Customer Reviews

It was a mind blowing experience & very educational. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Will do it again & recommended it every one I know - Eleanor Groenewald

The passion the rangers have for elephant welfare, their depth of experience and knowledge of the elephants is amazing. The experience has stuck in my mind and is entrenched in my heart and I will forever remember my encounter with Kitso and Cassper! Regards, Lea - Leabetswe Bomvana

Great experience! A very friendly team that contributes to these memorable moments. Good explanations about the elephant in general, funny guides, respectful with the animals. Excellent photo opportunities! Thank you for this very nice morning! - Maren Hüsch

Great experience - Moloko Masopoga

I have always been enamoured with elephants, as everyone that has ever been in my house can attest to. So when the opportunity came about for me to visit the Hazyview elephant sanctuary, I jumped at the chance for a personal encounter with these gentle giants. And I was not disappointed! After an informative talk about the history of the elephants at the sanctuary, elephant behaviour, anatomy and conservation, I was ready to meet them face to trunk. I felt a little apprehensive as I watched them approach from their day pen, but was soon at ease being in their company. Four rangers were on hand to ensure that all ‘guests’ at this bush party are at their best behaviour. Casper greeted me with a deep rumble from his belly. I felt the coarse hair on his body and tail and patted his belly and trunk. He was kind enough to lift his foot so that I can count his fingernails (there are 5) and feel his spongy heel. And I was even kissed by Casper – a slobbery touch to my chin with the tip of his trunk! I then took Casper for a walk; hand-in-trunk we connected to nature. And then came the highlight of the day – 3,5m from the ground – I was riding on his back! I could feel the gentle movement of his powerful muscles as he navigated through the bush with ease; his ears moving all the time to cool him (and his passengers) down in the late afternoon heat. After descending the scaffolding with rubbery knees, I was ready for a G&T. But Casper had to get his reward first, so I fed him by dropping big hands full of feed into his trunk, which he deftly lifted to his mouth and contently chewed away without a care in the world. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this incredible experience. - Soria Arendt