
Knysna Elephant Park
A sanctuary for rescued elephants, offering close encounters and educational experiences on the Garden Route.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Elephants are active

Knysna Elephant Park
Best Time
Elephants are active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary for rescued elephants, offering close encounters and educational experiences on the Garden Route.
"An unforgettable experience at Knysna Elephant Park! A must-do for animal lovers and families."

🎯 Book 'Trunk Call' Ahead
Secure your spot for the popular elephant interaction experience to avoid disappointment.
🐘 Respect Elephant Space
Avoid touching elephants; focus on observation and learning from guides.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Trunk Call Experience
Elephant enclosures
Get up close with rescued elephants, feed them, and learn from knowledgeable guides. A truly memorable interaction.

Elephant Feeding
Designated feeding areas
Offer a bucket of food to these gentle giants and feel their immense presence. A highlight for many visitors.

Learning from Guides
Throughout the park
Knowledgeable rangers share fascinating insights into elephant behavior, conservation, and individual stories.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Elephant Encounter
Ethical Animal Tourism
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book 'Trunk Call' Ahead
Secure your spot for the popular elephant interaction experience to avoid disappointment.
🐘 Respect Elephant Space
Avoid touching elephants; focus on observation and learning from guides.
📸 Capture Amazing Photos
Plenty of opportunities for stunning shots of elephants in their natural habitat.
🍎 Buy Elephant Food
A bucket of food enhances the interaction and is highly recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book 'Trunk Call' Ahead
Secure your spot for the popular elephant interaction experience to avoid disappointment.
🐘 Respect Elephant Space
Avoid touching elephants; focus on observation and learning from guides.
📸 Capture Amazing Photos
Plenty of opportunities for stunning shots of elephants in their natural habitat.
🍎 Buy Elephant Food
A bucket of food enhances the interaction and is highly recommended.
🚗 Easy to Access
Located on the Garden Route, making it a convenient stop for travelers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Knysna Elephant Park for its incredible opportunity to interact closely with rescued elephants and learn from knowledgeable rangers. The 'Trunk Call' experience and feeding sessions are highlights, creating unforgettable memories for families and animal lovers. While some minor issues like shower pressure have been noted, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a must-visit destination.
"It was an incredible experience with very knowledgeable rangers. The restaurant has good food, and a good breakfast buffet. Excellent accommodation, but the pressure in the shower head is very low."
Aneesa Hobbs
"Incredible opportunity to interact with elephants up close.
A 45 minute experience includes a short tractor ride to the elephants. You can buy a bucket of food to feed them and then pose for some photos.
The guides are very friendly and helpful. It is most definitely worth a visit"
Catherine Kroukamp
"Great and interesting outing. Very knowledgeable staff. It was lovely to get so close to these giants. Highly recommended. You can feed them as well"
Karen Leigh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Knysna Elephant Park is conveniently located along the N2 highway on the Garden Route, making it easily accessible by car. Many visitors include it as part of a road trip through the region.
Yes, the park is a popular stop on many Garden Route itineraries and is often featured in recommended activities for the area.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic day trip destination, especially if you're staying in or passing through Knysna.
While specific hours can vary, the park is generally open daily. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date opening times.
Yes, ample parking is typically available for visitors at the Knysna Elephant Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees and costs for specific experiences like the 'Trunk Call' can vary. It's advisable to check the official Knysna Elephant Park website for current pricing and package details.
It is highly recommended to book your 'Trunk Call' experience in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee your spot.
The standard entrance fee usually grants access to the park and viewing areas. Special interactive experiences, like feeding or walking with elephants, often come with an additional cost.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or group bookings is best obtained directly from the park's official channels.
The 'Trunk Call' is a signature experience where guests can get up close to the elephants, feed them, and learn from rangers. It often includes a short tractor ride.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can interact with rescued elephants, feed them, learn about their conservation from knowledgeable guides, and take memorable photos.
Generally, direct touching is not permitted to ensure the elephants' welfare and respect their space. The focus is on observation and ethical interaction.
