Life-Changing Experiences

• Join us for an enlightening interactive elephant experience; meet our five magnificent African elephants and learn about their extraordinary behavior and physiology, observing first-hand how the elephants have developed trust in the kindness and care they receive from the team.
• Visitors to the Centre experience life-changing moments when they encounter the elephants, the Elephant Whispers Team works hard to translate this into an understanding of the need for long-term, sustainable wildlife conservation, and elephant conservation in particular.
• For those seeking an enjoyable meaningful experience, an elephant interaction at Elephant Whispers is a memorable and touching activity not to be missed. The mighty elephant is the world’s largest living land animal, the mere sight of these impressive tusked creatures inspires awe and respect.

WELL WORTH A VISIT

this was a unique experience to not only interact with these beautiful animals but to be able to touch them and learn a lot about them. All the staff with whom we interacted were superb, gentle with the animals and we came away from Elephant Whispers on a high. Not only were the team members extremely knowledgeable but they ensured that it was a highly enjoyable and unforgettable experience for adults and children. I can highly recommend this visit.

Our Elephant
SAFE HAVEN

African elephants are at their most awe-inspiring in the wild, where these gentle giants can roam freely, interact with each other, and engage with their young.

In an ideal world, there is no question that the African Elephant belongs in the wild. However, the world that we live in is less than ideal – necessitating expanded thinking. Humans have caused enormous problems for elephants, and so must be actively involved in sustainable solutions.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF VERY COMPLEX ISSUES AT PLAY, INCLUDING:

Africa’s rapid decline in suitable land for elephants to live on;

competition between elephants and human populations for land and food; and

over-grazing, nutritional stress, hunger, and increasing conflict between man and elephants.

These are the very real issues that altered the lives of the elephants at Elephant Whispers.

In need of urgent relocation, after the unsuccessful search for reserves where the five elephants could be moved, Elephant Whispers made the commitment to find a safe haven for Tembo, Shamwari, Ziziphus, Lindiwe, and Andile to live for the rest of their natural lives.

Caring for Our ELEPHANTS

Visitors to Elephant Whispers experience life-changing moments when they encounter the elephants, and the team work hard to translate this into an understanding of the need for long-term, sustainable wildlife preservation in general, and elephant conservation in particular.

At the same time, they work closely with veterinarians, ecologists, and scientists; conducting wildlife research projects; offering access to non-invasive training for domestic and international veterinary students; and providing learning experiences for game rangers and game trackers.

Visitors to the Centre learn about the extraordinary behaviour and physiology of the African elephant, observing first-hand how the elephants have developed trust in the kindness and care they receive from the team. There are deep bonds and there is great harmony.

THE ELEPHANT CARE PHILOSOPHY

Elephant Whispers respects the gentle nature of the elephant society.

The bilateral ‘ask-and-reward’ principle is applied when working with elephants; a technique that is based on mutual respect.

Methods that ‘break the spirit’ of any elephants are considered to be animal brutality at their very worst.

The elephants will not be trained to conduct undignified or theatrical performances.

The elephants are never chained and do not have their movement restricted.

The elephants have time to roam freely, feed, and interact with each other. As such, they spend limited time with guests.

Elephant Whispers will not breed with the elephants, to which end a six-monthly GNRH vaccine is administered to the male elephant. Elephant Whispers is committed to keeping the elephants in their care safe, healthy, and content.

CONTRIBUTE & CARE

ADOPT AN ELEPHANT

Give someone special the ultimate gift; the gift of giving, of joy, of being part of a valuable team, and of sharing in their adopted elephant’s life for a full year.

Or spoil yourself while making a difference, and adopt one … or more … of the Elephant Whispers’ elephants.

Your gift includes a personalized adoption certificate, an elephant profile, regular updates via email, or WhatsApp, as well as a voucher for the adoptive parent and a friend to visit their elephant.  Your donation makes a meaningful contribution to the elephant’s care.

Activities

By prior arrangement, guests staying at Hippo Hollow Hotel can walk across the bridge to Elephant Whispers. PLEASE NOTE: From May to August the sun sets earlier so for safety reasons

it is necessary to travel to and from Elephant Whispers by vehicle for all the 16h00 elephant activities. Please contact us for road transfer costs.

EXCURSION DURATION

ELEPHANT INTERACTION 1 hour .Experience the thrill of being close to these magnificent creatures, witness their intelligence, their compassionate nature and the deep bonds they share with their human family. While the Elephant Handlers share their wealth of knowledge about fascinating elephant behaviour, enjoy a wonderful hour of touching and feeding the elephant, taking photographs and experiencing the incredible trust that has developed through gentle interaction.

