Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort — Attraction in Madibeng Local Municipality

Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort

Located in the scenic Magaliesberg Mountains, just 45 km from Johannesburg and 35 km from Pretoria, the Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort offers an ethical and educational experience with African elephants. It's a favorite destination for wildlife lovers and families alike.

Experience Highlights

Interactive Elephant Encounters: Visitors can walk trunk-in-hand with elephants, feed them, and enjoy close-up experiences, all guided by professional handlers.

Educational Programs: The sanctuary offers detailed insights into elephant behavior, anatomy, and conservation, promoting awareness and respect for these majestic animals.

Positive Reinforcement Training: Elephants are trained using kind, respectful methods that encourage cooperation and build trust.

Packages & Pricing (Valid from 1 Nov 2024 – 31 Oct 2025)

Elephant Interaction Experience (Approx. 1.5 hours)

Adult Sharing: R1,050

Adult Single: R1,850

Children (4–14 years): R700

Includes: Elephant interaction only

Elephant & Monkey Sanctuary Combo

Adult: R1,650

Pensioner: R1,190

Children: R740

Includes: Elephant interaction + Monkey Sanctuary tour

Full-Day Keeper Experience

Participate in a full-day program assisting sanctuary keepers and learning about elephant care.

Elephant, Monkey & Lion Safari Package

Adult: R1,990

Pensioner: R1,390

Children: R875

Includes: Elephant interaction, Monkey Sanctuary tour, and a mini safari at the Lion & Safari Park

Visitor Information

Opening Hours: Open daily with multiple time slots available

Facilities: Restrooms, shaded seating, and gift shop

Accessibility: Most experiences are suitable for all ages, though some activities may have limited accessibility

Getting There

Location: Hartbeespoort Dam, North West Province, South Africa

Access: Easily reached via the R511 road with clear signage

Transport Options: Shuttle services and private tour operators are available from Johannesburg...

An Unforgettable and Educational Experience! Our visit to the elephant and monkey sanctuary was nothing short of extraordinary and truly deserving of a five-star rating! From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of respect, care, and genuine love for these magnificent creatures.What truly made this experience stand out were the incredible guides. Their passion and dedication were evident in every word they spoke. They were not just guides; they were true educators, sharing a wealth of knowledge about elephant behavior, conservation efforts, and the individual stories of the elephants residing at the sanctuary. Their insights were profound, and they answered every question with patience and expertise, making the entire experience deeply enriching and informative. The elephants themselves were clearly well-cared for and thriving in their environment. It was heartwarming to witness their interactions and see them in such a natural and respectful setting. The sanctuary's commitment to ethical practices and the well-being of the elephants was evident throughout our visit.This isn't just a place to see elephants; it's a place to understand them, to connect with them, and to feel inspired by the dedication of those who protect them. We left with full hearts and a renewed appreciation for these gentle giants. Highly, highly recommend this sanctuary for anyone looking for an authentic, educational, and truly moving encounters. Thank you to the entire team, especially our amazing guides, for an...

This elephant experience was EVERYTHING! I only wish I could spend more time with these beautiful creatures. The handlers are well informed, and you can tell they have a really special, trusting bond with the elephants kept here at the moment. The handlers were able to answer any and all questions about elephants that us as a group had, and you got the feeling the elephants are happy in their care. When I asked about what happened if the elephants didn't want to participate in the visits for the day, the handlers responded - "Then we don't do it! We don't do anything the elephants don't want to. They just wouldn't go for it" - something I know that a lot of other animal "visiting" centres ignore and force their animals into co-operating.

The elephants allow you to touch their ears, under their belly, their tails, and even under their feet! The best part of it all was I got a kiss from Temba, one of the male elephants there who is super playful.

I loved this experience so much I came back again the next day, where we had the opportunity give the elephants a good brush down- such a wonderful way to get up close and personal with them.

I would love for a more immersive experience at the sanctuary, but my time constraints for my trip were limited such that I couldn't work as if I was having a "day in the life" of a sanctuary handler.

I am so thrilled these elephants have been taken in at this sanctuary after experiencing their hardships, and are being set up for a successful,...