Hartbeespoortdam, North West

Welcome to the Elephant sanctuary Hartbeespoort – an elephant experience for life! Nestled in the Magaliesberg Mountains only one hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Elephant Sanctuary – Hartbeestpoort Dam lies in a malaria-free area. It is surrounded by natural indigenous bush and is home to impala, klipspringer, baboons, porcupine, caracal, leopard, a host of other small mammals, 350 bird species and of course four magnificent African Elephants.

The Elephant Sanctuary group has three sanctuaries – Hartebeestpoort dam just outside Pretoria and Gauteng, Plettenberg Bay in the Garden Route and Hazyview in the Lowveld. The Elephant Sanctuary provides a “halfway house” or temporary home for young African elephants in need of a home. The Elephant Sanctuary is the only elephant sanctuary in South Africa that provides in this way for elephants and it is our vision to release all the elephants back into a semi wilderness area once they are older and experienced enough to fend for themselves in this type of environment.

The Elephant Sanctuary hosts a unique and fully guided educational program that sets itself apart from anything else that South Africa has previously had on offer in terms of elephant interaction and touching elephants. Guest numbers are limited to ensure personal attention and maximum elephant interaction for each guest which makes this a truly memorable and enriching experience. You also have the opportunity to touch, feed and walk “trunk in hand” with these magnificent animals. It is similar to walking hand in hand with a child or a loved one – the only difference is the other hand is a trunk! Booking is essential for all the educational programs and the elephant back riding experiences. Please request special educational programs for corporate events and corporate team building functions events.

Join us for an intimate overnight stay in one of our two lodges, duration from 16h00 to 10h00 the next morning.
16h00 Arrival - Welcome drinks, check in and chill out observing eles from main deck or have a swim in lodge pool
17h00- See eles stabled for the night, followed by a walk to the mountain deck for sundowners. Return to the lodge for a 4 course dinner in the boma, where you can relax around a log fire.
07h00 - Be ready on the main deck for morning brushdowns of the elephants, walking trunk-in-hand, interacting with them in the forest area, learning more about their behaviour, anatomy, social structure; feeding them and forming relationships and bonds with these amazing pachyderms.Breakfast served usually after brushdowns and walk.
10h00 - Program ends. Rooms to be vacated by 10h45 please.

The Main Lodge is a Indo-African, nine bedded lodge. Your room shares a common wall with one of our elephant's stables - you will be amazed how quiet they actually are! A covered patio and lounge for relaxing/reading, and a secluded swimming pool in the forest a few steps from the lodge. Main deck overlooking the elephant boma, adjoining a curio shop with interesting mostly elephant related items, and fully licensed bar . Treehouse deck to observe elephants swimming. The Main Lodge comprises four suites, with five rooms and nine beds and are designed as follows:

Khumba Suite: Twin-bedded, en-suite bathroom (Two three quarter beds) Bedroom open-plan to bathroom which comprises shower, basin, toilet
*R1495.00 pppn sharing *R1745.00 single person
Mosadi Family Suite: Two twin-bedded bedrooms. (Two three quarter beds per room). Shared bathroom between the two rooms (interleading doors). Bathroom comprises a ball-and-claw bath, shower, basin and toilet. The suite comprises four beds and one bathroom. This room is suitable for Dad, Mom and children.
*R1695.00 ppppn sharing *R1995.00 single person Children 3 - 14 yrs 50% of adult rate

Thandi Honeymoon Suite: A queen bed with an exquisite open-plan bathroom complete with ball-and-claw bath, shower, basin and toilet. Mini bar and tea/coffee station. Very romantic.
*R1895.00 ppppn sharing *R2245 single person.

Jabu Thatch Luxury Suite: A very spacious suite comprising two double beds next to one another. En- suite bathroom, comprising toilet, double basins, shower with bath combination. Mini bar and tea/coffee station. R1895,00 pppn sharing *R2245.00 single person

The Bush Lodge is an African lodge, designed for outdoor living, with it's wide verandah that overlooks the lawned pool area alongside the bar/lounge. The Bush Lodge comprises six suites (11 queen beds) set in beautiful African bush.

Its wooden decks, thatch bar and well-established trees make it an oasis within the bushveld. The lodge has been designed to make our guests feel relaxed, comfortable and welcome. Should your group be taking over the entire lodge, you will find it is like having your own magical home with all the suites feeding out onto the main living area.

The Lodge is situated approximately 100 metres from the Main Lodge and has its own bar, thatched lounge area and swimming pool. The rooms are tastefully appointed, with subtle bushveld browns and softer cream tones and sumptuously dressed beds.

Rates:
Rooms 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 - R1.995.00 pppn sharing, Single R2 395.00 Children 3-14 yrs 50% of adult rate, under 3 no charge
Room 2 – Family Room R1.895.00 pppn sharing