Yes, the park has very knowledgeable rangers who provide guided insights into the elephants' lives and conservation efforts.
It's considered a must-visit for families and children, offering an incredible opportunity to see elephants up close in a safe environment.
The park houses rescued and orphaned African elephants that could not survive in the wild.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the park has a café that serves delicious food, and some reviews mention a good breakfast buffet.
The café offers good food, and it's considered totally worth it by visitors.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but it's always a good idea to inquire directly with the café staff upon arrival.
Outside food policies are not explicitly mentioned, but it's generally best to check with the park or plan to dine at their on-site café.
One review specifically mentioned a good breakfast buffet, suggesting it's a worthwhile option if you're visiting in the morning.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas where you can feed the elephants and walk alongside them offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos with their phones and cameras to capture the experience.
No specific restrictions on personal photography are mentioned, but always be mindful of the elephants' comfort and avoid flash photography if it seems to disturb them.
The 'Trunk Call' experience and feeding opportunities allow for very close and personal shots of the elephants.
The park is generally well-lit, especially during daytime visits, offering good natural light for photography. Morning and late afternoon can provide softer, more dramatic lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families include booking the 'Trunk Call' in advance to secure your spot and arriving with plenty of time to enjoy the experience. While direct touching isn't allowed, the close proximity and the chance to feed the elephants are incredibly engaging for younger visitors. The on-site café also provides convenient dining options.
🌿 Eco-Conscious Travelers
The park's policy of not allowing direct touching is a testament to their commitment to respecting the elephants' natural behavior and space. Instead, the focus is on observation, learning, and ethical interaction through feeding. This approach ensures that your visit contributes positively to the elephants' lives and supports ongoing conservation efforts.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for dynamic interactions; the elephants' movements and behaviors offer a chance to capture candid and powerful images. While direct touching is restricted, the ability to be so close and observe their natural interactions provides ample material for compelling photographs. Remember to check for any specific guidelines regarding professional photography if you plan an extensive shoot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Conservation: Rescued Elephants
Visitors have the unique opportunity to learn about the individual stories of these elephants, understanding their past traumas and their journey to recovery. The park emphasizes ethical tourism, ensuring that interactions are respectful of the animals' needs and natural behaviors. This commitment to conservation is a core aspect of the visitor experience, making it an educational and impactful visit for all.
Through experiences like the 'Trunk Call,' guests can witness the elephants' intelligence and gentle nature firsthand. The rangers are passionate about sharing their knowledge, highlighting the importance of elephant conservation and the challenges these animals face in the wild. This approach fosters a deeper appreciation for these incredible animals and the work being done to protect them.
Interacting with Gentle Giants: The 'Trunk Call' Experience
During the 'Trunk Call,' guests are often given buckets of food to feed the elephants, a highlight that creates a memorable and interactive connection. While direct touching is generally not permitted to ensure the elephants' well-being and respect their boundaries, the proximity and interaction through feeding are deeply impactful. The rangers are integral to this experience, guiding the interactions and sharing fascinating facts about each elephant's personality and history.
This immersive experience is highly recommended for its educational value and the sheer wonder of being so near to such powerful yet gentle creatures. It's a chance to create lasting memories and gain a profound respect for elephants.
Photography Opportunities at Knysna Elephant Park
Beyond the direct interactions, the park's natural setting provides a beautiful backdrop for photographs. Whether it's an elephant enjoying a dust bath, interacting with its herd, or simply grazing, there are countless moments to document. The rangers are often happy to help visitors find the best vantage points for photos, ensuring you get memorable shots.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras and phones to capture the magic. While flash photography might be discouraged if it disturbs the animals, the natural light during the day is generally excellent for photography. The park's focus on ethical interaction means you can capture authentic moments without compromising the elephants' welfare.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit