Elephant Sanctuary The Crags
Elephant Sanctuary The Crags
Elephant Sanctuary The Crags
4.5
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Guests are guided on foot through The Elephant Sanctuary. Guides will provide in-depth information and insight into African elephants. You will be introduced to our elephants in the forest area, and here you will be able to touch and interact with the elephants. You will see the special relationship that the elephant handlers share with their elephants and become a part of it. Walk trunk-in-hand with the elephants. See the Elephant Night Shelter where the elephants sleep. Guests learn about elephant anatomy and are able to feed them. On some hot or rainy days, you may see the elephants swimming. Enjoy a drink and visit our curio shop. Remember to wear flat walking shoes, sun hats and bring your camera. Brushing the elephants down is offered on the Elephant Brush down Experience Tour which starts at 07h30 and 15h30. We offer various tours depending on the duration and intensity of experience you desire.
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See what travellers are saying
- campsbayrichCape Town Central, South Africa258 contributionsRushed and not very educationalElephants are extraordinary animals, and it's great to be able to get up close to them. That said, the entire experience feels very very rushed, and there isn't much education about elephants on general, or these elephants specifically. We were left with the impression that they're moving people through as quickly as possible, and it felt closer to a circus experience than a sanctuary experience to us. That said, it was in early January which I'd guess is about the busiest time of year, so that might have impacted them riding everyone through everything.Visited January 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 January 2023
- RosemarieSeeon, Germany10 contributionsDon’t buy the video because you never receive it.In general my husband and I were very impressed how the guides work and take care of the elephants. Of course at the end of the visit we were shown a video of our tour with the animals which we could purchase. Among other things like footprints of the elephants we purchased the video, filled out a form with email address, contacts etc. Supposedly we were to receive a link of the video shortly after that day. Unfortunately this never happened! In the meantime we have sent 5 emails asking what the problem is and why we never received the link for the down load. Not once did we get a reply or an apology. Our booking number was 475D-39C4 So be warned and don’t fall into this trap!Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 January 2023
- BOFA BOYBridge of Allan, United Kingdom1,312 contributionsVery informative.My wife and I visited this sanctuary recently and enjoyed it, but felt that the entry cost was quite high to get into the place. In addition to that, you are “given the opportunity” to tip anyone and everyone in the establishment, which we thought put too much pressure on visitors. That said, we enjoyed the experience.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 February 2023
- Janet BWindsor, United Kingdom132 contributionsNice to see elephants up close but not an experience I would particularly recommend- too rushed and commercialThis was a nice experience and we did enjoy it (but I would enjoy any interaction with these beautiful creatures) but it was not what I was expecting and I didn’t feel that it was relaxing or that educational. The whole experience felt rushed and that we were on a treadmill. The walk trunk in hand was only a few steps in a field so didn’t feel it was a walk with an Elephant to be honest. The brush down again we were lined up in a field so didn’t feel we were being part of a proper experience. The guides were nice and were knowledgeable but it felt like the whole experience was simply about taking photos and rushing as many as possible people though.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 March 2023
- Cara C2 contributionsWorking ElephantsThe elephants here are very much working animals. I shouldn’t have been surprised and I know these places need to make money BUT if the elephants are doing walks every hour then how can they possibly consume the volume of food they need and their dung is liquid rather than more solid from the elephants we saw on safari, meaning their diet isn’t right. But the main cause for concern was one of the handlers was really intimidating one of the elephants. He would lunge towards it and the elephant physically backed away, he didn’t do it it a good way (if there is such a thing), he was showing off and it made me and my husband uncomfortable. Poor elephants. Such a shame.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 23 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Helen R
9 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
This place was promoted as a santuary for elephants but we were very disappointed. They have only 5 elephants who are required to interact with visitos every hour and performs tricks and pose for photos. Elephants are required to do this up to 8 times a day and never get a day off. Feel like these elephants are being exploited gor money and owners do not have their best interests at heart.
Written 4 November 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.
Neale1810
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK2 706 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We were starting the Garden Route from Storms River and heading West so this was an obvious place to drop off to see some elephants. We didn’t have a booking but that was OK as there were spaces for the next experience (it looks like they are every hour).
We had a good introduction to the experience and the appropriate safety briefing. There were 6 of us in total,which worked well with the number of elephants they have.
