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adventure travel africa

Pilanesberg National Park
Elephant Back Safaris in Pilanesberg National Park

RATES - 2011 Valid from 1st January - 31st December 2011 RATE: R 1600 p.p.

For all ele back safaris departing Sun City you have to pay R80 entrance (& get R30 back) if you are arriving from outside.
Frank, one of the Partners introducing the elepants together with their handlers Buckets with a special elephant pellets are placed for visitors to feed the elephants Hard too believe but the elephants' skin can be quite sensitive
Introduction to the elephants and their handlers. There are 5 elephants and 6 handlers that are quartered right next to the elephant barn. Getting the chance to get real close. The elephants are spaced and at a lower height as to make access easier. You can touch and feed the elephants if you are brave enough. Here is one of UPE's avid students that has just made a very sharp observation. 
 
These Elephants were brought to Pilanesberg by Elephant Back Safaris Victoria Falls. They were orphans and trained from the age of about 2 yo. They feed 2 ways; 'trunk up' where you can put your hand right into their mouths, or 'trunk down' where they twist their trunk and vacuumclean the pellets from your hand. This Canadian student observed right away that this particular elephant noted her feeding approach straight away and took the same 'trunk up' stance on the 2nd feed. After waiting a while with other people confusing the ele with up and down, she approached again. And the Elephants' trunk went right up! This was one of the most touching experiences I 've ever had.

As close as you can get to an elephant in pilanesberg - but only if trained
Ths is how close you get!


PILANESBERG ELEPHANT BACK SAFARIS - 2010 Rates, subject to change without notice
An Age Old Concept: A New Adventure
ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI Pick up from the Welcome Centre. Transfer to “The Elephant Wallow” will be approximately 20 minutes through the Letsatsing Game Reserve giving guests an opportunity to view game along the way. On arrival, welcome drinks are served and guests are given an introductory talk and introduced to the elephants and their handlers. The elephants are then saddled and the safari commences. After approximately an hour on elephant back guests return to “The Elephant Wallow” for light snacks. Guests are returned to the Welcome Centre, Sun City.
DURATION: approximately 2-3 hours
MAX 10 people – No under 5 years
RATE: R 1600 p.p.

SUNRISE ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI
Pick Up: 06.00 summer 1 Sept – 30 April, 08.00 winter 1 May – 31 August

MIDMORNING ELEPHANT-BACK SAFARI
Pick Up: 08.00 summer 1 Sept – 30 April, 10.00 winter 1 May – 31 August

SUNSET ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI
Pick Up: 15.30 summer 1 Sept – 30 April, 15.30 winter 1 May – 31 August

EXCLUSIVE ELEPHANT SAFARI
Any of the above may be booked on an exclusive basis. Pay for 10 and walk with the entire herd yourself!

DAILY ELEPHANT INTERACTION EXPERIENCE
Lunch Included - Available throughout the year. Join Chikwenya, Sharu, Mana, Sapi and Michael at their home in the Letsatsing Game Reserve, only 20 minutes from Sun City. Join these five for an interaction - filled Elephant Experience. Guests will be collected from the Welcome Centre at 12.30 and transferred to “The Elephant Wallow” where they are met by their hosts and offered a welcome drink. Take time to touch, feed and photograph these truly amazing animals, Marvel at their intelligence, diversity and majesty, or simply sit back and reflect on this unusually harmonious relationship in a beautiful, secure and pristine environment. Guests will be returned to the Welcome Centre at 14.00.
DURATION: approx. one and a half hours/minimum 2 pax
RATE: R580 p.p. adults / R290 p.p children U16 (inclusive of transfer, welcome drink & lunch)------------------------

