Jenny Blair Hunter
© The Elephant SanctuaryThe large rounded flat ears of the African elephant differ from those of their Indian cousins. But by flapping them they can create a breeze that helps to cool the elephant down.
There's an audible sigh of relief when one of the guests spots a large pair of elephant ears gently flapping as the elephant appears from the camouflage of the vegetation.
Clutching onto the elephant's tail in front, the line of elephants slowly comes through the forest to the clearing with the baby jaunting along at the back. They look deceptively docile. Yet the species had a reputation for raiding farms and were ferociously hunted and killed. This almost led to their extinction.
Cameras are primed ready to click. The elephants stop in a line a trainer standing by each one. Only a few paces separating them from the guests. "Khumba, Mosadi, and Thandi" the three massive hulks are introduced by each trainer.
With an adult mass of 6,000 and 7,000kg, these are the largest terrestrial animals living today. They feed mainly on grass, roots, bark and leaves. Each animal consumes vast quantities each year.
Huge pancake shaped dry elephant droppings called "patties" by the ranger are passed around. The notion doesn't appeal to many. Most nod their head politely and ignore the ranger's request.
Both the male and female elephants have tusks. The females are thinner and smaller than the males. The trunk is really an elongated nose, which is useful for feeding. Water is sucked up into the trunk and either squirted into the mouth for drinking, or over the body for cooling and cleaning.
Sometimes elephants raise their trunks to sniff the air if they suspect danger or if there is any disturbance. Elephants usually occur in herds of 14, but numerous solitary bulls are also found.
"For those who want to come and stroke the elephants please come up but do what the trainer tells you." For those longing to get up close and personal with the elephants this is one way to do it. It's also part of the day's elephant experience.
After several minutes of elephant stroking the trainer asked if I would like the elephant to give me a kiss. Suddenly I felt a strong suction on one of my cheeks and I had been kissed by a baby jumbo! The only evidence a large grey smudge.
Going on an elephant walk was next on the agenda. With their trainer leading them we took turns to hold their trunks inside and walk them round the circular enclosure. Then it was feeding time and they were given special pellets. Some still seemed to be hungry.
Guests can stay overnight in tasteful upmarket luxurious 'Out of Africa' style accommodation in the main lodge. The rooms adjoin the elephants' sleeping quarters, but they sleep soundly and are very quiet at night.
There's a covered patio and lounge where guests guests can read and relax. A secluded swimming pool in a forest a few steps from the lodge. There's a tree house deck to observe the elephants.
The main deck overlooks the elephant enclosure so guests can observe them, while eating their breakfast or lunch. But after a bush walk in the evening followed by sunset sundowners, guests return to the lodge for dinner round a campfire in the boma.
The Elephant Sanctuary (elephantsanctuary.co.za)
Hartbeespoort Dam
+27 (12) 258 0423 / 0332
Contact Allett or Maryke at 012-258 0423/012-258 0332 for bookings, Monday to Friday 8 am-5 pm.
If the line is busy then call Wendy 083 548 3073
From Johannesburg: Take the Brits R512 (past Lanseria Airport) to Hartbeespoort Dam. Cross dam over open bridge and turn right at T-junction, on to four-way stop at the Craft Market (garage on right hand side and one opposite as well). Turn left and travel 2.5 km to The Elephant Sanctuary. The Elephant Sanctuary is on the left side on the road.
From Pretoria: Follow route to Hartbeespoort Dam. Travel through tunnel. At the four-way stop at the Craft Market, continue 2.5 km to The Elephant Sanctuary. The Elephant Sanctuary is on the left hand side of the road.
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