The Elephant Sanctuary - 1 Day

Nestled in the Magaliesberg Mountains, only one hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria, The Elephant Sanctuary at Hartbeespoort Dam lies in a malaria-free area. It is surrounded by natural indigenous bush and is home to impala, klipspringer, baboons, porcupine, caracal, leopard, a host of other small mammals, 350 bird species and, of course, four magnificent African Elephants:-

Amarula
Male.
Amarula is the oldest bull at the sanctuary in Hartebeestpoort dam. He spent most of his life in different zoo’s in South Africa and had very little direct contact with people before arriving at the sanctuary. He moved from the Bloemfontein zoo to the sanctuary in 2008

Khumba
Female – born 1994.
Khumba is the matriarch at the sanctuary and she loves all the attention she gets from the guests and the handlers. She is the “mother” of the herd and will always keep an protective eye over the rest.
Masadi
Female – born 1994
Masadi is a little bit bigger than other 15 year old elephants. Masadi is “second in command” and helps maintain the family structure. She loves interaction with the other elephants and has a much louder trumpet than usual. She also loves hearing her own voice, so if there are loud trumpeting coming from the enclosures you can be sure it is Masadi “singing”.
Temba
Female – born in 2000
Temba is the “baby” of the herd and she loves the fact that all the other elephants always look after her and smother her with love and attention. Temba is very fond of children and thrive on all the attention she gets from them.
The Elephant Sanctuary provides a “halfway house” for young African elephants in need of a temporary home. It is the only operation in South Africa that provides for elephants in this way. It is the vision of the centre to release all the elephants into an environment where they can be more independent once they are older.

Overview

The Elephant Sanctuary provides a “halfway house” for young African elephants in need of a temporary home. It is the only operation in South Africa that provides for elephants in this way. It is the vision of the centre to release all the elephants into an environment where they can be more independent once they are older.

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Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

The Trip Cost Includes

  • Pick-up and drop-off, guiding, entrance fees.

The Trip Cost Excludes

  • Gratuities, any extra not on tour.

Frequently asked Questions

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

The Elephant Sanctuary
From R1,300.00 R2,450.00
per Adult
From R1,750.00
per Per Person Sharing

Trip Facts

  • 1-4
  • Moderate