It soon became obvious that this was not what I would describe as a sanctuary - the elephants are mainly there for photo opportunities. Having said that they did look healthy and well looked after but I’m not sure that having to perform several times a day would be their preferred activity.
We did of course enjoy being up close with the elephants and walking with them - they are such gentle giants.
At the end they show you the video they have produced of your visit and there is the opportunity to buy things from the shop. We decided not to buy anything so I just gave them a nice tip instead - I didn’t feel that this was appreciated.
So left with mixed feelings - glad to be with the elephants but wish it had been less about making money.
We had a good introduction to the experience and the appropriate safety briefing. There were 6 of us in total,which worked well with the number of elephants they have.
It soon became obvious that this was not what I would describe as a sanctuary - the elephants are mainly there for photo opportunities. Having said that they did look healthy and well looked after but I’m not sure that having to perform several times a day would be their preferred activity.
We did of course enjoy being up close with the elephants and walking with them - they are such gentle giants.
At the end they show you the video they have produced of your visit and there is the opportunity to buy things from the shop. We decided not to buy anything so I just gave them a nice tip instead - I didn’t feel that this was appreciated.
So left with mixed feelings - glad to be with the elephants but wish it had been less about making money.
Written 25 October 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.
Cara C
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
The elephants here are very much working animals. I shouldn’t have been surprised and I know these places need to make money BUT if the elephants are doing walks every hour then how can they possibly consume the volume of food they need and their dung is liquid rather than more solid from the elephants we saw on safari, meaning their diet isn’t right. But the main cause for concern was one of the handlers was really intimidating one of the elephants. He would lunge towards it and the elephant physically backed away, he didn’t do it it a good way (if there is such a thing), he was showing off and it made me and my husband uncomfortable. Poor elephants.
Such a shame.
Such a shame.
Written 23 September 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.
MJ
Belfast, UK10 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We had such a wonderful morning with Lloyd and the rest of the team at the sanctuary. We were so warmly welcomed (even though I’d accidentally booked the wrong day), Ludwe walked us out to the elephants and gave us a lot of information about the sanctuary and their different elephants.
Lloyd gave us a great introduction of the anatomy of an elephant, as well as why the elephants are in the sanctuary and how they care for them.
We got to meet the elephants and walk with them, we then got to stop and take pictures, ask any questions and learn more about each elephant. The guides are so attentive and gentle with the elephants. We also got the opportunity to feed them and ask our final questions. We were then able to watch back the footage they had taken of us meeting & walking with the elephants. It was a truly special experience with wonderfully trained and kind staff.
Lloyd gave us a great introduction of the anatomy of an elephant, as well as why the elephants are in the sanctuary and how they care for them.
We got to meet the elephants and walk with them, we then got to stop and take pictures, ask any questions and learn more about each elephant. The guides are so attentive and gentle with the elephants. We also got the opportunity to feed them and ask our final questions. We were then able to watch back the footage they had taken of us meeting & walking with the elephants. It was a truly special experience with wonderfully trained and kind staff.
Written 12 September 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.
אממ
Da Lat, Vietnam1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Couples
The visit gave a feeling of elephants in a circus, the elephants instead of walking around freely put on an unnecessary show for us, they were like trained pets. And we got the feeling that they were quite sad.
Written 9 September 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.
andyjanec
Soham, UK83 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
What a wonderful place. I visited with my family, including two teen boys, whilst staying in Plett for a couple of days. We are big animal lovers and couldn't pass up the opportunity to get close to these magical creatures. It is clear there's a lot of love and respect for these animals and despite the fact they can't live in the wild because of their previous experiences, their lodgings are as close to nature as it's safe for them to be. Our experience was great, we got lots of time near them, looking at them closely, feeding them and of course walking trunk in hand. Our lead guide Lloyd clearly loves those animals and was so incredibly knowledgeable. He told us lots of interesting things about them. The handlers kept us safe, but I wish they hadn't been so keen to take the hundreds of posed pictures. Some natural ones would have been much more meaningful. All in all, it was a fabulous experience. We would visit again.
Written 1 September 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.
