Elephant Hills Jungle Safari - “Luxury safari tents close to the heart of the jungle”.

Khao Sok is situated in the center of southern Thailand within easy driving distance of the major beach resorts of Phuket, Khao Lak and Krabi. There is a ferry connection to Ko Samui and the Burma border at Ranong is just over 2 hours drive away.

Khao Sok is part of the largest area of tropical rainforest in southern Thailand and connects with Klong Phanom and Si Phangnga national parks as well as Klong Naka and Klong Seng wild life sanctuaries. The scenery is dramatic with many jungle covered limestone peaks similar to Gualin in China. There is also Cheo Larn Lake, which is about 60 km north to south dotted with over one hundred islands with the same spectacular limestone formations, which date back over 160 million years to the Permian geological period. This chain of mountains was once part of a gigantic coral reef that stretched from Borneo to Southern China.

The nature and ecology of the area has yet to be fully studied but is truly amazing in the variety of plants and animals that exist here. The world largest flower “Raffelsia” which flowers grow to nearly one meter in diameter can be found in the park at certain times of year as well a species of bamboo that is one of the largest in South East Asia. There are many orchids; ferns and palms including the very rare white back fan palm. The variety of insects is huge; many have yet to be studied. Wild elephant, a small number of tiger, bear, monkeys, gibbon, porcupine, pangolin, deer and the rare mountain serow live in the park. Several hundred species of bird live here including the hornbill. Reptiles are in abundance. The wild animals are not easily seen due to the thick vegetation but tracks are evident as well as the distant call of the gibbon from high up in the canopy. The main reason to visit Khao Sok is to experience the world-class nature and scenery of the rainforest and to learn something of its ecology.

“Elephant Hills” is Thailand’s first luxury tented accommodation built beside the Sok river next to Khao Sok and Klong Phanom national parks. Each tents has comfortable beds, proper bathrooms with shower and hot water and allows you to get close to nature in a luxurious and comfortable manner. Activities to experience during a visit include canoeing on the Sok river, elephant trekking in the hills, exploring Cheo Larn lake by boat, treks through the jungle, and travels by Land Rover to see how the local people live. A visit to “Elephant Hills” will give you a new perspective of nature and the rainforest here in southern Thailand, an experience every one should try at least once in their lives.

Day 1 Phuket (or Khao Lak or Krabi) – Khao Sok [-/l/d]
07:00-07:30 Pick up from hotels in Phuket or Krabi and transfer to Khao Sok.

09:00-09:45 Pick up from hotels in Khao Lak and transfer to Khao Sok.

En-route glimpses of tropical rural life here in southern Thailand can be seen along the way. Arrive at the elephant camp, here you can see, touch and find out about the life of Thai elephants and about the elephant project the company is running. Also the guide will explain about the mahout, the man who takes care of the elephant. From here you will undertake either an Elephant Trek in the tropical rainforest or take part in one of our Elephant Experiences.
Please note that one of the following 2 options must be selected when booking your tour with us.

Option 1: During our Elephant Experience you will get close to and experience hands on these magnificent animals, you will have the chance to interact with them and learn the secrets of their mahouts. You must prepare and feed them one of their daily meals, scrub and clean and watch them bathe. Feed them their dietary supplements that help with digestion and overall well being and plant some of their food which will be ready for next year’s crop. A once in a lifetime chance to experience the Asian Elephant, the largest land animal in this part of the world.

Option 2: Trekking on elephant back is a unique experience here in the rainforest; you will be taken in amongst beautiful limestone Karts Mountains to experience the differing ecological niches in this part of the world. Birds fly overhead and the diversity of the rainforest waits hidden in the depths, what better way is there to get a bird’s eye view of nature

Returning from the jungle with a huge appetite you will appreciate the buffet lunch that is served, a variety of Thai dishes cooked not too spicy. After lunch take a jungle river canoe trip down the Sok River. The canoes are very stable and safe; life jackets are provided as well as a local river guide to paddle the canoe. Drift along the jungle river passing Limestone Mountains and cliffs covered with exotic tropical vegetation. Some times hornbill can be seen flying high overhead or reptiles basking in the sun on the riverbanks. From the canoe you can experience a world that has changed little in thousands of years, some of the last areas of primary rainforest.

