Elephant Sanctuary near Cape Town, South Africa, is an organization that provides a safe-haven for the largest of our four-legged friends. It offers a comprehensive educational program that combines the desire to have happy and contented elephants with educated and satisfied guests. The unique win-win program keeps rescued African elephants safe, while forming bonds between the humans and elephants. The animals are exercised and stimulated daily, allowing their individual, and intelligent, behavior to shine through.
Guests to the sanctuary will get to know the personalities of the different elephants, while learning about the species and the rescue efforts to save the herds. Guest have the opportunity to touch, feel, groom, and feed the elephants, learning, while having fun.
Two highlights of the programs are the Trunk-in-Hand program (which allows you to hold the elephant’s trunk and walk with it), as well as the opportunity to ride one of the elephants. These two opportunities are give guests the chance to get up close and bond with these magnificent creatures.
The Elephant Sanctuary has three operations:
- The Crags, near Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route
- Hartbeespoort Dam, about a hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria
- Hazyview, about a 10-minute drive from Kruger National Park
Costs for the guest programs range are based on the length and type of program and will depend on the prevailing exchange rate. Overnight accommodations are only available at the Hartbeespoort Dam sanctuary, and are comfortable and luxurious.
If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with these giant beasts, this program is worth a look.
Photo credit: Elephant Sanctuary
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