Elephant interaction with unforgettable interaction
Elephant Whispers is an elephant interaction and safari venue located on the banks of the Sabi River, next to Hippo Hollow hotel on the R40 in Hazyview – South Africa. 100 KM from Hoedspruit via Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge. Allow yourself an hour and a half to get from Hoedspruit to Elephant Whispers for an elephant ride with interaction.
Elephant Whispers have six tamed and trained elephant, varying in ages from nine to twenty six years. Lindiwe, the youngest, is Elephant Whispers’ much loved female. Medwa, Andile, Shamwari and Ziziphus are the ‘teenagers’, and Tembo, the six ton gentle giant heads up the Elephant Whispers’ herd.
These elephant were rescued from planned culling operations in Game Reserves by Elephants for Africa Forever (EFAF). EFAF are committed to conservation and to excellence in the taming and training of elephant and their handlers and guides. Rory and Lindie Hensman’s kind and gentle training methods ensure the elephant handlers and elephant work together in total harmony. The domestication and training process is achieved by applying the principles of the well tried and proven bilateral ‘ask and reward’ system, wherein mutual trust and respect between humans and elephant are honoured.
At Elephant Whispers guests can experience the thrill of being close to these magnificent creatures and witness their intelligence, their compassionate nature and sheer delight interacting with their human counterparts. There are various activities on offer for visitors to Elephant Whispers.
Elephant Interaction
A wonderful hour spent with six amazing creatures. The Elephant Interaction offers guests the opportunity to meet each elephant and exchange trunk greetings. Guests can touch the elephant’s skin; feel the different textures on both sides of their ears and underneath their feet and also offer tasty elephant treats to their hosts. Experienced elephant handlers will share their in-depth knowledge of fascinating elephant behavior.
Interaction and Elephant Ride
In addition to interacting with the elephant, guests can saddle-up and enjoy an elephant ride; meandering down shady paths and enjoying the view from a most privileged position.
Interaction with elephant, ride and lunch at Hippo Hollow
After your interaction and ride, enjoy a delicious lunch at Hippo Hollow Country Estate.
Early Morning Wake Up, Brush Down, Interaction & Elephant Back Ride
Meet at sunrise at the elephant stables to wake the sleepy souls and prepare them for the day. Help brush down the elephant and watch their morning exercises, and then embark on a typical elephant ramble atop an elephant; meandering down shady paths, enjoying regular stops for elephant breakfast feasting and experiencing the unique relationship the elephant handlers enjoy with the elephant.
Sunset Interaction, Elephant Back Ride and Sundowners
In the late afternoon, with a comfortable stable in mind and a good meal waiting, the elephant delight in heading for home. Enjoy this afternoon amble with the elephant; walk with them, or saddle up and enjoy the view from high above the trees. Become a welcome and privileged member of the elephant herd while they peacefully carry out their evening routine. Complete a magical experience with a sundowner while listening to the sounds of the elephant settling to sleep.