When we came to visit The Knysna Elephant Park, we decided to stay over for two nights and get the whole experience of the park and watching the elephants sleep. I came for my 30th birthday which my husband booked (the booking is also under his name ‘Keegan’) and also arranged for a surprise of some goodies, balloons and some champagne. All of this was a nice touch and he really appreciated the extra mile the staff went to, to make it special. (And they did!) the elephants were amazing and we enjoyed the unlimited elephant tours that came with booking the overnight stays. Here comes some of my ‘lower’ points, as soon as we got there just after 4pm - we got to reception and we were rushed around and were told if we wanted to eat at the park we need to order our food NOW. As we came from Cape Town and it’s a long drive we decided to just order something and make a quick decision as we didn’t want to miss ordering our food. There’s restaurants nearby but they’re quite a drive and it was getting dark. We then got ushered to our room which was beautiful and very clean. As we got our bags in, there was a knock on the door with two ladies bringing our food (wrapped in tin foil) and their backpacks on their back so that they could go home. Everything felt rushed and the food wasn’t the best. Once they left, we were stuck with our plates and I barely touched the food. Our room stank of food and it’s also ‘dirty’ to leave food like that overnight. We then went to watch the elephants sleep and it was such a cool and serene experience. Later on I was looking forward to a nice warm shower only to get in the shower and there was NO hot water. I messaged the after hours number and got a reply to leave it for 30 minutes. I left it for an hour and still no luck, so I couldn’t have a nice shower after traveling for a few hours and just wanting to unwind. I told them again that it hasn’t worked, and the message was acknowledged and they just left my message on ‘read’ nearly a month later and still no reply. lol. The breakfast was mediocre, in fact I barely ate any of it. We were also woken up at 6am to workers entering the premises talking very loudly and making a noise. In the afternoon we went to our room and someone was literally working in the roof of our room, walking around and making loud noises again. In fact shouting down to another staff member. I think this place has such good potential but it’s the little things that need a lot of attention and is often probably overlooked. I have mixed reviews of the place and not sure whether...
Read moreAn Unforgettable Encounter with Gentle Giants
Visiting the Knysna Elephant Park on September 27th was nothing short of a magical experience. This mesmerizing adventure promptly made its way to the top of our recommended activities list and should be a bucket-list item for anyone visiting the area.
Our encounter commenced with feeding the elephants a buffet of fruits and vegetables, a heartwarming experience that instantly connected us to these majestic creatures. The sparkle in their eyes as they reached for the food with their long, dexterous trunks added a sense of enchantment to our visit.
The joy only heightened as we proceeded to walk alongside the elephants, capturing the moments in photographs that would allow us to relive this unique experience for years to come. The backdrop of the park, along with the calm, gentle demeanor of these giant yet gentle beings, provided a picturesque setting for photos, making each shot a treasured memory.
Our guides were not only well-versed in the behavioral and physiological aspects of the elephants but also ensured a safe and respectful interaction between us and the gentle giants. Despite their enormous size, the African elephants were calm and graceful, and the knowledgeable guides kept us informed and comfortable, ensuring a safe environment throughout our visit.
The professionalism and expertise of the guides added a layer of safety that allowed us to immerse fully in the awe-inspiring experience. They educated us on the significant conservation efforts of the park, which further enriched our visit.
We wholeheartedly recommend the Knysna Elephant Park to anyone in search of an authentic and memorable wildlife interaction. The opportunity to feed, walk, and take photos with the elephants is something we believe everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. The memories we created at the Knysna Elephant Park are priceless and will be...
Read moreOur stay at Knysna Elephant Park was nothing short of extraordinary! From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in the warmth of the staff and the awe-inspiring presence of the elephants. This isn’t just a visit – it’s an unforgettable experience that connects you deeply with these magnificent gentle Giants.
The accommodations were beautifully designed, blending comfort and nature seamlessly. Waking up to the sight and sounds of elephants grazing nearby was surreal and magical. The rooms were spotless, spacious, and thoughtfully equipped, ensuring a luxurious yet grounded stay.
What truly sets Knysna Elephant Park apart is their dedication to ethical wildlife interactions. The guided tours were incredibly educational, offering rare insights into elephant behavior and conservation efforts. Being able to walk alongside the elephants, feed them, and observe them in their natural rhythms was both humbling and heartwarming.
The staff's passion and knowledge were evident in every interaction, making us feel like part of their mission. The park’s emphasis on the well-being of the elephants is commendable, creating an environment where both humans and animals thrive.
If you’re looking for an experience that touches your heart, educates your mind, and leaves you in awe of nature, Knysna Elephant Park is an absolute must. We left with memories to last a lifetime and a deeper appreciation for these gentle giants.
We can’t...
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