INTERACTION & WALK WITH THE ELEPHANTS 1 hour 30 minutes .For a memorable hour, guests have the chance to interact with these enormous creatures – handing out pellets and touching the varying textures of their trunk, skin and feet. The interaction is followed by a stroll through the bush with the elephant.

ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE WITH LUNCH AT HIPPO HOLLOW 1 hour 30 minutes and lunch .After your interaction and elephant walk, enjoy a delicious lunch at neighbouring Hippo Hollow Country Estate.

SUNSET INTERACTION, ELEPHANT WALK & SUNDOWNERS 1 hour 45 minutes. In the late afternoon, with a comfortable stable in mind and a good meal waiting, the elephant delight in heading for home. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon amble with them as a privileged member of the Elephant group as they peacefully carry out their evening routine. Complete a magical experience with a sundowner drink while listening to the sounds of the elephant settling to sleep.

ULTIMATE ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE 2 hours . For those seeking an enjoyable, meaningful elephant encounter, the Ultimate Elephant Experience is a memorable and touching activity not to be missed. Experience the pleasure of interacting with these incredible mammals while gaining unique knowledge and insight into the gentle caring world of elephants. After the interaction, stroll into the African bush for a midday elephant ramble before heading to the dam for a light picnic lunch. Weather permitting, enjoy watching the elephant cavorting in the dam and having a mud bath while sipping South African Sparkling Wine.

HALF DAY WITH THE ELEPHANTS Half Day Your morning with the elephant starts with Tembo, Shamwari, Ziziphus, Lindiwe, and Andile ambling down the pathway in the morning light to meet you. After introductions and offering elephant treats, enjoy the privilege of helping brush the elephants and experience morning exercises; learning how to gently interact

with the elephant, and witnessing the unique relationship the Elephant Handlers enjoy with each elephant.

A typical elephant ramble follows; meandering down shady paths and enjoying regular stops for elephant breakfast feasting. After a breakfast snack and refreshments on the deck overlooking the Sabie valley, join in the elephant activities until midday. End your elephant experience, weather permitting during the warmer months, with a picnic lunch on the deck while the elephants enjoy their swim and mud bath.

Terms and Conditions

RATES ARE QUOTED

Inclusive of 15% VAT. In South African Rands. Subject to availability.

RATES INCLUDE

Elephant activity booked.

RATES EXCLUDE

Transfers to/from Elephant Whispers. Extra drinks and beverages.  Telephone Calls. Curio Shop Purchases.

BOOKINGS & PAYMENT POLICY

Bookings will be confirmed upon receipt of a 50 % deposit payment, or a completed signed credit authorization form. Full prepayment is due 15 days before arrival for bookings under 10 pax, for group bookings over 10 pax, full prepayment is due 30 days before arrival. All booking details must be confirmed in writing, i.e. by letter, fax or email. All changes to bookings, i.e. dates, number of visitors, activity details etc. must be notified in writing. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Elephant Whispers reserves the right to accept and confirm bookings at their discretion.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Only cancellations received in writing will be recognized. Group Bookings i.e. more than 10 visitors. Should a cancellation be received 30 days or more prior to arrival, the deposit will be refunded in full. Bookings canceled 29 – 16 days prior to arrival will be charged 50% of the total cost. Bookings canceled 15 days or less prior to arrival will be charged 100% of the total cost. Individual or small group bookings i.e. 10 visitors or less. Should a cancellation be received 15 days or more prior to a visit, the deposit will be refunded in full. Bookings canceled 14 – 8 days prior to arrival will be charged 50 % of the total cost. Bookings canceled 7 days or less before the visit will be charged 100% of the total cost.

CHILD POLICY

We welcome children of all ages (under adult supervision) for the Elephant Interactions. The minimum age for Walking with the Elephant is 6 years. Children walking must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, and this will be at the discretion of management. Children age 12 years and under qualify for the children’s rates. Children 13 years and older will be charged the full adult rate.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Safety precautions will be explained in detail. Before meeting the elephant, guests are required to sign an indemnity.

WHAT TO TAKE

Comfortable walking shoes. Light comfortable clothing for day tours, especially during summer. A jacket for the early morning and late afternoon winter program. For the early morning and late afternoon programmers in the summertime, it is wise to apply mosquito repellent. For your comfort, it is advisable to wear closed walking shoes when walking with the elephant. Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. Camera with a spare memory card and extra batteries.

ARRIVAL TIME

Guests are requested to arrive 15 minutes before their elephant activity is scheduled to star