Elmarie H
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
What a great interaction with the Elephants. Our guide, Patrick, and his team were friendly, professional and very informative. It was an overall great experience, from my telephonic encounters, to arrival, interactions with the staff and the Elephants. Thank you for all you do! Highly recommend visits the Sanctuary 😊
Written 24 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.
J W
16 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Took a half day with the elephants for the family. Weren't quite sure what to expect but we were with Lloyd who introduced us to the elephants and him and his team were great. We all loved the time we spent there. Lloyd was excellent, elephants just lovely, Jabu my sons favourite! We also were served breakfast, the most amazing muffins... almost the size of an elephants foot! A great morning and great family activity. Thank you Lloyd 😊
Written 18 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.
Ladybug26
11 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
A worthwhile tour to get up close and personal to beautiful elephants in need of a safe home.
We did the brush down tour and Is was magical to be so close to these majestic animals.
We did the brush down tour and Is was magical to be so close to these majestic animals.
Written 15 July 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.
defreitas
Newlands, South Africa44 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
What an experience. I would recommend this place to every human in the world! Being so close to these magnificent beasts was breath taking. I did the elephant brush down, I found it to be a bit anticlimactic. Just doing the walk 'trunk in hand' is enough.
Written 28 May 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.
Dany
Eupen, Belgium
Hello.
We can't reach your website ("this site is down for maintenance").
Could we book a tour in your Elephant Sanctuary for 8th of november (tomorrow) during the afteenoon?
That would be great :)
Kind regards
Dany&Lara
Sanctuary Management
Brits, South Africa7 contributions
Hi there Dany.
Please send us mail to manager @ elephantsanctuary. co. za
Felipe E
Sao Paulo, SP55 contributions
How long does take the tour?
Do i need to make a reservation earlier?
heinjan
Voorburg, The Netherlands350 contributions
We were there quit early, no reservations were needed. Donot forget to walk with the elephants to the river and watch them from the terrace, a sight you wont forget!
Ana Paula T
Peniche, Portugal10 contributions
Hi, I´m trying to contact the ELEPHANT SANCTUARY, THE CRAGS, PLETTENBERG BAY, but they don´t reply e-mails. I will be in Cape Town and I would like to visit them. Could you help me to contact them? I need to book a 1/2 day visit and to find a transfer to get there. Thank you.
ManagementESP
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Call +27 044 534 8145 during working hours
Dar
Trenton, Canada120 contributions
I would like to come for a few days and spend time with the elephants. Can you please give me a website address where I can find information about this?
Thanks
VSunshineYum
Sandton, South Africa128 contributions
Please do not support any facility that offers animal interaction as this practice is inherently in conflict with animal welfare imperatives - true sanctuaries do not allow human imprinting on animals and actually do release them into the wild (and sadly, it is verified that the majority of the elephants performing at the top 5 elephant "sanctuaries" in South Africa are victims of kidnapping and welfare/elephant cruelty criminal cases (including current Knysna Elephant Park prosecution). Check out the WAP responsible tourism handbook and FairTrade Tourism Guidlelines for a safe and cruelty-free vacation!
Dar
Trenton, Canada120 contributions
Hi Debbie
I"m thinking of planning a visit to Africa to see the elephants. I can't seem to find the website or the actual name of this place to see what my options are in terms of staying a couple of days or longer?
Any info would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Dar
Lida S
Ottawa, Canada163 contributions
This elephant sanctuary is a privately owned venue near Plettenberg Bay. We stayed in Plettenberg overnight at a b&b which was gorgeous and very affordable. There are lots of accommodations in Plettenberg Bay. If your goal is to see elephants close up, an elephant encounter venue is a great choice. If you want to see elephants in nature we saw so many at Chobe National Park. It is in Botswana but just a day trip from Victoria Falls so we got to see two amazing wonders in the side trip to Victoria Falls. I put the itinerary together myself much cheaper than a big organized trip to Africa and really lucked out on all the accommodations and sites. We flew to Cape Town in South Africa from Ottawa, spent six nights in Cape Town, then a private two night trip up the coast of South Africa to knysna and Plettenberg, then did a four night excursion to Victoria Falls, flew with Kenya Airlines. We used Shearwater excursions for the day trip to Chobe was awesome and the animals we saw there was incredible. Feel free to ask anything else. We jus got home at the end of November and still so excited!