GROUP ELEPHANT INTERACTION EXPERIENCE
Available Throughout the year. Situated only 20 minutes from Sun City is “The Elephant Wallow”, a large thatched boma overlooking a magnificent waterhole catering for up to 65 guests under thatch. Bush dinners and finger lunches can be taken with the elephants themselves providing the main attraction. A presentation will be given on the elephants, their lifestyle and history. Have a chance to interact with these gentle giants on a personal level. Afterwards, sit down and relax whilst enjoying your meal with the elephants in the background mud wallowing, swimming or just settling down to a meal themselves.
DURATION: one and a half hours, interaction only 2 – 3 hours with interaction and meal
Interaction only - R520-00p.p. - (Min 20 - Max 150)
Interaction & Pre-Dinner Cocktails - R640-00p.p. - (Min 20 - Max 100)
Interaction & Stand Up Lite Sandwich Menu - R670-00p.p. - (Min 20 - Max 100)

Interaction & Stand Up Hot & Cold Finger Fork Menu - R790-00p.p. - (Min 20 - Max 100)
Interaction & Hot & Cold Buffet Menu (seated) - R790-00p.p. - (Min 20 - Max 72)
Elephant Interaction & Braai Menu (seated) - R980-00p.p. - (Min 20 - Max 72)

The above group rates include the exclusive use of the facility, transfers and welcome drinks. The above prices exclude costs of beverages however a bar can be provided.


Pilanesberg Dawn to Dusk Safaris from Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pilanesberg and Sun City

Picture Gallery 2011
Picture Gallery 2010
Picture Gallery 2009
Picture Gallery 2008
Picture Gallery 2007
Picture Gallery 2006
Picture Gallery 2005
Picture Gallery 2004


It's alphabetical - so save us both time.... and if not on here I will put it up!

Accommodation in the Park only: Staying Friday or Saturday you have to pay for 2 nights min.

Accommodation in and around Sun City. Staying Friday or Saturday you have to pay for 2 nights min.

Accommodation Specials at Pilanesberg

Accommodation Specials at Sun City

Airport at Pilanesberg

Animal studies in Pilanesberg

Backpacker accommodation near Sun City and Pilanesberg

Bakgatla Resort

Bakubung Bush Lodge

Balloon Safaris: In Pilanesberg National Park -  R3 500pp - 1 hour, minimum 8 pax!

Binoculars needed

Bird list

Black Rhino Game Lodge

Buffalo in the Park

Camping - book direct at 014 555 1000, don't be surprised if you hold 15 minutes and then get cut off.

Cancellation Terms and Conditions

Commission offered to booking agents

Condition of the Veld

Dangers in Pilanesberg

Disclosures: About vehicles used for Pilanesberg and other

Directions - see map

Elephant Back safaris in Pilanesberg.

Entrance fee - see gate times

Etiquette in Game Parks like Pilanesberg for self drives

Friends of Pilanesberg Society - Volunteers helping to maintain the Park.

Gate Times for Pilanesberg National Park

Geology of Pilanesberg National Park

Highlights seen in Pilanesberg the last 2 years:
Don't expect something like this or the animals to stand next to the road waiting.  It's not a Zoo!

History of Pilanesberg National Park

Idiot Gallery - Stunts pulled in Pilanesberg National Park by the mentally challenged.  Other tour operators are welcome to contribute - I will give you recognition except if you don't want it!

Ivory Tree Game Lodge

Kids on Safari. In Pilanesberg or other parks

Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge

Manyane Resort

Map and directions to Pilanesberg

Other Parks near Pilanesberg

Other Tour Operators doing Pilanesberg

Packages to Lodges

Picture Gallery -  taken by us over the last 8 years in Pilanesberg.

Pilanesberg National Park vs Kruger National Park.

Reading - other re Pilanesberg.

Safety in Pilanesberg

Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge

Testimonials from clients we have taken to Pilanesberg

Things to do in and around Pilanesberg

Transfers only to Pilanesberg and Sun City - one way: charged per vehicle:

Tshukudu Bush Lodge

Veld Condition in the Park

Weather and Climate for Pilanesberg area

What can you hope to see in Pilanesberg?

When to go to Pilanesberg: best time etc


adventure travel africa
806 Unit 2, Mogwase, Pilanesberg, Office 081 354 5210
PO Box 250 Sun City, 0316
- Updated March 2011
All Pilanesberg queries -  travelinafrica@gmail.com