The time had come for us to jump on board an African Elephant for the Elephant back safari, and begin our life-changing journey into the forest of the Elephant Sanctuary in Hazyview.  We do strongly suggest doing a few stretches before embarking on your first Elephant back safari, as nothing quite prepares you for the sheer width of an Elephant’s back and the length at which you must stretch out your legs to comfortably reach the other side of the Elephant!

Having had some experience in horseback riding, we assumed that riding an Elephant would be similar, if not a tad slower, and to our surprise it was an incredibly different experience.  Riding an Elephant feels somewhat like that of sitting in a small boat or canoe set adrift the calm swells of a large lake or just past the breaking waves of an ocean shoreline, swaying slowly from side to side.  A very exciting yet peaceful experience atop the Elephant, hence, differing quite a lot from riding a horse!

Toward the end of this amazing experience, one of the Elephants decided to sound off a loving alarm to his trainer!  It was a little scary at first, however, to hear this almost inaudible, deep bass-like Elephant grumble resonate from underneath the tandem ride (trainer in front, passenger holding tightly behind trainer) it was still one of the greatest highlights of the ride and added immensely to this already wondrous and magical experience of riding, and getting to know these magnificent African Elephants at the Elephant Sanctuary in Hazyview.

The Elephant interaction and Elephant back safari at the Elephant Sanctuary in Hazyview is highly recommended for those visiting Mpumalanga. Whether your visit is for a 1 day stop-over, waiting for a connecting flight at KMI airport, or just visiting Destiny Country Lodge (only 5 minutes from KMI airport), this incredible Elephant interaction and Elephant back safari experience takes only 1.5 – 2 hours of your time and is perfect for those who plan on a quick visit to Mpumalanga, and want to enjoy and experience the wonders of what the area offers local and international travelers.

If you’d like to experience the Elephant interaction and Elephant back safari at the Elephant Sanctuary in Hazyview while staying at Destiny Country Lodge, please do request a quote when booking accommodation with us at the Lodge.

For enquiries please contact Destiny Country Lodge via E-mail on info@destinylodge.co.za or book online through Nightsbridge.  Alternatively, you may call us on +27 (0)13 751 6600 or fax us on +27 (0)13 751 6601 or 086 724 1513.