The Elephant and Monkey Sanctuary.

Walking beside elephants feels unreal. You’ll get hands-on time with elephants and monkeys, plus help for great photos after a scenic drive through the Magaliesburg and Hartbeespoort Dam.

Two things I really like: the chance to walk close to elephants and brush and feed them, and the monkey experience that can get personal, including shoulder sits and lots of cheeky moments. You also get a live English-speaking guide and a small group feel, so the day stays manageable.

One thing to plan for: the sanctuary entry fees are not included in the $68 price, so your total will be higher once you pay on arrival, and you’ll want to follow the handlers closely (plus keep hats, sunglasses, and wallets secure).

Key highlights you should not miss

• Walk with elephants at close range, with feeding and brushing as part of the session
• Hands-on monkey time, including very close interactions and photo-ready moments
• Guided picture help so you are not guessing angles while animals are right there
• Scenic Johannesburg to countryside drive, passing the Magaliesburg mountain ranges and Hartbeespoort Dam
• Small group experience with hotel pickup and drop-off for an easier day
• Real animal rules on safety, including keeping items secure during monkey time

Pickup from Sandton and Johannesburg: your day starts smoothly

This tour runs like a proper half-day plan, not a complicated puzzle. You choose a pickup point from a long list around Johannesburg, including well-known areas like Sandton, Rosebank, Melrose Arch, and O.R. Tambo. Your guide meets you with a badge and name tag, then you get the tour briefing right after introductions.

I like that the transport is built in. It means you can focus on the day itself, not on hiring a taxi or figuring out which road goes where. And with multiple drop-off options on the way back, you should be able to end near where you’re staying.

The Magaliesburg and Hartbeespoort Dam drive that sets the tone

On the way out, you’ll travel through both the more affluent parts of Johannesburg and the townships, based on your pickup area. You’ll also pass the Magaliesburg mountain ranges and go by Hartbeespoort Dam, so even before the animals, you get scenery worth looking at.

There’s also an option for a coffee stop along the route. That’s useful because your day will be busy, and you’ll want a quick break before you switch into animal-time mode.

During the return drive, the guide gives more info about South Africa, and they will answer questions you have. If you’ve got curiosity about daily life, culture, or what you’re seeing around Johannesburg, this is the calm time to ask.

Elephant sanctuary time: feeding, brushing, and walking close

This is the big reason people book. The elephant portion is built around very hands-on contact: you get to feed the elephants, brush them, and walk in front of a big five animal during the experience.

What I find especially valuable here is the sequence. You are not just standing back and taking photos. First you feed, then you brush, then you move into the walking portion, and that flow helps you stay calm and coordinated while the elephants approach at their own pace.

You should also expect plenty of photo moments. The experience includes time for posing with the elephants, and the guides help you capture good pictures and videos. In one experience, the guide Thabelo Thathani was highlighted for being polite and for staying with people from the meeting point at the hotel start, which is exactly what you want when animals are moving and you are trying to frame your shots.

Monkey encounter: close range fun with real handling rules

The monkey segment is fast, funny, and very up close. You’ll see and interact with monkeys from very near range, and there’s time to play and get those close photos.

Here’s the key detail you should take seriously: monkeys can be cheeky. They can try to open or investigate bags, and they may climb onto you. The tour guidance specifically warns you to keep sunglasses, wallets, and hats secure, and it stresses that hand bags and backpacks must be zipped up.

You might even experience things like monkeys sitting on shoulders and rubbing your neck. That sounds charming, and it usually is, but it also means you need a steady, relaxed posture and careful movement. If you panic or jerk around, you make it harder for everyone, including the handlers.

Also, bring your sense of humor. Monkeys are unpredictable by nature. The best mindset is to watch the handler signals, keep your pockets secure, and treat any unexpected climbing as part of the show.

Photo tips that work when the animals are right there

You’ll be taking photos next to elephants and monkeys, so a little planning pays off. I recommend you treat this like a quick photo sprint, not a slow photoshoot.

