An Authentic Taste of Gin and African Wilderness: Wittenburg’s Elephant Gin Distillery Tour
If you’re looking for a unique outing that combines craftsmanship, storytelling, and a touch of adventure, the Elephant Gin distillery tour near Hamburg is well worth considering. Located in the quiet town of Wittenburg, this tour offers a chance to see how premium gin is made, learn about African botanicals, and even create your own personalized bottle. Priced at around $63, it’s a well-rounded experience that lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes — a perfect afternoon escape.
What we love most about this tour is its blend of education and fun. You’ll get an intimate look at the distillation process, enjoy tastings of signature and limited-edition gins, and step into an African-inspired bar. Plus, the virtual reality experience transports you to African wilderness, adding a surprising element of adventure.
One aspect to consider before booking is that the tour is small and personal, capping at 15 travelers, which keeps things relaxed and interactive. It’s also booked well in advance — typically 62 days ahead — so plan early if this experience is on your list. This tour appeals especially to gin enthusiasts and those curious about craftsmanship with a story, but it’s also great for anyone wanting a fun, educational afternoon outside of Hamburg.
Key Points
- Authentic craftsmanship: See how Elephant Gin is distilled with African botanicals in an intimate setting.
- Interactive experience: Create and personalize your own bottle of gin to take home.
- Unique extras: Enjoy a virtual reality safari into African wilderness.
- Taste testing: Sample signature and limited-edition gins with expert guidance.
- Beautiful setting: Experience the stunning gardens and African-inspired bar.
- Ideal for: Gin lovers, curious travelers, and those wanting a distinctive, memorable experience close to Hamburg.
Planning more time in Mecklenburg Vorpommern? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
A Deep Dive into the Elephant Gin Distillery Tour
The Location and Accessibility
The tour begins at EG Spirits GmbH, situated at Rosenstraße 3, 19243 Wittenburg. It’s conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible without the need for a car. The setting itself is idyllic, with a peaceful atmosphere that complements the craftsmanship and nature-inspired theme of Elephant Gin.
The distillery sits on the outskirts of Hamburg, offering a quieter, more authentic environment away from city noise. It’s an ideal spot for those who enjoy scenic rural views—which you’ll appreciate even more during the short walk through the wild garden with its African-inspired landscape.
The Duration and Group Size
The tour lasts roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes, a comfortable length that balances detailed insights with leisure. The small group size, limited to 15 travelers, makes it a personal and engaging experience. Our reviews emphasize the value of this intimacy, noting that guides like Lukas or Anna are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share their expertise.
The Guided Tour & What’s Included
The core of the experience is a guided tour of the distillery, where you’ll see the entire process from botanical selection to distillation. One piece that stands out is how attention to detail is emphasized — the African botanicals used in Elephant Gin are touchable, smellable, and visually distinctive.
Following the walk-through, a tasting session allows you to sample Elephant Gin’s signature and special edition products. Reviewers consistently rave about the quality and variety of the gins, with one describing the tasting as “very interesting and delicious.”
The highlight for many is the chance to personalize your own gin bottle—a keepsake that adds a personal touch to the experience. Guests can design and label their bottle, making it a memorable souvenir.
The Virtual Reality African Safari
An unexpected feature that elevates this tour is the virtual reality experience. Wearing VR goggles, you’re transported to African wilderness, gaining insight into the origins of the botanicals and the elephants that inspired the brand. This immersive element is widely praised for adding a sense of adventure and educational depth.
The Garden and Bar
The African-inspired bar is perfect for relaxing after the tour, with a great view of the wild garden. Many reviews highlight the beautiful garden setting, which provides a tranquil backdrop for your gin tasting. Guests also enjoy snacks and homemade cake, adding a homely, welcoming touch to the afternoon.
The Experience in Detail
The Start — You meet your guide, often a passionate team member like Lukas, who warmly welcomes you at the distillery. The tour begins with an overview of Elephant Gin’s story, emphasizing their commitment to African conservation and sustainable sourcing.
Botanical Selection and Tasting — You get a chance to see, smell, and even touch African botanicals like baobab, buchu, and cape chestnut. This tactile approach helps you appreciate the complexity of flavor that makes Elephant Gin distinctive.
The Distillation Process — Watching the distillation apparatus in action reveals the craftsmanship behind each bottle. The guides explain the intricate steps involved in creating a premium gin and how the botanicals influence the final flavor profile.
Creating Your Own Bottle — After the tour, you’re invited to design your own personalized bottle of Elephant Gin. This is often described as the “highlight” by visitors, who love the personalized labels and the quality of the product they craft.
Tasting and Socializing — The gin tastings are more than just sipping; they’re an educational journey with guided explanations. Many reviewers mention that the tastings are “very interesting” with a good selection that suits different palates.
The Virtual Safari — As part of the experience, the VR journey into African landscapes is short but impactful, giving a sense of connection to the botanicals’ origins.
Relaxing in the Garden — Post-tour, you can linger in the garden or bar, enjoying snacks like homemade cake and soaking in the African-inspired ambiance.
The Value for Money
At $63, this experience provides a lot of value. You’re getting a guided tour, gin tastings, your own personalized bottle, and the virtual reality experience — all of which are well curated. Many reviews mention that the quality of the products and the expert guidance make it worth every penny.
Plus, the small group size enhances the experience, making it interactive and personalized rather than rushed or commercialized.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tour is perfect for gin lovers who want to learn about and taste craft spirits in a setting that’s both educational and scenic. It’s also fantastic for people interested in African botanicals or sustainable brands. Families or groups looking for a relaxing, unique excursion outside Hamburg will find it a delightful addition to their itinerary.
The Sum Up
The Elephant Gin distillery tour near Hamburg offers a thoughtful combination of craftsmanship, storytelling, and adventure. The guided walk, tastings, and personalized bottle creation make it a memorable experience for those who appreciate quality spirits and authentic, small-scale production. The virtual safari adds a fun, educational twist, making it suitable for a broad range of travelers—whether you’re a gin enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone seeking a different kind of outing.
While the price point might seem a bit higher than typical tastings, the quality of the experience and products, coupled with the small-group intimacy, justify it. It’s especially good if you’re booked in advance, as tours tend to fill quickly — reflecting its popularity.
If you’re exploring near Hamburg and want a blend of culture, nature, and spirits, this tour has enough charm and substance to make it a highlight of your trip.
FAQ
How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving ample time to explore and enjoy each feature without feeling rushed.
What’s included in the tour?
You’ll experience a guided walk-through, gin tastings, your own personalized bottle, and a virtual reality African wilderness experience. Snacks like homemade cake and coffee are also included.
Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the group size is limited to 15 people, making it ideal for those who prefer a more personal, relaxed environment.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. This offers flexibility if your plans change.
What’s the price?
The tour costs about $63 per person, which includes all the guided elements, tastings, and the personalized bottle.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at EG Spirits GmbH in Wittenburg and ends back at the same location, making logistics straightforward.
Are there any additional costs?
Additional food and drinks are not included beyond the provided snacks, and hotel transportation is not part of the package.
In sum, this distillery experience offers a well-balanced mix of education, taste, and fun in a beautiful setting—perfect for those wanting a memorable, authentic glimpse into German craft spirits with an African twist.