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.
The interaction with the Elephant offers you the opportunity to touch the Elephant, exchange trunk greetings and offer tasty treats. Experienced Elephant handlers share their in-depth knowledge of fascinating Elephant behaviour.
In addition to interacting with the Elephants, embark on a short ride. Saddle up and enjoy a different perspective, historically a privilege only reserved for kings!
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, Mpumalanga.
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.
Activities
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 behaviour
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.
Elephant Interaction and Shangaan Cultural Dinner Experience
Meet in the late afternoon and experience the thrill of being close to these magnificent creatures. The interaction with the elephant offers you the opportunity to touch the elephant, exchange trunk greetings and offer tasty treats. Complete this magical experience by following the sounds of the beating drums and be welcomed by the Chief Numzaan with a traditional brew. Immerse yourself in a Feast of Culture with a night of Shangaan dance, song and unforgettable African Banquet, where a wide selection of unique mouth-watering dishes awaits you.
Ultimate Elephant Experience
On arrival your hosts, the elephant, extend a warm welcome to you! Experience the pleasure of interacting with these amazing creatures and learn about their important role as wildlife ambassadors for the African elephant. Saddle-up and set off into the African bush on the back of the elephant, for a wonderful view of our surroundings. During the ride you are able to stop at any time, to experience walking with the elephant too. This allows you to get great photographs of the elephant in the bush and interacting with their handlers. The privilege of dining with these large mammals will become a reality, as a sumptuous picnic is spread out before you as you watch the elephant cavorting in the dam, and enjoying their mud bath. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and your delicious meal in a peaceful setting, while the elephant whisper their secrets to the breeze in the trees around you.
