It’s no surprise that seeing elephants is on most tourists’ bucket lists when they visit South Africa. Your requirements will determine how near you wish to get to an elephant. Some individuals only want to view them in their natural habitat, in the wild. Some want to touch them or even ride them.
Addo Elephant Park
The Sundays River Valley in Greater Addo, South Africa’s third largest reserve, contains one of the densest African elephant populations on the planet. These are easily visible after you enter the reserve. The reserve’s main waterholes are critical to elephant survival because they require approximately 190 litres of water per day and give good viewing opportunities. Guided game drives at sunrise, sunset, and evenings provide good sightings opportunities.
Adventures with Elephants in Bela Bela
Engage with elephants, ride them, or even swim with them. This organization is dedicated to improving and securing elephant welfare in Africa and teaching people about elephants. The reserve is within an hour’s drive north of Pretoria. It is described as mind-blowing by visitors.
Elephant back game viewing in the Pilanesberg
Daily elephant back safaris are available at Sun City’s Letsatsing Reserve. Travel over old game pathways on the backs of Cikwenya, Sharu, Mana, Michael, Tidimalo, and Ngwedi. Sighting game takes a back seat to the sensation of riding on the back of an elephant and the rich pleasures of witnessing these giants’ social relationships and intelligence.
At Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve, take part in this hands-on learning experience with elephants in a one-on-one engagement. You do not need to be a guest at the private reserve. Day visitors can participate in elephant engagement sessions as well as elephant back safaris.
Elephant back safari at Kapama Private Game Reserve
In 2002, twelve fully trained African elephants came in Kapama after being transferred from Zimbabwe, where their safety was jeopardized. Today, they accompany visitors on pleasant game rides through the jungle in single file, their silence just adding to the memorable experience.
Elephant Whispers, Hazyview
Learn about, touch, and enjoy elephants with this Hazyview organization that helps conserve elephants and promotes their protection. Feel the skin, trunk, and even the soles of these lovely, rescued elephants while riding on their backs. The Sundowner tour takes a step further by allowing you to interact with both the elephants and their trainers.
Knysna Elephant Park
The rare and mythological Knysna elephants continue to roam the Tsitsikamma Forest in far fewer numbers than before (precise numbers are unknown, but one was sighted as recently as January 2014, and Gareth Patterson’s research suggests that as many as 10 or 11 may exist). Knysna Elephant Park is not their home, but you will learn more about them there. The elephants that live here are all orphans rescued from Kruger National Park cullings. One of them was born in this town. Come see, touch, and interact with them.
Kruger National Park
Sightings of the African elephant are common in Kruger, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. Elephants travel in vast herds (some argue there is an elephant overpopulation in Kruger), are plainly visible at larger waterholes, and frequently cross roadways. These wild animals must be treated with care so they do not become startled.
Tembe Elephant Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Tembe is home to the largest elephant herd in KwaZulu-Natal, the remnants of South Africa’s last free-roaming herd, which sought safety in the deep sand woodlands of Tembe. The adults are the largest elephants in South Africa. Close-up views are available from game drive vehicles in sand forest, woodland, grassland, swampland, and hides overlooking watering holes.
The Elephant Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay
This is the country’s sole halfway house for young elephants needing a temporary home; they are released back into the wild when they are mature enough and no longer require special care. The number of visitors is intentionally kept minimal to maximize elephant engagement. In Plett, you may learn about elephants, walk with them, touch them, and feed them.
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