Elephant Sanctuary Tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria
Active
6h - 7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visit the Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort Dam on this 6-hour tour from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Located on the northern side of the Magaliesberg Mountain range, the Elephant Sanctuary provides a safe haven for elephants that have been rescued from abuse and illegal ownership and offers visitors educational programs that ar guest and elephant driven, meaning the most important part of the operation is to ensure happy elephants and satisfied guests. All the elephants are African Elephants (Loxodonta Africana) whose trust has been gained through unique reward based training. Elephant Sanctuary believes in forming bonds between humans and elephants. All the elephants are exercised and stimulated daily, which provides a firm foundation for trust.
The Elephant Sanctuary is a family oriented operation catering for both young and old. You will not only learn a lot about elephants, but also get to touch, feel, feed, walk trunk-in-hand with these magnificent animals.
Available options
Include Cable way with Lunch
Include the Cable way ride up the Magaliesberg Mountain with a pizza lunch on top of the mountain or lunch at the Chameleon Village Craft Market<br/>Pickup included
Everyday
10:00am show: 6 Hour Tour Full Elephant Program<br/>Pickup included
Include Monkey Sanctuary
The Monkey Sanctuary is next door! Tour time is one hour. You can add at beginning or end of Elephant program.<br/>Pickup included
Daily everyday
Pickup included
2:00pm show
6 Hour Tour Full Elephant Program<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Mineral water
Driver/guide
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Detailed itinerary
1
Full Elephant Sanctuary program. This is a wonderful opportunity to get up close to these giant but gentle beasts.
You will also learn a great deal about them. Some of these you will find amazing. The handlers and guides will answer all your questions and depending on the time of your visit you will be allowed to assist with brushing them down or feeding them. You will also go for a walk with them and see their overnight quarters.
2
The Sanctuary is in the Magaliesberg Hartebeespoort Dam Region which is the regions most scenic area. The Magaliesberg Mountains form majestic cliffs at the border between the cooler high plateau ( the Highveld) and the warmer lower bushveld. At over 3 billion years the are the world's 2nd oldest visible mountain range. Beneath the cliffs lies the Hartebeespoort Dam created over a 100 years ago. Depending on the route the guide takes to get you to/from the Elephants you may cross the dam wall with its spouting plumes of water discharging through the walls in to the Crocodile River Gorge between the mountain cliffs.
3
You will pass by our capital city Pretoria.
What's not included
Food and drinks (unless otherwise stated)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
4 reviews
5★
3
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
10 reviews
5★
9
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
About Pretoria
Pretoria, known as the Jacaranda City for its beautiful purple-blossomed trees, is the administrative capital of South Africa. It offers a blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty, making it a unique destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Union Buildings
The Union Buildings are the official seat of the South African government and a significant historical landmark. The buildings are an excellent example of Edwardian Baroque architecture.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Pretoria National Botanical Garden
This botanical garden is home to a diverse range of indigenous plants and offers beautiful walking trails, picnic spots, and a variety of wildlife.
Nature
2-3 hours
R50 for adults, R25 for children
Voortrekker Monument
This monumental structure commemorates the Voortrekkers who left the Cape Colony in the 19th century. The monument offers a museum and a tower with panoramic views of Pretoria.
Historical
1-2 hours
R30 for adults, R15 for children
Melrose House
Melrose House is a historic home that served as the headquarters of the British military during the Second Anglo-Boer War. Today, it houses a museum and a tea garden.
Historical
1 hour
R50 for adults, R25 for children
Pretoria Zoo
The Pretoria Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including rare and endangered species. The zoo offers educational programs and conservation initiatives.
Nature
2-3 hours
R120 for adults, R60 for children
Must-Try Local Dishes
Braai
Braai is a traditional South African barbecue, featuring grilled meats such as boerewors (sausage), lamb chops, and steak.
Dinner
Contains meat, can be adapted for various dietary preferences
Bobotie
Bobotie is a sweet and spicy minced meat dish topped with an egg-based custard. It is often served with yellow rice and chutney.
Dinner
Contains meat and eggs, can be made with alternative ingredients for vegetarians
Bunny Chow
Bunny Chow is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, typically made with chicken, beef, or beans.
Lunch
Contains meat, can be made with vegetarian or vegan fillings
Melktert
Melktert is a traditional South African milk tart, featuring a sweet pastry crust filled with a creamy, custard-like filling.
Dessert
Contains dairy and eggs, can be made with alternative ingredients for dietary restrictions
Popular Activities
Hiking
Water sports
Game drives
Picnicking
Tea at Melrose House
Visiting botanical gardens
Museum visits
Historical site tours
Best Time to Visit
Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May)
Spring and autumn offer mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is also less crowded during these seasons.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho
- Widely spoken: English, Afrikaans
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Time Zone
GMT+2
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution
Pretoria is generally safe for travelers, but it is important to exercise caution, especially in certain areas and at night. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Keep valuables secure
Getting there
By air
- OR Tambo International Airport • 45 km from city center
- Lanzeria Airport • 30 km from city center
By train
Pretoria Station
By bus
Park Station, Pretoria Station
Getting around
Public transport
The PBS offers an affordable and reliable way to get around the city. Buses are frequent and cover most major areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Pretoria Central
Hatfield
Menlo Park
Sunnyside
Day trips
Cullinan Diamond Mine
40 km from Pretoria • Half day to full day
The Cullinan Diamond Mine is famous for being the source of the world's largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and learn about its history and the diamond mining process.
Hartebeestpoort Dam
60 km from Pretoria • Full day
Hartebeestpoort Dam is a popular destination for water sports, fishing, and hiking. The dam is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and offers a variety of outdoor activities.
Pilanesberg National Park
150 km from Pretoria • Full day to overnight
Pilanesberg National Park is a malaria-free game reserve offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo) and a variety of other animals.
Festivals
Pretoria Jazz Festival • September
Aardklop National Arts Festival • October
Pretoria Open-Air Arts Festival • November
Pro tips
- Visit the Pretoria National Botanical Garden in the spring for the best blooms
- Explore the city's cultural and historical sites, such as the Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument
- Experience a traditional South African braai (barbecue) at a local restaurant or with a host family
- Take a day trip to the Cullinan Diamond Mine or Pilanesberg National Park for a unique and memorable experience
- Attend a local festival or event, such as the Pretoria Jazz Festival or the Aardklop National Arts Festival
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
