Elephant Sanctuary | Nelspruit

Elephant Sanctuary (Hazyview – near Mbombela)

Near Mbombela, the most well-known elephant sanctuary is Elephant Whispers, located in Hazyview, roughly 60 kilometers (around a 1-hour drive) from the city. It is one of South Africa’s most respected wildlife experiences, focusing on elephant conservation, education, and ethical wildlife encounters.

Mission and Ethos:

Elephant Whispers is dedicated to the welfare, protection, and understanding of African elephants. The sanctuary works with a small herd of rescued or rehabilitated elephants, allowing visitors to have close, respectful interaction while promoting conservation awareness. All activities are conducted in a humane, elephant-friendly manner.

Elephant Residents:

The sanctuary is home to six African elephants, each with a unique background, personality, and story. Most were saved from culls or rescued from unsuitable environments. These elephants live in a secure environment where their emotional and physical needs are prioritized.

Activities Offered:

Elephant Interaction (±1 hour)

A guided, hands-on experience where visitors can touch, feed, and walk alongside the elephants.

Learn about elephant anatomy, behavior, communication, and intelligence.

Elephant Interaction & Walk (±1.5 hours)

Includes everything from the basic interaction plus a walk through the bushveld with the elephants.

Offers time to observe the animals in a more natural movement pattern.

Ultimate Elephant Experience (±2 hours)

Combines interaction, walking, and watching elephants swim or mud-bathe.

Often includes photography time and deeper insight into their daily routines.

Elephant Brush Down (Optional Add-On)

Guests help in brushing down an elephant, a sensory and bonding activity the animals enjoy.

Private Experiences

Tailored for couples or families, private sessions allow more personalized engagement.

Accessibility and Visitor Info:

The sanctuary is accessible for all age groups and provides safe, guided experiences for children.

Activities are scheduled throughout the day but must be booked in advance.

Comfortable walking shoes and a hat are recommended.

Most of the walking paths are flat and suitable for older visitors.

Conservation and Education:

Visitors learn about threats to elephant populations, such as poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. The sanctuary plays a role in raising public awareness while supporting the long-term survival of elephants through ethical tourism.

Visitor Tips:

Booking in advance is essential, especially in peak seasons.

Morning visits are cooler and generally preferred for the elephants.

There are no elephant rides – the sanctuary supports respectful, non-invasive interaction.

You are welcome to bring a camera, but flash photography is not allowed.

This sanctuary offers one of the most meaningful ways to connect with elephants, not just for entertainment but for building a deeper understanding of their importance in Africa’s ecosystems.