The elephant art safari will bring out the hidden artist in all of you…..
The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Art of Africa have teamed up with the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to create an eco-conscious and unique elephant experience which gives you the opportunity to interact with these gentle giants in an entirely unique way. On an elephant art safari, you can bring Africa’s largest land mammal to life by hand painting these majestic creatures surrounded by the breath-taking African landscape.
Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage was founded on the principle of conservation, which is one of the most effective ways to evoke a sense of environmental responsibility and show what stands to be lost. The sanctuary takes in elephants that have been orphaned, through human actions and cannot be reintroduced back into the wild. The elephants are cared for by trained and skilled employees and through use of positive reinforcement methods, the elephants have been trained to interact with people.
Therefore these elephants are habituated to human presence and make perfect models for painting workshops on this elephant art activity.
Direct interaction with wild animals, for the purpose of tourism, is rightly coming under increased scrutiny and the authorities have carefully considered the ethical implications of this art experience. Based on their visits to the Elephant Sanctuary, they are very satisfied with the professionalism and methods used by the staff, when dealing with the elephants, and believe that this experience is an ethical way for The Elephant Sanctuary to raise the necessary funds to fulfil their long-term obligation to care for elephants that cannot be reintroduced back into the wild.
The Elephant Art Activity
This magical elephant art experience is approximately 3 hours long and begins at the Elephant “Wallow” (just a few kilometres out of Victoria Falls town). Against the back drop of the view of the beautiful Masuwe River, in an open air Elephant Boma, guests enjoy an insightful introductory presentation on the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage.
In this interesting and informative talk, visitors will learn about the elephants and their history, how they came to be in the care of the sanctuary as well as the threats facing elephant populations today. Visitors will have an opportunity to talk to guides that have journeyed – physically and metaphorically, incredible distances with these elephants and learn more about the complexities of the individuals and the herd structures.
After the introduction you will be led down to a waterhole and mud wallow. Here you are able to interact, feed and observe the characters of the elephants, at close range. The elephants are left to behave in a completely natural way to splash and play in the cool mud.
Under the shade of a massive Mopane tree, an area has been set up with chairs, framed art easels with a blank canvas’s, paint brushes, brightly coloured paints on art palettes and coloured aprons.
A private tutor will then instruct you on how best to use your paints and brushes, to capture the landscape and the elephants in front of you. You have the freedom to transform your canvas into an unforgettable moment with the elephants and beautiful surrounding scenery. Own your creativity while experiencing an extraordinary artistic process.
Once the elephant art class is finished visitors will go back to “The Wallow” for a delicious two-course buffet lunch accompanied by a cold beverage, rounding off a perfect morning’s experience and have a chance to sit back and admire your artistic endeavours. After lunch guests will be transferred back to their lodgings in Victoria Falls Town.
Elephant Art Safari General Information
Arrangements
Duration - Approximately 3 hours
When - Pick up at 11h30 from hotels in Victoria Falls town. Drop off at 14h30 hrs at hotels in Victoria Falls town
Where - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Weather - Weather permitting
What to wear and bring -
Wear comfortable attire that provides sun protection (remember painting can get a bit messy!)
Hiking/running shoes
Hair ties (for longer hair, which must be tied up)
Sun-screen
Insect/Mosquito repellent
Sun hats
Polarised sunglasses
Cameras (spare film/SD cards/disks!)
Binoculars
Warm clothing in winter (April to August-early mornings are cold but heat up quickly)
Guests are encouraged try to leave valuables at home/the hotel.
Guests or Spectators - No spectators allowed
Requirements
Minimum / Maximum participants - Minimum: 2 Maximum: 30
Fitness Level No - Fitness Requirement
Experience Level - No Experience Requirement
Age Restriction and Child Policy - Children aged 5 and older can participate if accompanied by a parent. Management retains the right to refuse a child, whom they feel is unsuitable for the activity, for any reason.
Times - Pick up at 11h30 from hotels in Victoria Falls town and drop off at 14h30 hrs at hotels in Victoria Falls town
Duration - Approximately 3 hours
Language - English
Inclusions Exclusions
Inclusions - Scheduled transfers from/to Vic Falls Town/Hotels; an Elephant Interaction; an art lesson; art equipment required for the lesson; a two course buffet lunch; local beer, wine, water, soft drinks, coffee and tea.
Exclusions Items of a personal nature. *Conservation Levy of $10.00 p
Notes
Age Restriction & Child Policy:
Minimum age: Children aged 5 and older can participate if accompanied by a parent..
Maximum age: There is no maximum age limit. Children 5-11 years are half price, over 12 pay full price.
Dietary Requirements - Guests with specific dietary or religious (i.e. Kosher) requirements, please notify Wild Horizons prior to arrival. We endeavour to accommodate most requests, but require a reasonable time to do so.
Private Safari: Min charge/pax number; 8 guests
Give it a try, its an experience you'll not soon forget!
Check out our activities page here for more thrilling things to do in Victoria Falls
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