Accommodation near Elephant Sanctuary - Plettenberg Bay - 9

The Elephant Sanctuary - Plettenberg Bay provides a wonderfully enriching wildlife experience on the doorstep of one of the Garden Route’s prettiest destinations, Plett. The Elephant Sanctuary is one of numerous wildlife sanctuaries in the area, but given the African elephant’s iconic status on the continent, if you are going to visit just one of the sanctuaries, make sure that this is the one!

Situated just 16 kilometres from the seaside resort town of Plettenberg Bay, the sanctuary is easily accessible and makes an inspiring day trip. You will find it at The Crags, just off the N2 highway near Nature’s Valley.

The African elephant is one of the 2 elephant types in existence, and is larger, with a softer, less point head than its Asian counterparts. It is a member of Africa’s famous Big 5 group – of which lion, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros are also members. Anyone who knows anything about African conservation and elephants will also tell you that the ivory which makes up their tusks is highly coveted by certain groups in the Far East. They are hence considered threatened, which just goes to make an intimate elephant encounter even more special.

At the sanctuary elephants are trained using a method of positive re-enforcement, thus the animals you encounter are relaxed, happy and well-cared for, which translates into a magical experience for all involved.

There are numerous tour options available to visitors at the Elephant Sanctuary - Plettenberg Bay, among them the trunk-in-hand walk, a tour of the sanctuary and stables, a brush down experience in which you get to rub the gentle giants down with a soft brush, and a short elephant ride. You will get the chance to touch the elephants and feed them, and generally experience them up close and personal – an experience you won’t easily forget!

Before or after the tour you can shop for curios in the on-site shop, or enjoy a pizza straight from their wood-fired oven.

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