After all this activity close to nature it is time for a hot shower and what better place than in the unique bathroom of your luxury safari tents. Relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding jungle covered mountains, 100% real nature. A wide selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits are available at the “Jungle explorer’s club bar”. Afterwards its time for dinner in this unique location beside the rainforest, the sounds and atmosphere will make this a memorable experience.

Overnight in luxury safari tents with comfortable beds, reading lights, hot water and western style toilets. Real luxury close to the heart of the rainforest. The tents doors and windows are covered with mosquito netting as well as canvas flaps so insects and reptiles are not a problem. Temperatures at night drops, the tents are well ventilated; blankets keep you snug in the cool of the night.

Day 2 Khao Sok - Phuket (or Khao Lak or Krabi) [b/l/-]
07:00 Wake up to the sounds of nature and birds calling from the bushes close to the tent. When the sun comes up and clears the mist over the mountains and jungle to the south of Elephant Hills the gibbons start to make their morning territorial calls that echo down the valley. Tea and coffee making facilities are available in the tent for early risers; breakfast is at your leisure.

Having trekked on elephant back, been paddled by canoe along the river, now its time to come face to face with the jungle by exploring it on foot. It is not an army survival exercise, there are no prizes for the fastest, snakes and spider do not jump out at you, it is just an opportunity to explore the ecology of the rainforest, to see a great variety of exotic plants, tropical hardwood trees with huge roots, orchids, palms, ferns, bamboos, mosses; the variety is unlimited. Birds such as the hornbill live high up above, gibbon can often be heard calling to their mates, a macaque or leaf monkey may be heard swinging through the branches, every day is different but it is truly wonderful to discover the great variety of life forms that co-exists together. This can only by experienced on foot, take it slowly, look, learn and listen then you too will start to discover some of the secrets of the rainforest. Weather permitting lunch will be served in the rainforest cooked in bamboo, a tradition of jungle explorers for centuries past.

Sadly in the afternoon its time to return to Elephant Hills then onward transfer to your hotel or the airport but you will always know how it feels to be close to nature in the jungle, some thing you will never forget.

13:30 Depart from the Elephant Hills for Phuket, Khao Lak or Krabi.

16:00-16:30 Arrive at your hotels or the airport.

Notes:

Please wear non-slip shoes, loose comfortable clothes, bring a small bag or pack with a change of clothes in case you get wet and sun protection or a rain coat depending on the weather. If you want to swim in the river please bring swimwear and towel, please note that all itineraries as above are dependent on the local conditions.

Conditions:

This tour requires a minimum of two persons to operate
Guaranteed daily departure with English speaking guide and every Monday & Wednesday with German speaking guide from Phuket, Khao Lak & Krabi on seat-in-coach, with meals.

Promotions 2009-2010

All promotions are subject to availability from November 01, 2009 until April 30, 2010. Only one promotion can be applied and must be specified at the time of booking.

Family summer specials

• With any full paying adult, children will receive the following discount:
• 1st Child - Only 50% of sales price charged
• 2nd and 3rd Child – Only 25% of sales price charged.
• Conditions:
• Childs age: 4 – 15 years of age
• There is no charge for children between the ages of 1 – 4, however parental discretion
• is advised for any child under the age of 4.

Honeymoon, wedding anniversaries and birthdays

• If guests book for a honeymoon, wedding anniversary or birthday, guests will receive FOC the following:
• Sparkling Wine
• Cake
• Flowers and Fruit Basket in the room.

Over 50’s single promotion
No single supplement is charged.

Included:

• Return transfer by air-conditioned vehicle.
• Meals (set menu) as mentioned in the program.
• Accommodation on twin share basis in luxury safari tents with attached bathroom, hot water
• shower and western style toilet.
• Activities organized by English speaking guide, include elephant trek in the jungle, rainforest trek, and explore Cheo Larn Lake by local boat and jungle river canoe trip. The order of activities varies with the weather and local conditions.

Not included:

• Optional tours.
• Expenditures of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry etc.
• Other tours & meals than mentioned in the program.