Adventures with Elephants
Adventures with Elephants
Adventures with Elephants
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Located on a beautiful wildlife reserve just an hour and a half's drive from Pretoria and adjacent to the Zebula Golf Estate & Spa, Adventures with Elephants invites you into the elephant’s world for an unrivaled hands-on educational interaction that introduces you to our gentle giants! Learn from the team’s in-depth knowledge and share in their passion for this special herd of elephants. Join us for this unique and extraordinary experience that will leave you humbled and moved. Please contact us for information on our educational interactions, additional activities such as Bathing & Nature walks with elephants, elephant game viewing experience, romance in the bush, photography, filming and other tailor-made activities.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Does not meet animal welfare
guidelines
Tripadvisor does not provide bookings for this experience because it does not meet our animal welfare guidelines.
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- angela kLlangrannog, United Kingdom7 contributionsAmazing experience not to be missed in the Waterberg areaThe visit to Adventures with Elephants was a major highlight of our safari holiday to South Africa. Such wonderful work they do here ! A truly wonderful place where all the people radiate their love for these magnificent animals and educate,entertain and astound with their knowledge and sense of fun. We added on the Elephant bathing experience and were totally blown away by the whole thing. Thank you David for your wonderful care, enthusiasm and diligence. Angela & Marcus KeeganDear Angela & Marcus, Thank you so much for this absolutely wonderful review. We appreciate it more than you know and are so delighted that you had such a magnificent time with these wonderful animals. Thank you again for taking the time to visit us and write such a beautiful review. From all of us at AWE!Written 28 October 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 October 2023
- carin2024Pretoria, South Africa1 contributionSwimming with an elephantWe booked an Elephant SPA experience for my daughter and 2 friends for her 16th birthday. According to her it was the highlight of her year. All her friends absolutely loved it as well. How privileged we are to have this experience and rehabilitation centre in South Africa. The staff was friendly and professional.Thank you for this wonderful review and we are delighted to hear that your daughter had such a wonderful time. Thank you for choosing to share the special day with us! Kind regards The AWE TeamWritten 14 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 January 2024
- Brett D8 contributionsAmazing Experience at Adventures With Elephants.Ok so this was an amazing place and very informative Staff. The Elephant naturally stole the show, showing their keen sense of smell and memory. To be able to get close to these great creatures is beyond words. I will be taking away great Great GREAT memories from this and all my Adventures on Safari in South Africa. Keep up the great work Guys.Thank you so much! We are delighted to hear that you loved your time here with these beautiful animals and of course South Africa. We hope to see you again one day. Kind regards The AWE TeamWritten 14 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 1 February 2024
- Blue HeelerBrisbane, Australia768 contributionsTerrific timeI was part of a team that brought 14 people to experience elephants close hand. Congrats to Sean and his team for providing a wonderful experience and being so good-natured. His handlers are certainly up to the task and were very pleasant to deal with. While my guests enjoyed the encounter and a walk with the elephants, my wife and I enjoyed chatting to Sean and gaining insights about conservation in South africa. I cannot understand one negative review that suggests these were circus trained elephants. I have experienced rescued elephants several times in Southeast Asia including Thailand and Malaysia and although they are all different species, one can only marvel at the intelligence of these wonderful creatures. One can also get a good close look at other animals such as ostrich, wildebeest and nyala. Sean and his crew are doing a great job and a visit to this property is highly recommended.Thank you so much for this review and we greatly appreciate your honest, raw feedback. Thank you so much for visiting us and we do hope to see you again in the future. Kind regards The AWE teamWritten 2 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 2 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
550 reviews
Excellent
495
Very good
45
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
2
James G
Fairfax County, VA186 contributions
Jun 2021
My wife and I took out 2 and 4 year old for this experience earlier this week (June 2021). We were the only customers for the 0900 session and it was great. We were able to touch, feed, and even hug the elephants. Despite having done 5 game drives with my kids at a nearby lodge over the preceding 4 days, this was the highlight of the trip for the kids. Previously, I did an elephant experience at another place in the Jo'burg/Pretoria area but when I contacted them about bringing my 2 and 4 year old, I never heard back. If you have small kids and they are well behaved (or at least somewhat) I would recommend you consider this place. If you want to interact with elephants (we did with 3 different ones) I would highly recommend this business.
Written 24 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this lovely review.
We are so happy to read that this was the highlight of your childrens trip! We love to hear that our guests walk away with this amazing love of these wonderful animals.
Thank you for the recommendation too, we do hope to see you all again!
Kind regards
The AWE Team
Written 28 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Petru-Marti R
Kempton Park, South Africa7 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Wow, we had the most amazing experience with the elephants and the staff. All staff are so welcoming friendly and considerate towards the kids. They went the extra mile to make kids feel comfortable with these gentle giants and even though i was overwhelming at first it ended up in an experience we will never forget and the children can't stop sharing about it. Choba the elephant was a champion...thank you to all staff!!
Written 25 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, thank you so much for this spectacular review!
We are so happy that the children had such a lovey time and the staff were wonderful to them! We will ensure that we pass on your praise!
Thank you again!
