The Plettenberg Bay Elephant Sanctuary offers a unique and ethical opportunity to interact with African elephants in a stunning forested setting along South Africa’s Garden Route. This sanctuary is dedicated to the care, rehabilitation, and education surrounding rescued elephants, creating memorable, conservation-focused experiences for visitors of all ages.
Address
- Street:Animal Alley, The Crags, off the N2 near Natures Valley
- City: Plettenberg Bay
- Province: Western Cape
Contact
- Telephone: +2712 258 9908
- E-Mail: info@monkeysanctuary.co.za
- Website: https://www.plettenbergbay.elephantsanctuary.co.za/
Book your Elephant Tour
What to Expect
Set within indigenous forest, the sanctuary provides a tranquil environment where visitors can enjoy hands-on encounters with elephants in a respectful and educational setting. Guided experiences are led by trained handlers who share deep insights into elephant behaviour, anatomy, and conservation challenges.
Highlights
🐘 Walk Trunk-in-Hand: A rare opportunity to walk alongside an elephant, guided by gentle interaction and trust.
🍃 Interactive Educational Tours: Learn about elephant biology, diet, and daily care during immersive, small-group tours.
📸 Photo Opportunities: Capture once-in-a-lifetime moments with these gentle giants in a natural setting.
🌿 Ethical Tourism: All experiences are designed with animal welfare in mind—no rides, no performances.
Ideal For
Families with children
Animal lovers
Eco-conscious travellers
Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts
Garden Route road trippers
Plettenberg Bay Elephant Sanctuary – Garden Route, South Africa
The Plettenberg Bay Elephant Sanctuary is a leading ethical wildlife experience nestled in the lush indigenous forest near The Crags, just outside Plettenberg Bay on South Africa’s famed Garden Route. Specialising in the care and rehabilitation of rescued African elephants, the sanctuary offers visitors a rare opportunity to connect with these gentle giants in a natural and respectful environment.
Ideal for families, wildlife lovers, and eco-conscious travellers, the sanctuary provides guided, educational interactions where guests can learn about elephant anatomy, behaviour, and conservation. One of the most memorable experiences is the chance to walk trunk-in-hand with an elephant, a peaceful and awe-inspiring activity unique to a handful of sanctuaries worldwide.
All experiences are conducted by knowledgeable guides who prioritise the well-being of the animals and promote awareness about the challenges elephants face in the wild and in captivity. Importantly, the sanctuary does not offer elephant rides, ensuring all interactions are ethical and centred around animal welfare.
Visitors can expect small-group tours, hands-on feeding, and fantastic photographic opportunities, all within a serene forest backdrop. The sanctuary is open daily, and bookings are recommended, especially during peak holiday seasons.
Whether you’re seeking a deeper understanding of elephant conservation or simply a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience, the Plettenberg Bay Elephant Sanctuary delivers with heart, integrity, and natural beauty.
