Tour Overview:
Meet five rescued African elephants at Elephant Whispers, one of South Africa’s most respected ethical elephant sanctuaries on the R40 in Hazyview, Mpumalanga. This tour departs from Tembo Guest Lodge and includes return transfers, entrance fees, and a guided interaction experience with the resident herd.
Elephant Whispers is home to five elephants, each with a distinct personality and story. During the experience, guests touch, feed, and photograph the elephants while handlers explain their behavior, anatomy, social bonds, and the conservation challenges facing African elephants. The sanctuary limits daily interactions to protect the herd’s wellbeing, giving elephants ample time for free-feeding, rest, and mud baths between sessions.
The sanctuary is located approximately 10 km from Tembo Guest Lodge, making it one of the most convenient wildlife activities for guests staying in Hazyview.
Meet the Elephants
You will meet all five members of the Elephant Whispers herd:
| Elephant | Sex | Age | Height | Weight | Personality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tembo | Male | 40 years | 3.7 m | ~7.5 tons | Calm herd leader with magnificent tusks. Known for greeting familiar faces with enthusiastic trunk hugs. Name means “elephant” in Swahili. |
| Shamwari | Male | 30 years | 3.3 m | ~5 tons | Gentle and easygoing with a mischievous streak. Loves spraying unsuspecting guests with water from his trunk. Name means “friend” in Shona. |
| Ziziphus (Zizi) | Male | 27 years | 3.2 m | ~5 tons | Quietly confident with a distinctive forehead shape. Comes alive during mud baths. |
| Andile | Female | 27 years | 2.6 m | ~4 tons | Curious, clever, and food-motivated. Shares a close bond with Tembo, who helps her reach high branches. Name means “to increase” in Zulu. |
| Lindiwe | Female | 23 years | 2.8 m | ~3 tons | The youngest, already showing the calm confidence of a future matriarch. Recognized by the beauty spot on her head. Name means “the girl we’ve been waiting for.” |
Tour Itinerary
Morning Pickup
Guests are collected from Tembo Guest Lodge and transferred to Elephant Whispers (~10 km, approximately 15 minutes by road along the R40).
Guided Elephant Interaction (1 hour)
Upon arrival, experienced handlers introduce the herd and guide guests through:
- Touching and standing alongside the elephants
- Hand-feeding the elephants
- Learning about elephant anatomy, behavior, and social structures
- A conservation presentation on threats facing African elephant populations
- Photography throughout the session (handlers will assist with photos)
Return Transfer
After the experience, guests are driven back to Tembo Guest Lodge. The total outing takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours including transfers.
Pricing
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Adults | R___ per person (includes R920 Elephant Whispers fee + transfers) |
| Children under 12 | R___ per person (includes R460 Elephant Whispers fee + transfers) |
You will need to fill in your bundled rate. Elephant Whispers’ standard interaction fee is R920 adult / R460 child under 12.
Upgrade Your Experience
Elephant Whispers offers several extended experiences. Ask us about upgrading your booking:
| Experience | Duration | Times | Adult Rate | Child Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interaction & Walk | 1.5 hrs | 09h00, 12h00, 16h00 | R1,800 | R900 |
| Interaction & Ride | 1.5 hrs | 09h00, 12h00, 16h00 | R1,800 | R900 |
| Sunset Experience (includes sundowner) | 1 hr 45 min | 16h00 | R2,000 | R1,000 |
| Ultimate Experience (includes mud bath viewing, picnic, sparkling wine) | 2 hrs | 12h00 | R3,350 | R1,675 |
| Half Day with Elephants (includes feeding, brushing, bush walk, picnic, mud bath) | ~6 hrs | 07h00 | R5,300 | R2,650 |
Upgrade pricing is the Elephant Whispers rate. Transfer supplement may apply for different session times.
Practical Information
Departure point: Tembo Guest Lodge, Hazyview.
Distance: ~10 km via the R40.
Session times: 09h00, 12h00, or 16h00 (confirm when booking).
Advance booking required: At least 48 hours recommended.
What to wear: Closed shoes are essential. Comfortable, casual clothing. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Children: All ages welcome. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access is available to the interaction area. Contact us with specific requirements.
Photography: Cameras and phones welcome. Handlers are happy to help capture moments.
Why Book This Tour?
Elephant Whispers is the closest ethical elephant experience to Kruger National Park’s southern gates (Phabeni and Paul Kruger Gate are both accessible from Hazyview via the R536). The sanctuary’s location on the R40 between Tembo Guest Lodge and the Panorama Route also makes it an easy addition to a day exploring Graskop, God’s Window, or Blyde River Canyon — all covered on our Full-Day Panorama Route Tour.
Unlike drive-through game reserves where elephant sightings are never guaranteed, this experience provides a confirmed, up-close encounter with Africa’s largest land mammal while directly supporting their care and conservation. Guests already booked on a Kruger safari from Tembo will find this pairs naturally with any game drive day — the 09h00 session works well after an early morning game drive, and the 16h00 session pairs with a morning safari departure.
You can also pair this experience back-to-back with the Seronera Crocodile Farm on the same day — the crocodile farm runs at 09h30 and Elephant Whispers offers a 12h00 session. To plan a full day of activities, see our things to do in Hazyview guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elephant Whispers an ethical experience? Yes. Elephant Whispers is home to five rescued elephants that cannot be released into the wild. The sanctuary limits daily interactions to protect the herd’s wellbeing and provides extensive free-feeding time, rest periods, and enrichment activities including mud baths and bush walks.
How far is Elephant Whispers from Tembo Guest Lodge? Approximately 10 km along the R40, about 15 minutes by road. Return transfers are included in the tour.
What is the minimum age? Children of all ages are welcome. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and receive a discounted rate (R460 for the standard interaction).
Can I combine this with a Kruger safari on the same day? Yes. The standard interaction takes about 1 hour (2 to 2.5 hours with transfers), making it easy to pair with a morning or afternoon Kruger safari from Tembo. The 09h00 session works well after an early morning game drive, and the 16h00 session pairs naturally with a morning safari departure.
Do I need to book in advance? Yes. Elephant Whispers requires advance booking and recommends reserving at least 48 hours ahead to secure your preferred session time. Contact Tembo Guest Lodge to arrange your booking.
Is the experience suitable for pregnant travelers? The standard interaction does not involve strenuous activity. Contact us to discuss any specific concerns.
What happens if it rains? The experience operates in most weather conditions. Elephants are active rain or shine. Bring a light rain jacket during the wet season (October to March).
Can I do a private session? Yes. Exclusive private bookings are available at Elephant Whispers. Contact us for a customized quote.
