The Elephant and Monkey Sanctuary is situated in Hartbeespoort Dam. Founded in 1999, it is a mere 45 minute drive from Sandton.On the tour, guests were informed that the sanctuary had grown from housing five elephants to a total of twelve African Elephants.
These Elephants have been so well domesticated that they obey short phrases given to them by their trainers; For example, the elephants were instructed to flap their ears. The reason for this was given as protecting them from fleas and dust. And flap they did! How amazing! The elephants were also instructed to open their mouths and then raise their legs which they did too… These were to check for bruises, the instructor stated. Guests were able to touch, feed and get to know the elephants.
Coming so close to an elephant, the guests felt its power and bulk in contrast with the quietness, delicateness and grace of these mammoth creatures. A kiss from the elephant sealed the afternoon.
A variety of monkeys could also be spotted wistfully jumping around and seeming to bask in all the attention they were getting from tourists and guests. The ape-like creatures were rather friendly towards the guests as they seemed to study each face that they came across almost as though to say hello; instructors were quick to warn that most monkeys were little thieves, one turn and your property will be stolen by them right before your eyes.
Next stop was the Lion Park, only a 30 minute drive from Sandton, Johannesburg, it offers terrific close encounters with lions, other predators and large herbivores indigenous to Africa. The Lion Park is home to over 80 lions including the rare white lions and many other carnivores such as cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena, striped hyena, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, side-striped jackal, and a wide variety of antelope which roam freely in the antelope area.
Guests had the awesome opportunity to come close to the lions, and what would a visit to lion park be without photo proof to back it up?!?
After a long and exciting day, guests were treated with a little taste of home, with dinner at a Nigerian restaurant in Pretoria.
This has been the longest and most adventurous day so far. Everyone was in high spirits heading back as they all look forward to what tomorrow holds in store.
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