Adventures with Elephants
Adventures with Elephants
Adventures with Elephants
4.9
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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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.9
550 reviews
Excellent
495
Very good
45
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
2
carol r
London9 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
Great experience. We were in a small group of 5 for the Educational hour and it was really lovely, especially as we had some time to sit on the terrace overlooking the beautiful waterhole and surroundings beforehand. I was a little concerned that it could be 'circus' like , with the animals having been taught 'tricks', but it just managed to stay within the boundaries.
The only downside is the cost of transport to get there. 350 Rand per person, payable in cash only, for a relatively short return trip to our Lodge.
The only downside is the cost of transport to get there. 350 Rand per person, payable in cash only, for a relatively short return trip to our Lodge.
Written 6 November 2024
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 your review, we really appreciate your comments and feedback and that you had a wonderful time.
I am sorry re the cost of transport, please note that this is an external company and not part of Adventures with Elephants. However, to comment for them, I think that the cost they charge needs to reflect the taxi driving out from Bela Bela town to your lodge and then back to town again (well over an hour round trip of driving). As we are so located so remotely, we sadly do not have any taxi services locally to us and as such a Bela Bela service is used. I hope this helps a little and thank you again.
Kind regards
The AWE Team
Written 8 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Blue Heeler
Brisbane, Australia776 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
I 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.
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.
Written 2 July 2024
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 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 team
Written 3 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brett D
10 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
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.
Written 1 February 2024
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! 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 Team
Written 15 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
oliviacrooks
6 contributions
Sept 2021
This is something I have always wanted to do, but always found it over-priced and ended putting it off. While away for a weekend for our wedding anniversary we drove past 'Adventures with Elephants' and I immediately Googled and noticed the price was in my budget. So on our way back home, we stopped off and ended up having the most amazing experience ever. The staff are amazing and clearly quite passionate about caring for the Ellies. And then ofcourse the stars of the show, the beautiful and incredibly talented Elephants. Words can't really explain how special it was and so grateful to have had your staff taking pics as I didn't want to miss anything because of worrying about a camera. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I would HIGHLY recommend it.
Written 20 October 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 beautiful review.
We are beyond delighted to have met all your expectations and that you walked away feeling overjoyed with the experience.
Thank you again for visiting and supporting our wonderful animals.
Kind regards
The AWE Team
Written 8 December 2021
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.
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.
Dgtiffiths
Little Haywood, UK114 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.
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.
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.
James G
Fairfax County, VA199 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.
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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