South Africa From Joburg: Elephant Sanctuary Half Day Tour

Exploring the captivating Elephant Sanctuary near Hartbeespoort is an enticing prospect for those seeking an unforgettable adventure from Johannesburg. At $138.73 per person, this half-day tour promises a remarkable encounter with these gentle giants, offering insights into their behavior and anatomy through a guided experience. While the price may seem steep, the tour’s focus on education and conservation suggests it could be a worthwhile investment for those with a genuine interest in wildlife. However, with limited group sizes, potential participants would be wise to consider whether this tour aligns with their expectations and budget before committing.

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Tours In North West.

Good To Know

1. This half-day tour from Johannesburg provides an opportunity to visit an elephant sanctuary near Hartbeespoort, offering a guided experience with close elephant encounters.

2. The tour is priced at $138.73 per person and includes transportation, a 2.5-hour guided tour, and opportunities to feed and walk with the elephants.

3. The tour is designed to be accessible for visitors with disabilities, with multilingual guides and a small group size of up to 10 participants.

4. Participants can expect to learn about elephant behavior, anatomy, and conservation efforts, as well as contribute to the sanctuary’s efforts to protect these animals.

5. The tour includes a 30-minute break and features family-friendly activities, making it suitable for travelers of all ages seeking an immersive and educational experience with elephants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a half-day outing to an elephant sanctuary located near Hartbeespoort, just an hour’s drive from Johannesburg.

Priced at $138.73 per person, the 5-hour experience includes a guided tour and wildlife viewing at the sanctuary.

While the tour itself is free to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, visitors must purchase separate entry tickets to the sanctuary, which cost $85 for adults, $41 for children, and $73 for seniors.

The tour operator provides pickup and drop-off services from hotels in the Gauteng, North West, and Mpumalanga provinces, making it a convenient option for those seeking an intimate encounter with elephants near Joburg.

Tour Itinerary and Experience

The half-day tour kicks off with pickup from hotels across Gauteng, North West, and Mpumalanga provinces.

The group then travels for an hour by bus or coach to reach the Elephant Sanctuary in Hartbeespoort.

Once there, visitors embark on a 2.5-hour guided tour, observing the elephants and their behaviors up close.

A 30-minute break allows participants to rest before the return trip, which takes another hour.

Throughout the experience, guests can interact with the gentle giants, feeding them and even walking trunk-in-hand.

The sanctuary, dedicated to elephant protection, offers a family-friendly opportunity to learn about these magnificent creatures and their anatomy.

Highlights and Interaction

At the heart of the Elephant Sanctuary tour lies the opportunity for a close encounter with these gentle giants. Visitors can interact with the elephants in a variety of ways, including feeding them and walking trunk-in-hand. The tour also provides insights into elephant behavior and anatomy, allowing guests to learn about these fascinating creatures. To further enhance the experience, the sanctuary offers family-friendly activities that cater to visitors of all ages.

Highlight	Description
Close Encounter	Interact with gentle elephants
Behavioral Insights	Learn about elephant behavior and anatomy
Sanctuary Exploration	Discover a dedicated elephant protection facility
Family Activities	Enjoy activities suitable for all ages

Accessibility and Group Size

Wheelchair users can easily access the Elephant Sanctuary tour, which caters to visitors with disabilities.

The small group size is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. A live tour guide is available in multiple languages, including English, Xhosa, Zulu, Setswana, and Sesotho, catering to the diverse needs of the tour’s international audience.

This focus on accessibility and inclusivity allows everyone to fully enjoy the sanctuary’s wonders and connect with the gentle giants.

Whether you’re traveling solo or as a family, the Elephant Sanctuary tour provides an accessible, engaging, and memorable encounter with these magnificent creatures.

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Important Information

Comfortable clothing is recommended for visitors to the Elephant Sanctuary tour, as the experience involves close interactions with the animals.

Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited, as they can disrupt the animals and compromise the safety of the group. Participants must follow the instructions of the tour guide to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The sanctuary is wheelchair accessible, catering to visitors with mobility challenges.

Customer Reviews

As of February 2024, the Elephant Sanctuary tour has received an impressive overall rating of 5/5 based on a single customer review.

The reviewer, Anderson from Brazil, praised the tour, describing it as an extraordinary experience. According to the review, the tour provided a genuine, up-close encounter with the gentle giants, allowing participants to learn about their behavior and anatomy.

The reviewer also highlighted the sanctuary’s commitment to elephant protection, which resonated with them.

Preparing for the Tour

Preparing for the tour calls for some essential considerations. Comfort is key, so travelers should wear loose, breathable clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Bringing sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen is advised, given the South African climate. While the sanctuary is wheelchair-accessible, those with mobility challenges should notify the tour provider in advance.

Participants shouldn’t bring alcohol or drugs, as the tour emphasizes a sober, responsible experience. Plus, the small group size of 10 means punctuality is crucial to ensure a smooth itinerary.

Benefits of the Tour

Visitors can expect numerous benefits from the Elephant Sanctuary Tour in South Africa. The tour provides a unique opportunity to interact with and learn about these gentle giants up close. Participants will gain valuable insights into elephant behavior, anatomy, and the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. The interactive activities, such as feeding the elephants and walking trunk-in-hand, create an immersive and memorable experience. On top of that, the small group size ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guides, who offer tours in multiple languages to cater to diverse visitors.

Benefit	Description
Authentic Experience	Close encounters with elephants in their natural habitat
Educational	In-depth learning about elephant biology and conservation
Family-friendly	Activities suitable for all ages
Personalized	Small group size and multilingual guides
Conservation Support	Contribute to the sanctuary’s efforts to protect elephants

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

According to the tour information, outside food and drinks are not allowed. Visitors are advised to bring only comfortable clothing as all other necessities like admission tickets are provided as part of the tour package.

Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?

The tour has no age limit. Participants of all ages are welcome, though there are separate entry fees for adults, children, and seniors. The tour is family-friendly and caters to a diverse group of visitors.

Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Tour?

Photos and videos are allowed during the tour, though guests are advised to be respectful of the elephants and not disturb them. Tour guides can provide guidance on appropriate photography etiquette at the sanctuary.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Sanctuary?

According to the tour details, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the elephant sanctuary. The website doesn’t specify if there’s a gift shop or what types of souvenirs are available, but this is a common offering at wildlife sanctuaries.

How Do I Get to the Pickup Location?

The tour includes pickup from hotels in Gauteng, North West, and Mpumalanga. Travelers should check the pickup locations and schedule with the tour operator prior to the tour to ensure a smooth arrival.

The Sum Up

This half-day tour to the Elephant Sanctuary near Hartbeespoort is an opportunity to get up close with these magnificent creatures. The focus on education and conservation is a plus, and the small group size ensures personalized attention. However, at nearly $140 per person, it’s on the pricier side. Overall, it’s a memorable experience for those interested in learning about and interacting with elephants, though the cost may be a deterrent for some.

You can check availability for your dates here: