Knysna Elephant Park | Knysna Activity on the Garden Route | Plettenberg Bay Elephant Tour

As with all tourist offerings, there are countless choices; it is always wise to explore the untold facts behind the pretty pictures.

1. Knysna Elephant Park was the first elephant orphanage of its kind in South Africa - established in 1994.
   
   
2. Knysna Elephant Park has contributed significantly to the responsible management of elephants in South Africa. The formation of the Elephant Tourism Association derives directly from the Knysna Elephant Park. The Elephant Tourism Association wrote the Norms and Standards which now govern all elephant experiences across the country.
   
   
3. Lisette Withers, co-owner of the Knysna Elephant Park along with husband Ian, is regarded as one of the leaders in the management and rescue of elephants in South Africa, so much so that she and her team from the Knysna Elephant Park were invited to stabilise the Tuli elephants, as well as stabilize and treat the burned Pilansberg elephants. Lisette is often consulted on how to successfully rear young orphans.
   
   
4. Knysna Elephant Park applies strict responsible tourism and elephant management guidelines:
   
   
   • Knysna Elephant Park has defined a ‘free-range, controlled environment’. This allows the breeding herd (female group) to interact with tourists on their terms and not on tourists’ terms
   • The female group is never split up and is respected as a tight-knit matriarchal clan
   • No rides or organized walks done involve the female breeding herd
   • Males are managed differently and in accordance with the bachelor herd behavioural patterns in which they operate
     
     
5. Knysna Elephant Park has adopted the area’s local underprivileged school as part of its Corporate Social Investment Programme. Volunteers from all over the world come to Knysna Elephant Park to participate in skills transfer programmes that include teaching at the local school.
   
   
6. In addition to the main attraction of the elephants, the Park boasts spectacular views of the Outeniqua mountains and is also home to a patch of pristine indigenous Knysna forest. The other famous biome you’ll see at the Park is Cape fynbos.
   
   
7. Knysna Elephant Park is conveniently situated close to both Plettenberg Bay (10km) and Knysna (22km), right in the heart of the celebrated Garden Route.
   
   
8. We are a family destination that welcomes children, not only to the elephant experiences but to our luxury accommodation too!