The Knysna Elephant Park was founded in 1994 by married couple Ian and Lisette Withers. For years, Ian’s grandfather told him stories of the Knysna elephants, or Big Feet as he called them. So, when Ian and Lisette discovered that they were on the brink of extinction, they decided to help. With their two hundred hectares of farmland, they created a home for elephants in need, and for thirty-one years this October, the Knysna Elephant Park has offered guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk among giants.
Meet the herd at Knysna Elephant Park
The park’s resident herd began with Harry and Sally. They were orphans saved from a cull in the Kruger National Park, and over the years, the family at the park has grown.
The resident herd consists of adult and adolescent females accompanied by youngsters. Throughout their daily activities, Sally diligently leads as the matriarch and is a loving mother figure, despite never having calves of her own. In addition to Sally, Nandi, Thandi, Keisha, and Thato make up the herd, each holding a vital role depending on their age and status.
The staff at Knysna Elephant Park are eager to take guests on a journey of a lifetime to meet the herd. After a short introduction video, guests are taken to the field to walk and feed the free-roaming elephants. Through this, the park hopes to close the gap between man and animal and creating an understanding about the troubles faced by the African Elephant. In addition to meeting the herd, guests can book a peaceful forty-five-minute walk through the park. The park also welcomes volunteers from all around the world to join their African Elephant Research Unit, AERU, to aid with elephant conservation.
The Elephant Nature Lodge, built in the elephant sleeping quarters, provides guests with the opportunity to spend the evening alongside the herd. With twelve rooms available, each accommodating from two guests or families of four, enjoy an elephant sleepover.
Dining and weddings
At the on-site Indlovu Cafe and Curio Shop, savour glasses of wine or sip refreshing beers while enjoying a buffet-style breakfast or a lunch of either burgers, pizza, salads, and freshly grilled meats.
At the Knysna Elephant Park, host a unique wedding at the on-site chapel and adjoining venue, the Lapa. With each venue bordering the indigenous forest with grand views of the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains, celebrate this special day, blessed by the park’s resident gentle giants.
Contact details
For more information about Knysna Elephant Park call (+27) 44 532 7732 or email info@knysnaelephantpark.co.za.
Knysna Elephant Park is located at Just off the N2 between Knysna and, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa
Facebook: @KnysnaElephantPark
Instagram: @knysnanatrunkcall
For more articles like this click here.
If you enjoyed this website then check out our other sites: Wedding and Function, Kids Connection, Thirsty Traveler, Boat Trips for Africa, Bargain Buys, Business Link.
Need help with your online marketing then visit Agency One.
