Best elephant experiences in Africa
Best elephant experiences in Africa : The elephant is the most recognizable animal in Africa. Elephants are unlike any other species you’ll see on a safari in terms of size, intelligence, and personality. Elephants have a way of getting into people’s hearts despite their remarkable size; many African travelers tell us that elephants are easily their favorite animals. Here is our guide to the top elephant encounters you may have in Africa. A number of safari lodges in Africa are renowned for the presence of resident or nearby elephant herds.
Abu Camp, Botswana.
Abu Camp, which is also named after an elephant that previously co-starred in a Hollywood film with Clint Eastwood, has changed from being an elephant-back safari camp into a magnificent wildlife experience with a strong focus on elephant conservation. The resident herd including orphaned Naledi, whose story you may have seen on Netflix are eloquent ambassadors for saving their species. They effectively but tenderly convey their message. You may observe the Okavango Delta in Botswana through their eyes by strolling with the Abu Herd. Additionally, if you lie on the Abu Star Bed above their boma, the elephants’ pleased rumblings will lull you to sleep.
Mfuwe Lodge, Zambia.
In Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, the reception staff at Mfuwe Lodge receives more than just human guests as part of their regular duties. The elephant families that pass through the lodge’s tiled reception hall are another reason it is well-known. The lodge was built around a favorite wild mango tree, and the elephants have discovered a shortcut to it. Elephants have been coming here for generations, and it doesn’t seem to disturb them that there is now a safari lodge there. More evidence of how adaptive, intelligent, and hospitable these creatures are to people who approach them with good intentions.
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Kenya.
Reteti is in the perfect location to aid elephants who are in need in northern Kenya, amidst the secluded splendor of the Matthews Range. This region is well-known for having a high population of elephants, but it also has a harsh and desert landscape. When young elephants that are sick or injured in the wild arrive at Reteti, they are given a second chance at life. Reteti recognizes that for both species to thrive, elephants and humans must coexist together in addition to saving and ultimately releasing young calves. Patrols against poaching preserve the herds in the area and the jobs that depend on animals. Here are the camps that are conveniently close to the orphanage due to Reteti’s rural location:
Jabulani Safari, South Africa.
Jabulani Safari in South Africa has a wonderful back story that will inspire and impact you. Jabulani is named after a young elephant that was saved from a dam, recovered, and formed a link with a herd of elephants that had been rescued from Zimbabwe. The lodge at this sanctuary for orphaned elephants now offers a “soulful safari experience,” which naturally centres around meeting the local elephants and going on an adventure through the bushveld with them. You will have the chance to directly contact with the elephants and learn more about their inspiring tales of hope and survival in addition to a wide selection of other safari activities.
Ruckomechi & Little Ruckomechi, Zimbabwe.
Sister camps Ruckomechi and Little Ruckomechi, located in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park on the banks of the Zambezi, have everything a safari traveler might want. We’re talking unspoiled African landscapes, an abundance of wildlife, and a wide range of activities, including canoeing the huge river itself and guided bush treks. The elephants are unquestionably the most recognizable of all the animals. Spending time at either Ruckomechi camp means following in the enormous footprints of these magnificent animals, as elephant families pass through the camp every day. They frequently take a break to savor their favorite food, seed pods from albida trees. The adults have been seen to raise up on their back legs and reach high into the trees for the freshest pods, while the smaller elephants gather fallen pods from the ground.
Mara Elephant Project, Kenya.
One of Asilia’s Positive Impact partners in Kenya is the Mara Elephant Project. Their aim to defend elephants in the Greater Mara habitat, which are imperilled by poaching, conflicts between people and wildlife, and a reduction in their range. Their headquarters are in the Mara North Conservancy, and their activities include elephant collaring, monitoring, and research, anti-poaching patrols, fast response units, and minimizing human-wildlife conflict through education in addition to giving communities useful assistance. Any of the following Asilia properties: Mara Bush Houses, Rekero, Naboisho, and Encounter Mara can be used as a starting point for a full-day excursion to the Mara Elephant Project (MEP).
Elephant Camp & Elephant Camp West, Zimbabwe.
Elephant Camp and its smaller, more private sister resort, Elephant Camp West, are well situated to discover Zimbabwe’s hub of adrenaline-pumping adventures because they offer expansive views of the spray rising above Victoria Falls. You won’t get a greater rush from bungee jumping or white-water rafting, though, than from visiting the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage. Rescue, rehabilitation, and release are the main concepts in this situation. Elephants who have been abandoned receive skilled care as well as a lot of affection as they get ready to go back into the wild. You can get to know them while they’re at the sanctuary, engage with them, and experience up-close and personal elephant experiences.
Ithumba Camp, Kenya.
Elephant ‘fostering’ was invented by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), which allowed patrons to support a specific orphan elephant by name. After spending time with their orphaned elephant, they were able to monitor their development as they recovered their health and started to get ready to live in the wild. Elephant foster parents get to spend meaningful time with “their” elephants at Ithumba Camp, in incredibly intimate (but also enjoyable and informative) visits that involve seeing the elephants feed and taking part in their daily mud bath, which is a highlight for both elephants and humans.
