aus natürlichen Materialien gebaut, die im Busch zu finden sind, um es möglichst harmonisch und verantwortungs-bewusst in die Natur zu integrieren. Die beste Zeit für unsere Gäste am Wasserloch ist nach dem Frühstück zwischen 10.30 und 12.30 Uhr. Nehmen Sie sich ein Buch, ein Fernglas, eine Kamera und genießen Sie in einer wunderschönen Atmosphäre die Wildnis an unserem natürlichen Wasserloch.

Leopards spotted around Safari Lodge

2017-08-03T00:00:00+02:00

Michael and I were coming in for our day shift as Tristan and his 2 guests left for an early morning walk. Whilst we were in the kitchen making coffee we heard the monkeys making an alarm call. It seemed to be coming from the pool area. Curious to see what all the noise was about we went to have a look and saw the monkeys in the tree tops looking towards Room 5. We patrolled the fence-line and spotted a young leopard female doing her own patrol, inside the fence. Michael and I followed her to see if she was checking into her own room. Suddenly we saw another young male leopard approaching from the opposite direction.

We watched them interact for an astonishing 10 minutes. Initially the young female was a little skittish, but after they had inspected each other they went their different ways. The cub slipped out of the fence and disappeared, but the male was on his way to Room 7. Michael, Nala and I quietly walked closer and spotted him trying to climb on the bar fridge outside of the room. After that he disappeared somewhere behind the room.

We continued on to the front gate and spotted another bigger leopard (gender not known). In the mean time, Nala whom had returned to the main building phoned from the office to say that the young male is running towards the gate with a rabbit in its mouth.

We left the youngster with his kill, now safely outside of the fence. We decided to check the lodge area to make sure no-one was left inside! The adult leopard was spotted by Tristan and his guests as they returned from their walk.

Such a lucky sighting to have seen 3 leopards in one morning.

Regards from the Bush

Ruben van Greunen

Hide and Seek at White Elephant

2017-08-02T00:00:00+02:00

One of the best ways to explore and experience nature and wildlife is to sit dead quiet at a waterhole or hide, and discretely watch the birds, warthog, monkey, mongoose, and if you are lucky elephant, rhino and leopard.

Hides are an ideal spot for professional (and novice) photographers to capture spectacular action photos, or close up features of bird and animals.

I particularly remember visiting the the Masinga Hide in Mkuze Game Reserve as a child. We lived on our farm in Leeuwspoor in Zululand at the time, and when I returned to the farm as an adult, and developed White Elephant Safaris, I fulfilled my dream of building a simple hide for our guests to experience this very special place of silence and tranquility, the game undisturbed by our presence.

Our 'secret hide' was built by local craftsman using home-grown material to create a light-footed footprint as part of our sustainable and responsible tourism operation.The best time of the day for guests to visit the hide at White Elephant Safari Lodge is after a late breakfast from 10h30 to 12h30.

Take a book, binoculars and camera and experience this pristine wilderness.

The hide is totally organic and the sounds of wallowing warthogs, splashing kingfishers and slurping animals mingle with a subtle breeze and fresh air.

Photos courtesy of Ruben van Greunen

Shout it from the Treetops 2

2017-05-05T00:00:00+02:00

Zaheer and his wife Zaheera were married in Durban, celebrating their union with over 500 guests. They chose the solitude and serenity of White Elephant Lodge for their honeymoon. They went on a late afternoon game drive and local photographer, Rolene van der Merwe to captured some of their precious moments in the bushveld. Zaheera is a physiotherapist at a hospital and Zaheer is in the corporate world.

Rolene said: “They are such a stunning couple and it is always a pleasure to capture the love between two people.”

This was their feedback: I would highly recommend this establishment if not for the food and luxury, but for the service and scenery. Spent a few nights of our honeymoon at White Elephant and we were blown away by the service and overall experience of this safari lodge.

From the moment we entered the camp we were greeted with friendly faces and five star service. Dinners under the stars were amazing and as it was our honeymoon, the team endeavored to make the experience even more special.

Activities in the bush were so enlightening. We really got a feel for the bush and learnt so much of the history of the park, it's amazing wildlife and just how much effort and time it takes to ensure all the parks inhabitants are looked after and healthy. George, our game ranger, was a one of a kind gentleman. My wife and I were blown away by how much of time he took to show us around, and just how great he is at his job. Really an amazing human-being. Please ask for him by name if you visit White Elephant.

Our room was elegant, romantic and rustic enough to feel as if you're in the bush but opulent enough for feel as you have everything you need right there. The outdoor shower was great, as was the actual tent and view of the lake.

If I have to describe each meal, it would take me a while but the overall descriptor I'd use is...astoundingly delicious. Honestly a simple but wholesome, organic palate.

Overall, my wife and I have promised to return sometime in the future and hope to see all the familiar faces again. Thanks again, White Elephant. You made our honeymoon a very special one.

Shout it from the Treetops 1

2017-03-13T00:00:00+02:00

Darren & Candice Lill, November 2016

While searching for a honeymoon destination, I came across a mythical sounding place: The White Elephant. Intrigued, I Googled it, and after reading stellar reviews, I changed our initial honeymoon plans to come to White Elephant instead. What a great decision that turned out to be!

Upon arrival we were greeted by the lodge manager and friendly staff who gave us refreshments and took care of our bags while we absorbed our surroundings. All around the lodge is natural bush and an open vista over Lake Jozini to the beautiful Lebombo Mountains beyond, breathtaking!

One can't even see the luxury tents, which are discreetly tucked away and offer a sense of intimate privacy. There are only eight, all set well apart from each other which is fantastic for a honeymoon or romantic getaway!

Each day guests are able to choose two activities hosted by knowledgeable, professional rangers. We decided to sample all the activities during our stay: tiger fishing and safari boat cruises on the lake, elephanting, black rhino tracking, game drives and a guided walk. It would take too long to describe each in detail. All were superb and informative; we learned a lot about wildlife and had an amazing time doing so in such a pristine environment.

Daily activities are easily planned and balanced. The day starts with light refreshments and snacks before heading out on the morning excursion which ends around 11am where one comes back to the lodge for a sumptuous buffet breakfast. After that, one is free to relax, lie by the pool and just absorb the general peacefulness. High tea and more snacks are served around 15:00, where-after one embarks on an afternoon activity. Heading back towards sunset, one freshens up before wondering to the fire pit for pre- dinner sundowners with the other guests. We met some very interesting couples from all around the world.

In places like this, I feel totally relaxed and free. My mind drifts and echoes of Africa whisper through me raising a shiver of goose flesh in the humid air. Lost in the flames, surrounded by the sounds of the bush, I feel the pulse of Africa calling me which inspired me to write a poem I titled “Dream”.

The dinner announcement breaks me from my reverie and I wrap my arm around my wife and we head over to an outstanding meal of kudu steaks cooked to perfection! Every meal we had was a culinary adventure. If one is into after dinner drinks, I suggest trying the home brewed “Mampoer” which certainly warms the chest on the way down.

The short walk back to our tent in the dark with a torch is a mini adventure on its own, as we see and hear a myriad of nocturnal creatures along the way. The tents are 5 star, and we feel cozily sequestered for the night with all the amenities we could wish for including a Victorian style bath tub and an outdoor shower.

All too soon our stay came to an end, and with a sense of nostalgia we slowly made our way out of the park, hoping that one day we would be able to come back to experience the magic of the White Elephant once more.”

Best regards

Darren & Candice Lill