The Story behind the elephants you will meet at Elephant Moments spans over 20 years. Such an inspirational story has been shared between the elephants in our care and their passionate carers.
The Roode Family helped rehabilitate a 4 month old rescued elephant calf in June 1997. He was named Jabulani which means ‘to rejoice’. After a year of nursing Jabulani back to health, the process was put into place to re-introduce him back into the bush. Despite numerous attempts, Jabulani kept returning to his human family.

In 2002, Lente Roode, was contacted to assist in the rescue mission of a herd of elephants in Zimbabwe (all of whom were orphans) and their carers, whose lives were endangered to the volatile land reform process that was happening in the country during that time.

Fortunately, when the herd arrived, the Matriarch, Tokwe, who remains the their incredible Matriarch today, immediately accepted Jabulani into their herd. He had finally found his second family.
In 2004, a lodge (formerly known as Camp Jabulani, and in recent years, known as Jabulani) was built to help with the high costs of caring for the herd. An extraordinary lodge that has inspired travellers from all around the world to visit and learn more about these exceptional animals.

Since their arrival at Kapama, the herd have continued to show unconditional acceptance of orphans that have needed a second chance, due to the growing threat of human-elephant conflict. They have accepted Jabulani, Kumbura, Timisa and most recently, Khanyisa, a unique albino calf, that was saved from the grips of a snare.

In 2019, Adine Roode, built HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development), a dedicated orphanage located adjacent to the Jabulani elephant stables. A place that was accessible for the essential round the clock care that young calves need from our carers, while in the close proximity of an existing herd of elephants, which is so important for the emotional wellbeing of any elephant, especially babies.
In 2021, the costs of caring for the Jabulani elephants is now falling under the HERD TRUST, guests who stay at the lodge, still contribute a portion of their nightly rate to the trust. YOU will contribute to the trust by joining us for this memorable experience.

The herd spend from sunrise to sunset out in the wild, as they belong, foraging, browsing and swimming. In the evenings, they return to their secure and private stables and gardens with plenty of fresh water and vegetation to enjoy through the night, while any rescued calves that still rely on milk formula, will return to the orphanage.

Elephant Moments provides an opportunity to meet a few of the older elephant bulls, namely Jabulani, Sebakwe and Somopane. The experience is hosted by their loyal friends, their carers – who share educational insights and information about these remarkable animals. Of course, they often share some of their stories of their journeys with them too. It is very special.

At the end of the elephant experience, the bulls join the rest of the herd in the wild, and continue with their day, and our visitors leave with their souls filled with the unforgettable presence of an elephant.

Customer Service Contact Information

Elephant Moments
Mobile: +27 (0) 78 532 3645 or +27 (0) 82 922 0120
Tel: +27 (0) 15 793 1261
E-mail: elephantmoments@herd.org.za

Please note pre-booking is essential.

Arrive 06:00am and self-drive through the KAPAMA GAME RESERVE MAIN GATE on the R40 between Hoedspruit and Klaserie.
Follow the Elephant sanctuary road signs to the elephant experience. It is a gravel road through the reserve and travelling time is approximately 20 minutes. Elephant experience starts at 06:30.
GPS Co-Ordinates: 24°25’45.99”S 31°00’48.86”E.
What 3 Words App Location: https://what3words.com/pleasantly.enlighten.interruptions.