In the late 19th century hundreds of Knysna elephants were slaughtered by ivory hunters; this tragic story was the inspiration for the creation of the Knysna Elephant Park in 1994.

Until recently, experts thought there was only one elephant left in the Knysna forest. DNA testing of dung, however, has shown that there might be six or more.

These wild elephants are elusive, however, unlike the ones at the Knysna Elephant Park. Most of them were orphaned and they're very tame. You can feed them, stroke them and even pose for a photograph next to one of them.

A tractor tows our wagon-load of 15 visitors to the elephants.

Ten trunks wave enthusiastically as they reach for the buckets of food - mostly carrots and spinach. The guides keep a watchful eye and encourage us to touch the elephants. A father even lets his two-year-old son sit astride a calf.

Harry has been here since 1994 and is quite aware of his status as the dominant bull. To one side is Tosha, an elephant cow. We may not go near her. She's still mourning the loss of her calf, Bubi, which died of pneumonia a few weeks ago.

I stand next to Harry with my cheek against his rough, wrinkly skin.

How could people hunt these beautiful, sensitive giants? In the exhibition area, words by the poet John Donne strike a chord: "To know an elephant is to be touched by him - these gentle giants humble mankind. He is nature's greatest Masterpiece."

FAST FACTS:
Where? on the N2 between Knysna (22km) and Plettenberg Bay (9km)

When? Every half-hour from 08.30am to 4.30pm. the outing lasts 45 minutes, but they won't throw you out if you linger.

Cost: R160 per adult and R83 per child between 3 and 12. a bucket of food costs R28.

Contact: 044 532 7732;

Other things to do: a ride on an elephant's back, sundowners and exclusive sundowner safaris.

While in the area, why not do a Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour at the Storms River village, just off the N2, 65km east of Plett.

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