In the early 20C a massive campaign was launched to eradicate the region's elephants, seen as an obstacle to farming. In 1931, only a few specimens remained. The decision was then taken to create the park. Trails take you through savannah, scrubland, forest and coastal dunes into the habitat where hundreds of pachyderms now live. They share this territory with other mammals, including lions. The park has grown in recent years, acquiring the Zuurberg Mountains, which can be crossed on horseback, and the Ste Croix and Bird Island marine sanctuaries.