Mooketsi, South Africa

The Mooketsi valley and the area is well known for its tomato farming activities as half of the country’s tomatoes originate from the ZZ2 farms located here. Mr Bertie Van Zyl established the ZZ2 family business in 1955 and developed it into a key factor in the economic growth and development of the Limpopo province. The ZZ2 group of companies employ more than 6 000 people, and distributes more than 130 000 tons of tomatoes to the fresh produce industry every year. He built the business up into one of the leading tomato farming enterprises in the world. His two sons and eldest daughter are managing different aspects of the company.

Today there are is a buzz with a new promise, the gentle giant TEMBO.

Tembo is an elephant. Friendly creature who loves human company and he grants visitors the opportunity of doing a safari on his back or you could simply walk alongside him admiring the wonders of the bushveld. Elephant back safaris are one of the newest and most thrilling safari experiences in Africa. These safaris not only make I possible for you to view the wildlife from the back on an elephant but also gives you the once in a lifetime opportunity to share a day in the life of an elephant. This safari will truly be unforgettable and the pleasure of being so close to these magnificent animals will leave you greatly inspired.

In the last 120 years elephants have not been seen in the Mooketsi area but in September 2003 the Grootboom Conservancy introduced elephant safaris under the name EFAF, Elephants For Africa Forever. EFAF is dedicated to helping the cause of elephants in South Africa by the awareness of people. Tembo came from Tshukudu Game Lodge in September 2003 and exceeded all his trainers’ expectations.

You can visit this very exciting project and meet Tembo who has the privilege of being the first EFAF elephant to be in possession of an EFAF Elephant Certificate of Competence. Tembo will be accompanied by three EFAF certificated Elephant Handlers who will take you on a walk through the bushveld and weather permitting will treat you to an awesome display of Tembo’s swimming abilities.

When going on these types of safaris just remember that they once were wild animals!

EFAF tie together and unite the kind and gentle skills of world famous elephant trainers Rory and Lindie Hensman, with local farmer Howard Blight’s vision, entrepreneurship and love for Africa’s wildlife, together with South Africa’s leading tomato producing company ZZ2 and its dedicated commitment to the conservation of fauna and flora in the Greater Letaba district. Whilst supporting conservationists to address the sensitive issues surrounding elephant management in Africa today, EFAF has through its Association Charter, pledged to assist conservationists to ensure a place for elephants in Africa forever.