Bring a charged smartphone and your camera if you like. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in, and make sure your hands are free when it matters, especially during monkey time. Sunglasses are great in daylight, but keep them secure so they do not become a problem when monkeys get curious.

For video, focus on shorter clips. When elephants are close, you’ll want moments of interaction, not long recordings where your framing shifts. The guides help with posing, which is a big advantage because you can concentrate on your body position while they help with the best angles.

Value and price: what $68 covers, and what to budget extra

The listed price is $68 per person for a total duration of about 5 hours (330 minutes). That price includes a driver guide, transport, and one bottle of water per guest.

But the sanctuary entry fees are not included. You pay those directly on arrival:

• Elephant activity entry fee is R1 795 per person
• Elephant activity only is listed at R1 595
• Monkey activity only is listed at R550

That means the real value depends on whether you do both animals or only one. If you want the full day of animal interaction, doing both elephants and monkeys usually makes sense because you are already paying for the transport and guided time. If you only care about one, the separate fees let you match your interests and budget more tightly.

One practical point: the guidance says you can use a card. It also says the experience skips the ticket line, which can save time when you arrive.

One more thing I appreciate: the tour is flexible in practice, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now and pay later option. That can make planning easier if you are juggling multiple stops around Johannesburg.

What to bring (and what not to bring) so the day stays stress-free

For this kind of close-contact animal day, your checklist matters. Bring:

• Passport (a copy is accepted)
• Comfortable shoes and closed-toe shoes
• Warm clothing (the tour notes warm layers)
• Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen
• Camera and a charged smartphone
• Hand sanitizer or tissues
• Personal medication

For the day itself, you’ll do a lot of moving and standing close. Comfortable clothes are not optional.

What is not allowed includes alcohol and drugs. The guidance also says alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle.

Bags are listed as not allowed, and at the same time there are instructions that hand bags and backpacks must be zipped up. So the safest strategy is to travel light and keep items secure, ideally in pockets or a small, zip-able carry option you’ve confirmed is permitted.

How this tour fits different travelers

This experience is a strong match if you want real animal interaction. The elephant portion is hands-on, and the monkey portion is close range, with the possibility of sitting on shoulders and direct contact.

It also suits couples, solo travelers, and small groups that want pickup convenience. The tour is described as a small group option, which matters because a large crowd can feel chaotic around animals.

If you are sensitive to close contact or you want quiet, distance-style sightseeing, this may not be your best day. It’s active and interactive. You should also know it is not suitable for wheelchair users, because the tour is designed around close-range handling and movement.

My bottom line: should you book this elephant and monkey sanctuary day?

I think you should book if your top priority is close interaction, brushing elephants, and getting those real, in-the-moment animal photos with guide help. The combination of a guided drive through the Magaliesburg and Hartbeespoort Dam, plus the two sanctuary experiences, makes it feel like more than a simple animal visit.

I’d hesitate only if you are strict about total cost, because the $68 does not include the sanctuary entry fees. Also, if you do not want monkeys very close to you, you may feel uneasy when they explore pockets and climb.

If you do book, plan for safety and comfort. Pack light, keep valuables secure, and follow the handler instructions without overthinking it. Done right, it’s the kind of day you remember because it feels personal, not distant.

FAQ

How long is the elephant and monkey sanctuary experience?

The tour duration is listed as 5 hours, which is 330 minutes. Check availability for the starting times.

What does the $68 price include?

The package includes a driver guide, transport, and one bottle of water per guest.

Are the sanctuary entry fees included?

No. Entry fees for the elephant and monkey sanctuary activities are not included in the package, and you pay directly. The fees listed are R1 795 per person (for both activities), R1 595 for the elephant activity only, and R550 for the monkey activity only.

Can I pay the sanctuary entry fees with a card?

Yes. The guidance says you can use a card for the entry fees.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring passport (copy accepted), comfortable closed-toe shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, a camera or charged smartphone, and hand sanitizer or tissues. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and the guidance also notes bags are not allowed.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.