Experience a up close and personal feeling with an African Elephant where you will be able to interact, touch, feed and ride the elephants.
Nestled in the Magaliesberg Mountains, only 1.2 hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, The Elephant Sanctuary at Hartbeespoort Dam lies in a malaria-free area. It is surrounded by natural indigenous bush and is home to impala, klipspringer, baboons, porcupine, caracal, leopard, a host of other small mammals, 350 bird species and, of course, FIVE magnificent African Elephants.
The Elephant Sanctuary provides a “halfway house” for young African elephants in need of a temporary home. It is the only operation in South Africa that provides for elephants in this way. The vision is to release all the elephants into an environment where they can be more independent once they are older.
(Morning) Elephant educational program:
Guests brush and groom the elephants, walk trunk-in-hand with them and interact with the elephants in the forest area. You can see the special relationship that the elephant handlers share with their elephants and become a part of the experience. Guides provide in-depth information and insight into African elephants, their habits and personalities. Guests will also learn about elephants’ anatomy, have the opportunity to feed them and, by spending time with them, form a relationship and bond with the elephants. Flat walking shoes are recommended, and a camera is a must to capture this special occasion with the elephants.
Duration: 12:00 to 14:00, approx 1.5 hours.
Rates: R2, 950.00 single person
R1, 850.00 2-4 Guest
R1, 650.00 5-7 Guest
Larger groups can be accommodated for on request!
Includes: Afternoon activities – elephant interaction – trunk in hand – touch – sit on elephant knees – pat and brush – educated talk – return transport
Excluded: drinks, tips and personal items.
Optional Extra – Elephant back riding program – an add-on to the program above:
A short educational ride that lets you experience elephants from a different perspective – a privilege historically reserved for kings!
Please note: this is only for fit and adventurous guests and we do not take any responsibility for any injuries directly or indirectly caused by this activity. Children must be older than 8 (eight) years of age to ride.
What to wear: jeans are best for riding.
Rates: R625.00 single person
R525.00 2-4 Guest
R525.00 5-7 Guest
Includes: Elephant Back Ride of 30 min long
Excluded: drinks, tips and personal items.
Our Elephant Day Tour, departs at 06h00 daily from destination of pick up point and returns at 17h00.