Just an hour from Maun, on the edge of the Okavango Delta, lies a sanctuary where compassion and conservation come together. Elephant Havens is a rescue and rehabilitation centre for orphaned and displaced baby elephants- the only elephant orphanage in Botswana. It offers one of the most rewarding conservation experiences in Botswana — a rare chance to connect with the country’s conservation story and meet some of its most charming young residents.

The Elephant Havens community outreach—through education, water projects and village support—plays a vital role in reducing human-wildlife conflict and fostering long-term coexistence between people and elephants in Botswana

In a setting as beautiful as it is hopeful, every moment spent here leaves a lasting impression. Below you will find all the information you need to visit this wonderful sanctuary.

How to Visit – A Scenic Detour to Do Good

Elephant Havens is a perfect half-day activity from Maun or a memorable stop on a helicopter transfer to or from your safari camp.  Located en route to the Moremi Game Reserve, it is an interesting stop for those self-driving or on a mobile safari in the Moremi or Khwai region of the Okavango. It is a beautiful drive too – through quiet rural villages and open countryside, offering a glimpse into daily life in Botswana.

Public Visits: Daily at 9AM and 4PM

Public visits run seven days a week at 9am and 4pm. No reservation is needed, but guests should arrive early to complete a short form before the tour begins. Tours start promptly and last for one hour, finishing at 10am and 5pm respectively, regardless of arrival time.

The 2025 entrance fee is USD $100 per person, with discounted rates for Botswana residents ($75) and citizens ($30). These donations go directly toward the care of the elephants and the running of the sanctuary.

During the tour, visitors are welcomed into a shaded, fenced boma while the elephants roam outside. You’ll have the chance to feed them treats, take photos, and listen to an educational talk about their behaviour, challenges they face in the wild and the work being done to protect them.

Bee the founder of Elephant Havens with a baby elephant

Extended Tour: Walk with the Elephants

For a more immersive experience, pre-book the Extended Tour, which includes the public hour plus a two-hour guided walk with the elephants and their handlers. This special three-hour visit must be reserved in advance, with a minimum of two guests and a donation of USD $500 per person.

On this extended walk, guests explore the sanctuary’s broader landscape and may visit the elephants’ mud wallow or swimming hole, depending on conditions and the mood of the elephants. There’s also the chance to witness a bottle-feeding session for the youngest orphans, if the timing is right. As always, the experience is guided by the elephants themselves—they are never forced to perform or follow a schedule.

Private Tour: An Exclusive, Intimate Encounter

For the most personal and unhurried visit, Elephant Havens offers a Private Tour, which must be pre-booked and confirmed. These three-hour visits take place outside of public hours, beginning between 10am and 1pm.

With a minimum donation of USD $700 per person (minimum two guests), this bespoke experience includes one-on-one time with the elephants and handlers, a relaxed walk through the bush, and the chance to see the elephants forage, wallow, or swim—all without other guests present. Afterward, enjoy a private lunch or afternoon tea overlooking the elephants’ favourite waterhole.

Your Donation at Work

More than just an activity, your visit is a meaningful contribution to elephant conservation. Over 90% of donated funds go directly toward care and rehabilitation efforts. This includes:
– Special lactose-free formula for orphaned calves
– 24-hour care from experienced elephant handlers
– Veterinary care and rescue operations

Fostering donations also support elephants through the crucial first years of their lives, while general donations help fund orphanage infrastructure, staff housing, and secure enclosures.

Importantly, less than 10% of donations go toward administrative expenses. The Elephant Havens Wildlife Foundation has no salaried staff, ensuring that nearly every dollar supports work on the ground in Botswana.

Community Outreach: Supporting People and Wildlife

Elephant Havens also invests in the communities surrounding the Delta. Their outreach programmes help reduce human-elephant conflict and build a culture of coexistence through:
– Conservation education in schools
– Summer kids’ camps and field trips to the sanctuary
– Support for local pre-schools and water projects
– Donations of school buses, wheelchairs, and livestock

These initiatives strengthen community ties to conservation and improve livelihoods in the process. The elephants may be the stars, but people benefit too.

Whether you join a public tour or book a private encounter, it’s a chance to get close to Botswana’s elephants and be part of a bigger story: one of rescue, recovery, and long-term protection.