Follow the footprints of elephants near Knysna

One of the many advantages of living in Knysna is the advantage to meet African elephants up close and personal. Getting into close quarters with these gentle giants is a dream come true for many, and Knysna Elephant Park has the privilege of being able to say that they were the first facility in South Africa to care for orphaned African elephants. Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty - a real estate agency prominent in the Knysna area - takes a closer look at what Knysna Elephant Park (KEP) has to offer.

Human encounters on elephants' terms

The style of management adopted by the elephant park means that encounters are done responsibly, with elephants being given the freedom and space to move around as they wish to, while simultaneously allowing people to safely experience their majestic size and nature. The encounter is designed to foster greater respect and understanding of elephants while allowing people who call the wonderful town of Knysna home to have an unforgettable experience. Perhaps most importantly of all, the park creates a sanctuary for elephants in need of a better life or a change in circumstances.

A range of experiences on offer

Meeting the herd at KEP means getting a chance to walk among a free-roaming herd of elephants. To make your experience even more special, you can buy an elephant snack bucket from reception and enjoy the unique experience of feeding an elephant.

You can also embark on an "Elephant Experience" which involves taking a meander through the park in the footsteps of the majestic elephants for about 45 minutes. When you're not looking at the elephants, you'll be looking at Instagram-worthy views of the Outeniqua mountains, while listening to your guide sharing their wealth of knowledge about all things pachyderm.

Sunset is undoubtedly the most special time of day on the African savannah, and groups of 20 or more who visit Knysna Elephant Park can enjoy snacks and sundowners at the park's lapa. This is a dream venue for a year-end party, birthday celebration, corporate team-building event or conference.

A day with the elephants is magical; a night with them is surely unforgettable. At night time, the elephants return to boma/night camp to get a good night's sleep. Within this boma is Elephant Nature Lodge, where visitors can enjoy one-of-a-kind accommodation that looks over the boma.

Weddings on the wild side

Could you imagine a more beautiful place to get married than in the bush with elephants grazing in the background? KEP's wedding chapel can accommodate up to 100 guests, but if your guest number is 12 or less, the team can arrange an outdoor ceremony with elephants present in the background.

More about the elephants

The herd of elephants at the park are led by Sally, a matriarch who arrived at the park in 1994. While spending time among the herd, you'll quickly see that the social structures in place among the elephants emulate those which you'd see in the wild. Males are not forced to be part of the herd at KEP, just as in the wild, young males would be kicked out of the breeding herd and learn to fend for themselves in bachelor groups. Come and experience elephant society in all its complexity and learn about these amazing creatures.

Quick facts about Knysna Elephant Park

Location: Farm 428, Harkerville, Plettenberg Bay. You'll find KEP just off the N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

Phone number: 044 532 7732

General enquiries: info@knysnaelephantpark.co.za

Opening hours: 8 am-5.30 pm

Knysna Elephant Park is just one of the amazing wildlife experiences to be enjoyed in the Garden Route region. The raw natural beauty of the area and all that it has to offer makes the Garden Route a sought-after home. Browse through the properties for sale in the area and start looking for your dream home.