Born out of the struggle of the elephants of the Knysna forest, Knysna Elephant Park’s aim has been to provide the best home possible to other elephants in need of one. Consequently we have created a free-range controlled environment, which means that the elephants get to walk and browse in the fields as they would do in the wild, however they do need handlers and guides with them constantly as they are living amongst and interacting with humans every day. Your experience of the elephants is therefore as natural as possible - we would never ask elephants to perform tricks or behave in a manner that is not natural to them.

In order to cater for all preferences we have a range of inspiring experiences. The Daily Tour provides the shorter experience of meeting, feeding and interacting with our gentle giants. For longer experiences we offer Elephant Back Rides or Walks, while the Exclusive Sunrise / Sunset Safaris and Sundowners provide more private and intimate encounters.

Visit our Guest Comments page for a glimpse at what our guests have to say about their visit and stay.

And if you still can't get enough of our elephants spend a night with them at the Elephant Lodge.

Daily Tours

To know an elephant is to be touched by one

Daily Tours leave on the half hour every day from 8:30 - 16:30 from our interactive visitors’ centre. Here you will be welcomed by our well-trained and informative guides, and after viewing a short video presentation, our tractor and trailer will drive you through the fields to the ellies. Here you will have the opportunity to touch, feed and photograph our gentle giants. Elephants love eating, so don’t forget your bucket of elephant feed! There are no barriers or fences to spoil your close encounter, and when the elephants choose to wander off into the field you are welcome to stay and watch them for as long as you wish.

Download Rate Sheet here

Elephant Back Rides

A ride of a lifetime!

Our Elephant Back Rides offer you the once in a lifetime opportunity to ride one of these incredible creatures. After a briefing, our friendly guides will transport you down to the Lapa with its spectacular views of the Outeniqua mountain range. You will be able to appreciate these views even more atop of our ellies as you ride through indigenous Cape fynbos. This amazing experience is rounded off with refreshments on your return to the Lapa.

Private safaris are also available where you can have the elephants all to yourselves, click on the Exclusive Sunrise / Sunset Safaris tab to find out more.

Download Rate Sheet here

Elephant Walks

Take a walk on the wild side...

This awe-inspiring experience of following the elephants’ footsteps is very similar to the Elephant Back Rides, except here you choose to walk with them at their pace. The guided nature walk takes you through indigenous Cape fynbos and offers spectacular views of the Outeniqua mountain range and Knysna forest. This is a spiritual experience whichleaves one humbled and moved, it concludes with refreshments at the Lapa.

Please note that private safaris are also available where you can have the elephants all to yourselves, click on the Exclusive Sunrise / Sunset Safaris tab to find out more.

 

Download Rate Sheet here

Sundowners

A tradition that recognises the rythyms of the land...

Spend an evening enjoying snack platters and sundowners whilst interacting with the elephants at our exclusive Lapa. An amazing opportunity to get to know these gentle giants awaits you, and in what better fashion - spectacular views of the Outeniqua mountain range and the Knysna forest will set the tone for the unfolding of the story of the African elephant as told by our world-class guides. The Sundowner Experience is for groups of more than ten people wishing to interact with the elephants on a more exclusive basis.

The Sundowner Experience includes the following:

• Snack platters and refreshments (special requests can be catered for)
• The elephants, their handlers and guides on hand until approximately 19h00
• The vehicle returns guests to the main reception area by approximately 19h30
• Additional entertainment like talks, concerts, etc. can be arranged on request

Download Rate Sheet here

Rates

Daily Tours

Adults	R 175
Children 3 - 12 yrs	R  91
Pensioners and Students	R 148
Groups of 10 + persons	R 157
Children under 3 yrs	No charge
Tour Guides	No charge
Bucket of elephant feed	R  30
Departure Times	Half hourly 08:30 - 16:30
Duration	45 - 60 min or stay longer if you wish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elephant Back Rides and Walks

Adults	R 750
Children 6 - 12 yrs	R 363
Children under 6 yrs	Not recommended, exceptions can be made
Tour Guides	No charge
Departure Times	09:30, 10:30, 15:00 and/or 16:00
Duration	± 2 hour experience
Maximum numbers	Up to 8 persons depending on age

 

Exclusive Sunrise / Sunset Safaris

Adults	R 1186
Children 6 - 12 yrs	R 593
Children under 6 yrs	Not recommended, exceptions can be made
Departure Times	06:30 and 16:30
Duration	± 2 hour experience
Maximum numbers	Private Safari

 

Sundowners

Adults	R 424
Children 6 - 12 yrs	R 369
Children under 6 yrs	No charge
Tour Guides	No charge
Departure Times	16:30
Duration	± 2½ hour experience
Minimum numbers	10 persons
Maximum numbers	50 persons

Rates valid from 1 May 2010 to 30 April 2011
Rates are quoted per person
Rates are subject to change without prior notice

Download Rate Sheet here