Pilanesberg National Park
Elephant Back Safaris
in Pilanesberg National Park
RATES - 2012 Valid from 1st January - 31st December 2011 RATE: R 1250 p.p.
For all ele back safaris departing Sun City you have to pay R80 entrance (& get R30 back) if you are arriving from outside.
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| Introduction to the elephants and their handlers. There are 5 elephants and 6 handlers that are quartered right next to the elephant barn. | Getting the chance to get real close. The elephants are spaced and at a lower height as to make access easier. | You can touch and feed the elephants if you are brave enough. Here is one of UPE's avid students that has just made a very sharp observation. |
These Elephants were brought to Pilanesberg by Elephant Back Safaris Victoria Falls. They were orphans and trained from the age of about 2 yo. They feed 2 ways; 'trunk up' where you can put your hand right into their mouths, or 'trunk down' where they twist their trunk and vacuumclean the pellets from your hand. This Canadian student observed right away that this particular elephant noted her feeding approach straight away and took the same 'trunk up' stance on the 2nd feed. After waiting a while with other people confusing the ele with up and down, she approached again. And the Elephants' trunk went right up! This was one of the most touching experiences I 've ever had.
Ths is how close you get!
PILANESBERG ELEPHANT BACK SAFARIS
An Age Old Concept: A New Adventure
ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI Pick up from the Welcome Centre. Transfer to The
Elephant Wallow will be approximately 20 minutes through the Letsatsing
Game Reserve giving guests an opportunity to view game along the way. On
arrival, welcome drinks are served and guests are given an introductory
talk and introduced to the elephants and their handlers. The elephants are
then saddled and the safari commences. After approximately an hour on elephant
back guests return to The Elephant Wallow for light snacks.
Guests are returned to the Welcome Centre, Sun City.
DURATION: approximately 2-3 hours
MAX 10 people No under 5 years
RATE: R1250pp, down from R 1600 p.p.
SUNRISE ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI
Pick Up: 06.00 summer 1 Sept 30 April, 07.00 winter 1 May
31 August
MIDMORNING ELEPHANT-BACK SAFARI
Pick Up: 09.00 summer 1 Sept 30 April, 10.00 winter 1 May
31 August
EXCLUSIVE ELEPHANT SAFARI
Any of the above may be booked on an exclusive basis. Pay for 10 and walk
with the entire herd yourself!
DAILY ELEPHANT INTERACTION EXPERIENCE
Welcome drink Included - Available throughout the year. Join Chikwenya,
Sharu, Mana, Sapi, Michael and Tidimalo at their home in the Letsatsing
Game Reserve, only 20 minutes from Sun City. Join these five for an interaction
- filled Elephant Experience. Guests will be collected from the Welcome
Centre and transferred to The Elephant Wallow where they are
met by their hosts and offered a welcome drink. Take time to touch, feed
and photograph these truly amazing animals, Marvel at their intelligence,
diversity and majesty, or simply sit back and reflect on this unusually
harmonious relationship in a beautiful, secure and pristine environment.
Guests will be returned to the Welcome Centre
DURATION: approx. one and a half hours/minimum 2 pax
RATE: R320 p.p.under 5yo free, inclusive of transfer, welcome drink
Pick Up: 16.30 summer 1 Sept 30 April, 16.00 winter 1 May
31 August
GROUP ELEPHANT INTERACTION EXPERIENCE
Available Throughout the year. Situated only 20 minutes from Sun City is
The Elephant Wallow, a large thatched boma overlooking a magnificent
waterhole catering for up to 65 guests under thatch. Bush dinners and finger
lunches can be taken with the elephants themselves providing the main attraction.
A presentation will be given on the elephants, their lifestyle and history.
Have a chance to interact with these gentle giants on a personal level.
Afterwards, sit down and relax whilst enjoying your meal with the elephants
in the background mud wallowing, swimming or just settling down to a meal
themselves.
DURATION: one and a half hours, interaction only 2 3 hours with interaction
and meal
Interaction only - R360-00p.p. - (Min 20 - Max 150)
Interaction & Pre-Dinner Cocktails - R480-00p.p. - (Min 20 - Max 100)
Interaction & Stand Up Lite Sandwich Menu - R510-00p.p. (Min 20 - Max
100)
Interaction & Stand Up Hot & Cold Finger Fork Menu - R790-00p.p..
- (Min 20 - Max 100)
Interaction & Hot & Cold Buffet Menu (seated) - R630-00p.p. - (Min
20 - Max 72)
Elephant Interaction & Braai Menu (seated) - R820-00p.p. - (Min 20 -
Max 72)
The above group rates include the exclusive use of the facility, transfers and welcome drinks. The above prices exclude costs of beverages however a bar can be provided.
Pilanesberg Dawn to Dusk Safaris from Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pilanesberg and Sun CityPicture Gallery 2011 & 2012
Picture Gallery 2010
Picture Gallery 2009
Picture Gallery 2008
Picture Gallery 2007
Picture Gallery 2006
Picture Gallery 2005
Picture Gallery 2004
It's alphabetical - so save us both time.... and if not on here I will put it up!Accommodation in the Park only: Staying Friday or Saturday you have to pay for 2 nights min.
Accommodation in and around Sun City. Staying Friday or Saturday you have to pay for 2 nights min.
Accommodation Specials at Pilanesberg
Accommodation Specials at Sun City
Airport at PilanesbergAnimal studies in Pilanesberg
Backpacker accommodation near Sun City and Pilanesberg
Bakgatla Resort
Bakubung Bush Lodge
Balloon Safaris: In Pilanesberg National Park - R3 500pp - 1 hour, minimum 8 pax!
Binoculars needed
Bird list
Black Rhino Game Lodge
Buffalo in the Park
Camping - book direct at 014 555 1000, don't be surprised if you hold 15 minutes and then get cut off.
Cancellation Terms and Conditions
Commission offered to booking agentsCondition of the Veld
Dangers in Pilanesberg
Disclosures: About vehicles used for Pilanesberg and other
Directions - see map
Elephant Back safaris in Pilanesberg.
Entrance fee - see gate times
Etiquette in Game Parks like Pilanesberg for self drives
Friends of Pilanesberg Society - Volunteers helping to maintain the Park.
Gate Times for Pilanesberg National Park
Geology of Pilanesberg National Park
Highlights seen in Pilanesberg the last 2 years:
Don't expect something like this or the animals to stand next to the road waiting. It's not a Zoo!History of Pilanesberg National Park
Idiot Gallery - Stunts pulled in Pilanesberg National Park by the mentally challenged. Other tour operators are welcome to contribute - I will give you recognition except if you don't want it!
Ivory Tree Game Lodge
Kids on Safari. In Pilanesberg or other parks
Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge
Manyane Resort
Map and directions to Pilanesberg
Other Parks near Pilanesberg
Other Tour Operators doing Pilanesberg
Packages to Lodges
Picture Gallery - taken by us over the last 8 years in Pilanesberg.
Pilanesberg National Park vs Kruger National Park.
Reading - other re Pilanesberg.
Safety in Pilanesberg
Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge
Testimonials from clients we have taken to Pilanesberg
Things to do in and around Pilanesberg
Transfers only to Pilanesberg and Sun City - one way: charged per vehicle:
Tshukudu Bush Lodge
Veld Condition in the Park
Weather and Climate for Pilanesberg area
What can you hope to see in Pilanesberg?
When to go to Pilanesberg: best time etc
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806 Unit 2, Mogwase, Pilanesberg, Office 078 618 8675
PO Box 250 Sun City, 0316 - Updated Feb 2012
All Pilanesberg queries - travelinafrica@gmail.com