We sometimes take for granted how fortunate we are in South Africa to still have so many wild spaces to visit and explore – for a glimpse of how the world looked many generations ago. Even amongst vibrant cities and busy beaches, we have the rare beauty of vast and protected wilderness areas where our wildlife can roam freely and safely.  Amongst our own reserve is a very special place to us, South Africa’s first dedicated elephant orphanage, HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development).

This establishment has grown from our own efforts to provide a home to rescued elephants where they can forage, swim, play and explore in nature, with wild elephants, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, big cats and many more species surrounding them. Not just an orphanage, HERD is now a Trust and PBO encompassing the care of the original rescued herd and orphans rehabilitated and integrated into a new elephant family.

You can witness the lives of these elephants getting a second chance at being among their own species, as part of a welcoming herd, spending sunrise to sunset in the African bushveld. Join us at Jabulani for a glimpse into their lives, as they swim in the waterhole together, splash about in mud baths, and teach us constant lessons in empathy, acceptance and perseverance.

Get Involved!

Follow HERD’s YouTube Channel for videos of the herd that you can watch from home

Foster an Elephant: Help HERD to support the orphans and rescued elephants and their family by fostering an elephant before, during or after your Jabulani safari

Book a virtual experience with the elephants for your family, your company or a friend you want to spoil