Elephant Experience at Askari Game Lodge in Doornhoek, North West Province

Our two elephants, Damara and Nzewe are both sub-adult males aged around 12 and 14 years respectively as at Sept 2008. They arrived at Plumari in Sept 2006. They were born and living as wild elephant on a private game reserve in Limpopo Province which at the time was about 50% overpopulated with elephants. Threatened with being culled, Damara and Nzewe were acquired by Elephants for Africa Forever ("EFAF") and put into their licensed training programme. Upon satisfactory completion, they were relocated to Askari Lodge

EFAF work closely with Nature Conservation, NSPCA and other relevant groups - their training is covered by permits and involves strict protocols covering all areas from safety to the well being of the elephants. After seeing the relationship of elephant and handler / other guests, you will understand the exceptional bond in place between human and elephant.

We are also very conscious of the dignity of these mighty animals, and accordingly have tried to build "interaction" activities around their normal daily routines of roaming and feeding in wild bushveld, rather than forcing the elephants into routines to fit around humans.