Every so often, you have an experience that sticks with you—one that shifts the way you see the world. That’s exactly what happened on my recent trip to Bela Bela, where I met Sean Hensman and his incredible herd at Adventures With Elephants.
Now, I’ve met a fair share of Local Legends on my travels, but Sean’s got a rather unusual team backing him up. His “colleagues” weigh a few tonnes, have a wicked sense of humour, and can pick up the scent of a beer from a mile away (or so I like to believe).
More Than Just an Elephant Encounter
This isn’t your typical “stand at a distance and snap a photo” experience. At Adventures With Elephants, you get up close, personal, and immersed in their world. Standing beneath the shade on soft mats, these giants make you feel welcome in a way that’s hard to put into words.
You don’t just learn about elephants—you experience them:
🐘 Their astonishing intelligence – They can remember names, identify people by scent, and problem-solve in ways that’ll make you question who’s really in charge.
🐘 Their gentle yet powerful nature – There’s something humbling about standing next to an animal that could crush you in a second but chooses to interact with you with the softest of touches.
🐘 Their deep connections – Watching Sean and his team work with them, you realise just how much trust and companionship exists between elephant and human.
Taking a Dip with the Herd
Of all the experiences on offer, my favourite add-on has to be the Elephant Bath. After the main interaction or safari, you follow the herd up to the dam and watch them swim, splash, and just have a good time being elephants.
But here’s the kicker—you don’t just watch; you get in the water with them!
Brushing and bathing an elephant is something else. They love it, and honestly, so will you. There’s also a high chance you’ll end up with a face full of muddy water (if you’re lucky), but that’s part of the fun. Watching these giants roll, submerge, and even play tricks on each other is a reminder that no matter their size, they’re just big kids at heart.
A Beer & A Sticker Challenge
Now, you know me—I can’t visit a place like this and not talk about beer. Turns out, Sean’s not just working to protect elephants; he’s got some beers to help fund elephant research. Conservation through beer? Now that’s something I can get behind!
His lineup includes:
🍺 Gentle Giant Beer – A brew as bold and smooth as the elephants themselves.
🍺 Ellie Piss Beer – A cheeky nod to the elephants’ habit of, well… leaving their mark wherever they go.
Before I left, I had one final idea—could one of the elephants add to Beer Troopy’s sticker collection?
Now, putting a sticker on a car takes a bit of fingergefühl—a delicate touch. And, well… that’s not exactly an elephant’s strong suit. But one was up for the challenge! After some hilarious trial and error (and a lot of patience), we got a brand-new sticker of Sean’s latest beer proudly displayed on Beer Troopy.
Why This Trip Mattered
This adventure was about more than just meeting elephants. It was a reminder of why we explore—to connect with incredible people (and animals!), to support Local Legends, and to learn something new.
If you ever find yourself in Bela Bela, Adventures With Elephants is an absolute must-visit. Whether you’re learning, bathing elephants, or sipping on a Gentle Giant Beer or Ellie Piss Beer, it’s an experience that’ll stay with you long after you leave.
Till the next adventure,
Holger
