Une belle après-midi avec nos éléphants

I promised Russell that I would place a review as a vet visiting an elephant sanctuary. In my work with pets but also exotic animals and wildlife I need to be mindful of the welfare of animals. We did quite a bit of research before choosing to visit this project and we weren’t disappointed. Russell and Louise have ensured a haven for rescued elephants where they are free to do as they please. No tourist handling or bathing or riding. Careful feeding which the elephants are in control of. A team of staff who have bought into the concept. We had a great afternoon and topped off by an amazing meal cooked by the wives of the mahouts. If you choose to visit elephants in Phuket come here!

We did a lot of research for a genuine ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket. This seems to be the only one. No bathing, no touching, elephants roam free and aren’t at the whims of tourists - they are put first. They also cap numbers and we had a very small group to observe the elephants. You can still get very close to observe. Some of the stories of the elephants life before were so sad; the obvious scars from previous mistreatment for one, to the elephant that came to them with broken spine from over-riding. This reserve is doing good things, and is run by very kind and caring people. Go here if you want to see an actual ethical sanctuary at work. Give this sanctuary your money.

Incredible afternoon with such beautiful animals. The tour guides knowledge, passion and care was so evident in the way they spoke about the elephants. Especially loved getting to hear about the different personalities of each elephant. Would highly recommend adding this to any trip to Phuket.

We had the best time learning about the elephants and their life at the Hidden Forest Elephant Sanctuary. At their heart they care about the elephants like they are family members. Each elephant has a personality that they have taken their tjme to get to know. There is a presentation on how to properly care for elephants so no paintings, bathing or touching the elephants. We observe them as they are naturally. We fed them bananas, watched them eat sugar cane and other foods they like. We saw them bathe while we had a wonderful vegetarian lunch. This sanctuary does really look after the elephants. Each one has their person who looks after them. I know there are a lot of "sanctuaries" out there but this one was the most ethical in it's treatment and care for the animals. I loved feeding them and enjoyed watching them just be. This was the highlight of our holiday. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. I can't recommend this place more highly. Truly magic.

Great place. They obviously put the welfare of these rescued elephants first. Nice structure to the tour - walking between several different areas, including two where you can feed the elephants some bananas. Educational and all the staff were very friendly and helpful. Tasty late lunch thrown in too! If you want to see elephants without being a terrible human being, this is the place to go! Loved it. Make sure to wear mosquito repellent though - I forgot and was absolutely savaged!

What a fantastic way to spend 3 hours! We arranged it via their website and it was all very simple. Everything worked like clockwork- pick up and delivery back all party of the service. We began with a really informative and fun talk from one of the local guides and then we went round in relaxed groups feeding the elephants, watching them play in the water and more feeding! You are able to get up really close to the elephants and the guides were incredible with their knowledge. The best part is that this is a truly ethical experience - the elephants have been rescued and now live a free and social life in this beautiful paradise. Definitely worth it!

It’s truly unique experience in this elephant sanctuary in the forests of Phuket. Did the research online and this is one of if not the best ethical sanctuary you can visit here. Program starts with an educational part where you learn about all the elephants how they arrived. Then the team proceeds to the feeding area where you can feed bananas to elephants from a distance. Team is with you all the time, very informative , very detailed explanation of their day-to-day life relationship, with the caretakers, and general overview of the sanctuary. Tour takes roughly 2 1/2 hours with lunch included, a great selection of buffet menu while you watch the elephants bathe. I recommend everyone to experience this

Had the best experience at Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve today. Watching the elephant's in a natural setting was completely amazing. The owners and staff are so friendly and their priority is the welfare of their elephant's saved from non-ethical establishments. A must do

A really great place where the elephants get the best care. There is no doubt that the staff is passionate about the place and lively shares their experiences. The best recommendations from here

Amazing day seeing these majestic animals who are free to roam and are cared for so beautifully having been rescued from very hard lives.