Botlierskop Elephant Back Ride

Experience the real African thrill of a safari experience on elephant back - a unique first for the Cape Garden Route in South Africa.

In June 2004 two trained elephants, 'movie stars' Sam and Tsotsi joined the Botlierskop team. This is the first time that elephant back rides were offered in the Southern Cape. In August 2007 Tsotsi gave birth to a healthy male calf. Tshima which means surprise, as it truly was.

Elephant Back Rides take place at the 4-star graded Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, which also offers a host of elephant-related activities, and other exciting leisure pursuits, for guests and day visitors.

"I used to watch cartoons when I was a child, of Goofy traveling into the Indian jungle, on elephant back, to hunt tigers. Since those days, I have always thought about what it would be like to ride one of these magnificent beasts. On 31 January 2007, at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, I was given this exact opportunity.

Tim (Another Beach and Bush Adventurer) and I found our way to the 'launch' platform, where one is able to mount these animals. We were placed on the larger of the two, a large male African Elephant. I felt sturdy in the saddle, as we took off, on a scenic tour of the grounds.

Traveling by elephant is not the quickest of affairs, but I was content at the slow pace, as the views were too beautiful to be missed. At first I was concerned at the way the elephants were steered. This was done by tapping a hollow plastic pipe on their ears. The guide explained that to the elephants, it was the equivalent of us being hit with a plastic straw on our ears. I noticed that the elephants did not appear to be in any discomfort, and so the journey proceeded. The elephants stopped every few steps to pull large plants out of the ground to consume. These animals have to eat mass quantities of greenery, in order to survive.

After a picturesque ride around the grounds, we arrived back at the platform, where we dismounted, and were given the opportunity to stroke the creature?s trunk, mouth, tusks and tongue. It was a really surreal experience! We left the platform, realizing that we had just had a once in a lifetime experience. I would definitely recommend this activity to anyone, especially animal and nature lovers."

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, near Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa.

Situated between the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains and unspoiled beaches of the Indian Ocean, Botlierskop Private Game Reserve ensures its visitors of a unique safari experience. It is situated on the world renowned Garden Route. Easily located just off the N2 and an easy 30 minutes drive from George Airport or a 4-hour scenic drive from Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa.

• A scenic tour
• A knowledgeable guide and elephant driver
• A fully grown elephant.

Due to these animals being so tame, just about any age group can enjoy this unique activity. However children younger than 6 year old are not allowed.

No Children under 6 allowed. Children over 6 are to be accompanied by an adult.