Elephant Sanctuary Plettenberg Bay

The Elephant Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay, located in The Crags, Western Cape, is a renowned conservation haven dedicated to rescued African elephants, offering intimate, educational interactions that foster appreciation for these majestic creatures. Founded to highlight the historical plight of the Knysna elephant population—once numbering ~1,000 but reduced to a single female by 2019 due to hunting—this family-friendly sanctuary uses positive reinforcement training to ensure relaxed, enjoyable encounters. Spanning indigenous forest, it houses a herd of rescued elephants, emphasizing their anatomy, behavior, and ecosystem roles through guided tours. Just a 6-hour drive from Cape Town and near Robberg Nature Reserve, it's an ideal eco-outing in November 2025's mild autumn weather (18-22°C), when coastal trails and whale spotting add vibrancy—perfect for pairing with a Tsitsikamma hike or a stay at Beacon Island Resort. Features:

• Hands-On Interactions: Trunk-in-hand walks (touching, feeding elephants); brushing sessions; optional swimming observations on hot/rainy days.
• Keeper Programs: Full Day "Elephant Keeper for a Day" (Mon-Fri, min age 8, max 10 participants: orientation, exercises, feeding, lunch, Q&A, certificate, night brushing); Half-Day options (morning care or afternoon behavior).
• Educational Elements: Guided forest tours, night shelter visits, wildlife programs on elephant history and conservation; curio shop and DVDs for takeaways.
• Family-Friendly: Under 4 free; 4-14 half price; engaging for kids with interactive elements; no under 4 for full-day program (with parents).
• Conservation Focus: Rescues/rehab; educates on threats like poaching; supports broader African elephant awareness.
• Operating Hours: Tours 08:00–15:30 daily; bookings essential; full/half-day Mon-Fri only.
• Accessibility: Ample parking; wheelchair-friendly paths; flat shoes/sun hats recommended; transport not included.
• Nearby Attractions: Monkeyland (5 minutes) for primates; Birds of Eden (10 minutes) for aviary; Ocean Blue Adventures for kayaking.

Pricing Examples

• Trunk-in-Hand Tour (1 hour): R695 adult, R350 child (4-14), free under 4
• Elephant Brush Down (90 mins): R850 adult, R395 child (4-14), free under 4
• Full Day Elephant Keeper: R2,000 adult, R1,500 child (4-14), free under 4 (incl. meals/snacks)
• Half Day Elephant Keeper: R1,500 adult, R950 child (4-14), free under 4

Client Praise

The sanctuary is lauded for its "transformative encounters" and "passionate education," earning 4.6/5 Tripadvisor acclaim from 500+ reviews. One family shared, “Trunk walks and keeper day were magical—kids learned while bonding with elephants!” Another noted, “Safe, insightful rehab focus—unforgettable Garden Route highlight!”