Rperi
Netanya, Central District, Israel168 contributions
Is it realy necessary to book a tour months upfront, or you can just come and enter on spot?
ManagementESP
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Pre booking (at least two weeks in advance) is essential to ensure availability during peak season .
Pre booking is also advised for out of season visits due to group limits imposed.
'Walk in' guests are always welcome, but a waiting time might be imposed.
Greetings
The Elephant team
Ayannah N
1 contribution
I was under the impression that sanctuaries didn't allow ride on the elephants. Its not something that is good for their bodies, especially their backs. We found one in Thailand that didn't allow ride, but we did various activities with them. Is this really a sanctuary?
Tilly
Staffordshire, UK27 contributions
Hi there yes it is supposed to be a sanctuary and they have 5 rescued elephants that you are educated about and allowed to walk with . The keepers are wonderful but at the end they did allow a family of 5 to ride them. However the group that followed us had a scare when the 3 elephants who had people riding them were spooked and started running around , the keepers soon got them under control but a scarey moment.
yorkshirelover190821
Barrow-in-Furness, UK2 contributions
When is the sanctuary open?
ManagementESP
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
We re open daily - from 07h30 until 17h00 (Last daily tour at 15h30)
Mandys-Big-fella
at home12 contributions
Hi just read your description on elephant tour. me and my partner are doing a 4 week travel of garden route do you have any recommendations or places\things to avoid,
many thanks
kjeld g
180 contributions
Hi there. Probably you guys will start in Cape Town. Robben Island is immpressive for sure. In Cape Town we also did paragliding. That's a nice one where you have beautiful over the city. That's the same with Table mountain, a must see while in Cape Town. The restaurant we liked the most in Cape Town is Belthazar (as far as I know one of the very few places where you can eat ostrich). It is located in de V&A Waterfront.
Along the garden route we visited wine estates. The one we liked the most is Asara. Beautiful setting, nice and comfortable accommodation. Breakfast is really delicious. The only thing with Asara is that the diiner menu, compared to everything else, is a bit average.
Also not to miss while travelling along de garden route is whale watching (I don't know if it's still the season). Important with whale watching: really try hard to avoid the crowds! Look for companies who offer small boats or maybe even private tours. That can make your experience unforgettable. Otherwise you'll be stucked on a real vacation cruise boat with at least over a hundred other tourists.
If you decide to go to Hermanus I should give you a fair warning. The restaurants over there ar not that great. But there's one exception: La Pentola.. It has a various menu and staff is great.
If whale watching is not an option, you can always go for a shark dive. That is offered year round. It's quiet adventurous, but a life time experience.
One thing we also liked was kayaking in Tsitsikamma national park. I don't know how far you guys plan on going, but if you make it to Port Elizabeth, I really recommend Addo Elephant national park. Due to its size a perfect park for a one day visit and I'm sure you'll have some beuatiful en up close animal encounters.
About the Elephant sanctuary: as said it is overpriced and very touristic. That really is a shame. But if you never saw an elephant up close and touched it, this it an opportunity.
Oudtshoorn deserves a visit if you ask me, aspecially if you like ostrich. Oudtshoorn is known for its ostrich farms and it's nice to visit one. If you ask me you shouldn't ride one cause that's not where those animals are for. Just outside Oudtshoorn you can drive the Swartbergpass, which we really enjoyed. You can also visit a cave which suprised us positively.
To inspire yourself for accommodation throughout South Africa, take a look on Portfoliocollection. Hope you'll enjoy your stay in South Africa!
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Claim your listingELEPHANT SANCTUARY THE CRAGS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Elephant Sanctuary The Crags
- Elephant Sanctuary The Crags is open:
- Sun - Sat 07:30 - 17:00
- Hotels near Elephant Sanctuary The Crags:
- (0.05 km) Elephant Country Guest House
- (1.00 km) Trogon House and Forest Spa
- (1.59 km) Hog Hollow Country Lodge
- (0.52 km) That Place: self catering house
- (3.10 km) Lily Pond Country Lodge
- Restaurants near Elephant Sanctuary The Crags:
- (0.04 km) Newstead Wines Restaurant
- (0.57 km) Peppermill Cafe
- (0.56 km) Bramon Boutique Wine Estate
- (1.10 km) Villa Villekula
- (0.77 km) Jandaya Cafe