Kind regards
The AWE Team
Written 28 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wendy V
Durban, South Africa339 contributions
Aug 2021
Very disappointing. There was no adventure at all. It was basically like circus trained elephants, who would lift their trunks up and all the visitors would get to stick their hands in their mouths and feel their tongue. I was disgusted. Elephants performed one trick after another whilst giving visitors photo opportunities. Would never recommend this!
Written 8 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel817677
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa101 contributions
Jan 2020
I can't explain in words the feeling to be so close and touch and interact with these majestic animals,Amazing , Awesome , Unreal does not even compare. The most important thing is that these are elephants that was rescued from certain death,They are not wild elephants tamed for monetary purposes.There is 7 elephants in total.They are so friendly and calm , you can see they have been treated well, when you hear each one's story ,it's heartbreaking.The guide was very informative.The staff was friendly and well organized.The elephant's memory is amazing,We got to hug them , play ball with them , play a memory game with them and had lots of photo opportunities.We took our own photos and also ended up buying the DVD (quality of photos was amazing) Off season is the best time to go , fewer people ,more time with the elephants. I got to place my hand inside the elephant's mouth and feel his tongue while feeding it.I also got kissed twice by the elephant :)
This visit was to celebrate my 30th wedding anniversary.This is something I will remember for the rest of my life. I want to take my children there soon.
This visit was to celebrate my 30th wedding anniversary.This is something I will remember for the rest of my life. I want to take my children there soon.
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, thank you so much for this amazing review! Reading this has brought goosebumps to us & we are so happy that you had such a wonderful time here with (we agree) AMAZING elephants!
Thank you for visiting us & we hope that we see you again soon.
Kind regards
The AWE Team
Written 17 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yenye-Amani-Adventures
Limpopo Province, South Africa36 contributions
Jan 2023
This is one of the most unique and insightful experiences in the whole of Africa. Get up close and personal with these giant animals and learn all about their special gifts. The interactions presented by this passionate team is truly world class and well worth the trip.
Written 12 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this spectacular review. We are honoured that after your visit, you found us to be one of the most insightful experiences of your trip.
Thank you again for visiting us and leaving this review.
Kind regards
The AWE Team
Written 20 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jsseegers
Tzaneen, South Africa1 contribution
Oct 2021
Awesome adventure for our 32nd Anniversary. It was a Lifelong dream to interact and walk with Elephants. Thank you to Manager SEAN HENSMAN and his staff. Sean personally communicated with us during our initial enquiry and was on hand to welcome us on arrival. Great personal package put together for our special day. The Elephant SPA was the ultimate highlight and would recommend it to every one. The Photos received afterwards was professional and plenty to choose from for our personal Album. Well worth the money and great lifetime memories. Well done to the whole team, it was money well spend.
Written 16 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mr & Mrs Seegers,
Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to write us this wonderful review. We really appreciate it.
We are delighted that we could help to make your 32nd anniversary so special & a huge congratulations from us again!
We hope to see you again!
Kind regards
The AWE Team
Written 8 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Skip D
Atlanta, GA281 contributions
May 2023
Our Family of Four recently visited Adventures with Elephants! This was one of our most memorable experiences of our trip to Africa! We enjoyed learning about the history of the facility. The elephant handlers were insightful and entertaining as well. Thee were among our favorite photos from our entire trip! Can't say enough good things- highly recommend a visit!
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this amazing review and we are so delighted that you had such a wonderful time with us and these wonderful animals. We will be sure to pass on your praise to the staff as well :)
Thank you again for visiting us.
Kind regards
The AWE Team
Written 20 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NorthStar58261490584
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Family
It was amazing! From the first glimpse of the Ellie's approaching from their sleeping pens, I had goosebumps until the end when we were able to feed them watermelons. They are so soft and gentle. The intro information and during the interaction are very educational and interesting. There was no dull moment. Will visit again for sure.
Written 9 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this amazing review. We love to read that our guests have walked away with this amazing feeling!
Thank you again for visiting us.
Kind regards
The AWE Team
Written 13 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dgtiffiths
Little Haywood, UK109 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
It was good to see the rescue elephants. These animals would not be alive if it wasn’t for the rescue. We got close to these beautiful animals which was amazing.
However I was expecting an educational experience and the guide gave us lots of information. I didn’t expect the elephants to perform tricks. I understand they were demonstrating the skill of the animals but I was particularly uncomfortable when one female was made to lie down. This seemed unnatural if not uncomfortable. I would have been happy to just feed and stroke these beautiful animal whilst learning their story.
However I was expecting an educational experience and the guide gave us lots of information. I didn’t expect the elephants to perform tricks. I understand they were demonstrating the skill of the animals but I was particularly uncomfortable when one female was made to lie down. This seemed unnatural if not uncomfortable. I would have been happy to just feed and stroke these beautiful animal whilst learning their story.
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your review & feedback.
We are glad that you got an educational experience whilst visiting us and we acknowledge your concerns.
Kind regards
The AWE Team
Written 30 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jonathan M. Matter
Johannesburg, South Africa125 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Very breathtaking experience. Sad to know that these beautiful creatures are more & more pushed at the edge of so much possible space in our beautiful nature.
