Sleeping with Elephants - Knysna Elephant Park

So far, South Africa had been incredible. Going into our third week, I didn't think it could throw anything at us that would be as memorable as the Kruger safari, visiting Jessica the Hippo, or climbing the Drakensburg, and yet, it impressed me again. About 5 hours outside of Cape Town, we stayed at Knysna Elephant Park. This park has housed and cared for orphaned elephants for over 20 years. The elephants that end up in the park are usually relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls or ex-circus animals. Sometimes the animals become part of the resident herd, or are relocated to other parks depending on their needs.

View of the elephant fields from the balcony

We stayed one night in the park, sleeping in rooms so close to the elephant field you could very easily see them from the balcony. The rooms were designed in a sort of U shape with a common area in the middle that looked over the elephant boma (sort of a sleeping quarters for elephants). As evening drew nearer, I propped myself up on one of the couches with a book and watched as elephants slowly came into the boma to eat and sleep. I sat there for hours with a perfect view of the elephants, it was surreal. The lights are kept low in the boma to let the elephants sleep and there is no noise. All you can hear is the heavy, gruffy breathing of the elephants and occasional scuff of their padded feet on the floor. I was cuddled under a warm blanket on the leather couch with a cup of tea and I never wanted to leave.

Common area overlooking Elephant Boma

The next morning we had a small group tour with a wonderful guide. He lead our troop out into the field, walking past resident zebras with about as much interest in them as a Canadian would have for a crow back home.

Wild Zebras were just "extra" during the whole elephant extravaganza

With a bit of coaxing he was able to get us close to an elephant for pictures. It was made clear that the elephants were still wild, so when she wanted to walk away, we got out of her way and let her go.

That's the elephant on the left.

Little known fact; elephants have big heads

Closer to noon we bought a bucket of fruit and hitched a ride out to the back of the fields again. The elephants obviously knew we were coming, as no coaxing was required this time. Instead, the elephants instantly lined up behind a 20 foot long 'fence' and waited expectantly. With my bucket of fruit in hand I went up to the elephant, held out an apple, and the giant's long nose reached out and deftly picked the fruit out of my hand.

Little known fact No. 2; elephants are nosy.

God must have been in a good mood when he designed the elephant, because it is one of life's greatest joys to be up close to such a fascinating looking creature. There trunks are so long, so strong, and so agile! One elephant almost stole Dad's phone when he got a bit too close taking pictures. We were given tons of time to meet all the elephants, pet them, and take photos.

Noses like hoses

A close-up inspection of an elephant's ear

How could you not be happy working around elephants all day!

Almost stole the camera...but got a great photo

After the incredible morning, we went back to the lodge for breakfast and enjoyed our last few hours in the park, overlooking the fields and watching the wild elephants and zebras.

Bonus Elephant Park Cat

As much as we didn't want to leave, we had to make time back to Mossel Bay to our new AirBnB.