The Elephant Sancturary - Hartbeespoort Dam

"About last saturday......wow!!! It was really a big success....it was one of the best
days ever! Everything was perfect....the weather, the guide, beautiful sunset, lovely dinner by candle-light, and of course.....the elephants!!!
Thank you so much for making this possible!"
Ingrid van Wilsum

The Elephant Sanctuary provides a safe-haven for our elephants and offers a platform for guest education and interaction.

Offering guest, elephant driven programs where the most important part of our operation is happy elephants and satisfied guests. Our programs offer one of a kind elephant interaction and are unique to the Elephant Sanctuary.

All the elephants are rescued African elephants and their trust is gained through unique
reward based training.

Elephants are highly intelligent and delightful and you will discover a different character, personality and temperament within each one. The focus is on education through interaction, so you will not only learn a lot about elephants, but also get to touch, feel, feed, walk
trunk-in-hand and even ride these magnificent animals.

There are two operations: one in the Crags, near Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route and one at the Hartbeespoort Dam, only an hour's drive from Pretoria.

The Elephant Sancturary - Hartbeespoort Dam:
Nestled in the Magaliesberg Mountains only one hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Elephant Sanctuary 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 six magnificent African Elephants.

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The Elephant Sancturary - Plettenberg Bay:
The Elephant Sanctuary the Crags is home to six African Elephants: Maroela, Jabu, Thandi, Mopani, Thaba and Tumelo. Meet them in a beautiful indigenous forest setting.

The Crags Elephant Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay sets itself apart from anything that the Garden Route has previously had to offer in terms of elephant interaction. All programmes are fully guided and guest numbers are limited to ensure personal attention and maximum elephant interaction for each guest which makes for a truly enriching experience.

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The Elephant Sancturary - Hartbeespoort Dam:

Eight o'clock Morning Elephant Program: Duration: 08h00 to 09h45 approx 1.45hours

Guests will brush and groom the elephants, walk trunk-in-hand with them and interact with them in the forest area. You will experience the special relationship between the elephant handlers and their elephants.
Guides provide in-depth information and insight into African elephants and guests will learn about the anatomy and feed of the elephants.
Flat walking shoes are recommended, and bring cameras.

Rates: R325.00 per adult R195.00 per child (3-14 years)
Arrival Time: Gate opens at 07h50 Programme will start at 08h00
Departure Time: 09h45

Ten o'clock Morning Elephant Program: Duration approx 2.5hours (Lunch optional extra)

Guests are guided in small groups on foot through The Elephant Sanctuary. Guides will provide in-depth information and insight into African elephants. You will be introduced to our elephants in the forest area, where you will be able to touch and interact with them. You will experience the special relationship between the elephant handlers and their elephants. Embark on a short walk with the elephants (trunk-in-hand) and see where the elephant sleep in their stables.
Guests learn about the anatomy of the elephant and be able to feed them.
On some hot days you may even see the elephants swimming.
Pre-booked lunch served on the deck.
Remember to wear flat walking shoes, sun hats and bring your camera.

Rates: R425.00 per adult R195.00 per child (3- 14 years)
Pre-Booked Lunch Available: 3 Course Buffet Lunch (For guests on the programme)
Adults: R120.00 Children: R60.00 (3 - 14 years)
Arrival Time: Gate opens at 09h45 Programme starts at 10h00
Departure Time: 13h30 if staying for lunch

Two o'clock Afternoon Elephant Program: Duration approx 2.5 hours

Guests are guided in small groups on foot through the sanctuary. Guides will provide in-depth information and insight into African elephants. You will be introduced to our elephants in the
Forest area, where you will be able to touch and interact with themYou will experience the special relationship between the elephant handlers and their elephantsEmbark on a short walk with the elephants (trunk-in-hand) and see where the elephant sleep in their stables. Guests learn about the anatomy of the elephants and will feed them.
On some hot days you may even see the elephants swimming.
Enjoy a drink from the cash bar on the main deck before departure.
Remember to wear flat walking shoes, sun hats and bring your camera.

Rates: R425.00 per adult R195.00 per child (3-14 years)
Arrival Time: Gate opens at 13h45 Programme starts at 14h00
Departure Time: 16H45

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The Elephant Sancturary - Plettenberg Bay:
The Elephant Sanctuary the Crags is home to six African Elephants: Maroela, Jabu, Thandi, Mopani, Thaba and Tumelo. Meet them in a beautiful indigenous forest setting.
The Crags Elephant Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay sets itself apart from anything that the Garden Route has previously had to offer in terms of elephant interaction. All programmes are fully guided and guest numbers are limited to ensure personal attention and maximum elephant interaction for each guest which makes for a truly enriching experience.
The Elephant Sanctuary the Crags is home to six African Elephants: Maroela, Jabu, Thandi, Mopani, Thaba and Tumelo. Meet them in a beautiful indigenous forest setting.
The Crags Elephant Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay sets itself apart from anything that the Garden Route has previously had to offer in terms of elephant interaction. All programmes are fully guided and guest numbers are limited to ensure personal attention and maximum elephant interaction for each guest which makes for a truly enriching experience.
Please note that booking is advisable on all the programmes.
We are 100% wheelchair friendly!
Flat walking shoes and sun hats are recommended and bring a camera!

The one hour Trunk-in-Hand programme: Duration approx 60 min
On this programme you will be able to touch, feed, walk trunk-in-hand and interact with our elephants. Each elephant has a dedicated handler and a fully qualified guide will accompany you and share fascinating facts about these highly intelligent creatures, their anatomy, social structure, behaviour and individual characters.
R195.00 per adult R95.00 per child (3-12 years)

The Elephant-back Ride: Duration approx 90 min
This consists of the full Trunk-in-Hand programme followed by an approximately 20 minute ride – a privilege historically reserved for kings! It is a truly amazing experience to ride these magnificent animals and an opportunity to experience elephants from a different perspective. Long pants and shoes recommended.
R495.00 per adult R250.00 per child (8-12 years)

Early Morning Elephant Brushdowns: Duration approx 90 min
This programme lets you take part in the grooming of the elephants. Afterwards you join the exercise and stimulation programme the handlers do with the elephants every day followed by the full Trunk-in-Hand programme.
R325.00 per adult R150.00 per child (3-12 years). Minimum of 4 people required, booking essential.
Sunrise/ Sundowner Elephant Experience: Duration approx 2 hours

This programme combines all the programmes into one – the Trunk-in-Hand programme, the Brushdown and the Elephant-back ride followed up by drinks and snacks. This fantastic programme offers the ultimate Elephant Experience. Long pants and shoes recommended.
R695.00 per adult R350.00 per child (3-12 years). Minimum of 4 people required, booking essential.