Very nice to see the dedication & commitment of Sean, his family & the handlers.
The booking went not exactly as expected yet it is done by a external company & Sean will address it.
The introduction of the elefants, the educational part & the walk with the gentle giants was well handled by Oscar. Although being arround elephants prior to this event & having some knowledge about their behavior & species, we learned other interesting details and facts.
There are no words to describe the beauty and elegance of these elephants. We really enjoyed every minute of it & we're so glad we came.
What unforgettable moments we had with those dear friends of ours, the elephants.
Very nice to see the dedication & commitment of Sean, his family & the handlers.
The booking went not exactly as expected yet it is done by a external company & Sean will address it.
The introduction of the elefants, the educational part & the walk with the gentle giants was well handled by Oscar. Although being arround elephants prior to this event & having some knowledge about their behavior & species, we learned other interesting details and facts.
There are no words to describe the beauty and elegance of these elephants. We really enjoyed every minute of it & we're so glad we came.
What unforgettable moments we had with those dear friends of ours, the elephants.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We really appreciate it and so pleased that you loves your time with these wonderful animals!
Again, we are terribly sorry for any confusion over your booking. We are trying to address these issues.
Thank you again.
The AWE Team
Written 2 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello, do you offer transport options from Mabula Lodge? Thank you!
Written 9 October 2023
You can arrange transport from the lodge for a charge. The rescue may also pick you up just ask
Written 19 January 2024
Contact Zebula Lodge, all bookings are done from there and they may be able to provide transport from the Lodge as it is only about 1 kilometer.
Written 24 April 2019
Rebecca K
Randfontein, South Africa
Hey how much are your elephant rides for 4 adults?
Written 29 January 2019
Hi there,
I see we've missed a question from you. Distracted by beautiful elephants in the bush :-) Our apologies!
We offer firstly, an educational elephant interaction, which lasts 1 hour. This is where you meet each of our 7 elephants & learn about them & get to interact with them. It is much more than just a 'touch & feed' experience & great fun. This is R600 pp for adults and R340.00 for children under 12 years of age.
Then you have the option to go on a safari ride on the elephants after the interaction. This lasts apx 20 minutes, where you can see various wildlife in the reserve. This is an additional R600 pp regardless of age. So, the full total cost will be R1200.00 if you decide to do the Interaction & the Ride.
Would you like to send me your email address & we can send you all the information & assist with helping you make a booking?
Regards,
The AWE team
Written 8 February 2019
Bonjour je serai de passage lundi prochain pour la journée ce sera possible de profiter de adventures with éléphants et quel sera le coût merci
Written 27 November 2018
Tanya J
Gauteng, South Africa
Hi can you pls give me times and prices of tours for 3 adults
Regards Tanya
Written 2 September 2018
Dear Tanya,
Thank you for your message & interest in Adventures with Elephants.
We offer firstly, an educational elephant interaction, which lasts 1 hour. This is where you meet each of our 7 elephants & learn about them & get to interact with them. It is much more than just a 'touch & feed' experience & great fun. This is R600 pp for adults and R340.00 for children under 12 years of age.
Then you have the option to go on a safari ride on the elephants after the interaction. This lasts apx 20 minutes, where you can see various wildlife. This is an additional R600 pp regardless of age. So, the full total cost will be R1200.00 if you decide to do the Interaction & the Ride.
Would you like to send me your email address & we can send you all the information & assist with helping you make a booking?
Kindest regards
The AWE Team
Written 4 September 2018
Ik vraag me af wat deze organisatie hier doet. Een ritje op de rug van een olifant en interactie ermee, dat is intussen toch achterhaald. Alsof een olifant dat leuk vindt. Dit soort activiteiten is alleen leuk voor de toerist. De olifanten worden hiertoe gedwongen. Beschamend dat zoiets nog bestaat en dat je er ook nog voor moet betalen. Trainers zijn mensen die deze dieren dwingen. Haal dit toeristenuitje dan ook snel weg van Tripadvisor
Written 24 March 2018
kueglerr
Gilserberg, Germany
Guten tag, kann man dort spontan hinkommen oder muss man dies vorher buchen? Mfg
Written 7 December 2017
Can someone please advise the contact number for the booking office as cannot see anything here or send me to 0824900312
Written 4 December 2017
Hi,
The telephone number for Adventures with Elephants:
Phone: 014 734 7730
Written 6 December 2017
Yes, you can go by yourself. Please book before the time. We were only three people when we went. If there are other people booked on the same day, then you will just join them. It is really worthwhile going. I am going there again in Nov 2017. I am eager to see how much bigger little Bella and Zambezi have grown. They are the babies of the herd.
Best wishes
Win, Pretoria
Written 14 October 2017
Hello & thank you for your question. The answer is ABSOLUTELY! There is no need to be with a group to come & connect with the elephants & it's such a wonderful experience. As the previous comments suggest, you will probably enjoy it even more so you can really immerse yourself in the experience!
We hope you visit but if you have any more questions, please just ask.
Kind regards
The AWE Team
Written 17 October 2017
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