Quick Links
The Knysna Elephant Park was the first facility established in South Africa to house and care for orphaned elephants. The Knysna Elephant Park has been operating for almost 30 years and has raised and cared for over 40 elephants. South Africa is one of the most rewarding countries in the world to visit, but there are a number of things visitors should know in advance.
The elephants that are found in the Knysna Elephant Park have been rescued from a range of situations. They include relocated elephants, orphaned elephant calves, and elephants that have been rescued from culls. While in South Africa, take the time to explore the stunning Elephant Coast. Perhaps the best lodge to see an incredible amount of African animals is the Omaruru Game Lodge in Namibia.
What To Know About Knysna Elephant Park & Its Elephants
Some of the elephants move on to other reserves and facilities in South Africa's Western and Eastern Cape provinces. The decision to keep them or move them somewhere else depends on their bonds with other animals, their welfare needs, and their personalities.
- Established: 1994
The current herd of elephants in Knysna Elephant Park numbers 8 elephants making it the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in South Africa.
Elephant encounters at the sanctuary are careful to be responsible and to educate visitors about the elephants and the challenges facing elephants today. The elephants are given space and freedom so that they can move around as they like and eat what they want to eat. They are also free to interact with the visitors that they want to interact with.
According to their website, the Knysna Elephant Park is recognized both domestically and internationally as one of the world's best captive elephant care facilities in the world.
"Our style of management offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants, on elephant terms." Knysna Elephant Park
To see more of South Africa's famous animals, visit Kruger National Park on a safari tour. Kruger National Park is the most popular national park in South Africa.
Visiting The Knysna Elephant Park
Visitors are able to pose with the elephants and take pictures with them, but questionable practices like riding the elephants have been discontinued. There are no fences to spoil the encounter, and the environment has been designed to encourage natural behavior.
At the park, one can see the gentle giants up close. Learn about the plight of elephants across the continent of Africa and learn about the efforts to save elephants from various circumstances (such as orphaned elephants).
Visitors are able to take photos with the elephants in the background. The sanctuary also has a team of professional photographers who can take pictures for purchase. They also cater to weddings and engagements with a range of romantic packages to choose from.
The matriarch of the herd is Sally. She was born in October 1989 and moved to the sanctuary in 1994. She is the "Big Mamma" of the park. As the matriarch, she is gentle but stern and is concerned for the well-being of the other elephants in her herd.
Stay At The Knysna Elephant Park's Luxury Lodge
The Knysna Elephant Park also has a beautiful 4-star Elephant Nature Lodge. The lodge is built within the elephant sleeping quarters and offers a unique opportunity to spend the night with the herd of African elephants.
Visitors will be able to find out firsthand if the elephants lie down or stand up when they sleep. During the day, the elephants are free to roam around the property, but at night they come back to their boma or night camp to sleep (they are free to choose where to sleep inside or outside depending on the weather conditions).
The Elephant Nature Lodge offers a range of luxury accommodation options, and the room rates include breakfast at the Indlovu Cafe.
Room 1 - Harry
- Type: Luxury Room
- Price: R990.00 ($56) Per Person l R1,450.00 ($86) Single Traveler
- Facilities: Private Patio, Queen Bed, Mini-Fridge
See more about the accommodation options at the Elephant Nature Lodge on their website. The lodge also has a great lounge area for the guests to hang out. Perhaps the most famous lodge in Africa is the Giraffe Manor in Kenya, where giraffes come and pock their heads into the lodge while folks have breakfast.