Knysna Elephant Park, Western Cape, South Africa
4.5 (2.973 reviews) Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #4 in Knysna Nature & Wildlife Areas
Interactive and engaging
The Knysna Elephant Park (est. 1994) was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Over the last 25 years, the park has cared for and raised more than 40 elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls and ex-circus animals. Some have become part of the resident herd, others have moved onto other reserves and facilities in the Western and Eastern Cape, depending on their personalities, bonds with other animals and welfare needs. The present KEP herd numbers ten – the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in the country. Our style of management offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants, on elephant terms. Responsible and educational interactions allow guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals, but still give the elephants the space and freedom to choose where they want to move, what they want to eat and who they want to interact with.
Address
1km Off the N2 Highway Between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, Knysna 6571 South Africa
Mobile
Website
http://www.knysnaelephantpark.co.za/
Working hours
Monday : 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday : 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday : 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday : 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday : 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday : 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday : 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Current local date and time now
Sunday, May 05, 2024, 17:23
User Ratings
4.5 based on (2.973 reviews)
Reviews
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5534virginiat 5:00 PM Jan 30, 2022
Once in a lifetime experience
On Thursday 27 January we visited the Knysna Elephant park between Plett and Knysna. We could choose from different options that they offered. We chose the option ‘meet the herd.’This cost R360 per head and the snack bucket for the Elephants were R45. We should actually have bought more snacks for the elephants. We were taken to the field on a tractor and trailer. Once on the field we stopped at a area where we got off the trailer and could then feed the Elephants. What an experience. After feeding them we walked amongst them following the instructions of the handlers. The elephants r use to people and even posed for many photos. This was definitely a highlight of our visit to the park. On walking to the other side we also got to c 5 Zebras. 4 females ( all pregnant) and one male, so with the next visit there will be small zebras. They followed the elephants and we also took photos of them but didn’t go as close as with the elephants. Definitely a must visit and very much worth it. Would go there again.
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5Kat R 5:00 PM Dec 4, 2022
Interactive and engaging
To be so close to the elephants was an incredible experience. My family and I did feed the elephants, whilst the guides told us interesting information about elephants in general. my favourite part was when they were able to identify each elephant and gave us their personal histories and how they came to be in the park (I am saying park here because it is called the "Knysna Elephant Park", but it is actually a sanctuary for the elephants). Taking pictures was not my priority, but I did appreciate that the guides gave us allocated time and guided us in taking photos of these incredible animals. I was impressed by how diligent the guides were - always making sure that we were safe and protected, managing multiple people at a time. I would have enjoyed gaining a little more information about the sanctuary, but it was due to COVID restrictions that made the usual presentations and videos unavailable. Because this was out of the sanctuary's control, I am still giving it a 5-star rating. Thank you for a lovely experience!
