Knysna’s elephants

Two hundred years ago, great herds of elephants roamed the southern Cape. Today, thanks to ruthless hunting throughout the 18^th and 19^th centuries, there are only seven left, hidden in the secretive dark-green depths of the forests around Knysna. The persistent hunting has made the tiny herd wary of humankind with the result that it is extremely difficult to locate.

It is known that the heard- the world’s most southerly – has managed to adapt to forest conditions; although these beasts belong to the dam species as the savannah elephants, their habits and lifestyle are now thought to be more similar to the elephants found in the equatorial forests of Central Africa.

The herd’s future is by  no means assured; three young elephants from the Kruger National Park were introduced in 1994, but one died shortly afterwards. Although you have to be lucky indeed to catch a glimpse of these magnificent animals, Terblans Nature Walk through the Gouna Forest just north of Knysna is a good bet. Another popular trail is the six-hour Elephant Walk that starts from the Diepwalle Forestry Station, just over a kilometre (half a mile ) from the mighty King Edward Vll Tree - another giant of the forest; a 46-metre – high (150 ft.) yellowwood whose circumference measures a stupendous 9.5 metres (30 ft.).

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