Where to watch elephants on safari?
Fortunately, elephants are pretty ubiquitous across our protected areas in sub-Saharan Africa. They are some of our most charismatic animals, endlessly fascinating and a crucial emblem of healthy wilderness. Wherever you go on safari, you’re likely to see them. So you could be forgiven for thinking they shouldn’t have to figure too highly in your safari planning. Seeing elephants anywhere is fantastic, but there are some destinations where the elephant watching is really special.
Tarangire
A much overlooked national park, Tarangire is only a couple of hours from Arusha, Tanzania. Easily reached by road to begin a northern circuit safari, the Tarangire ecosystem supports a host of wildlife but is perhaps most famous for its dense population of elephants. They are numerous, friendly and easy to see.
Ruaha
A little known bastion of wilderness and wildlife in southern Tanzania, Ruaha’s elephant population is the second largest in the country. Synonymous with the park’s countless baobab trees, this landscape has been shaped by them for millennia. Throughout the year, wet season and dry, this wilderness offers fantastic elephant encounters and photographic opportunities.
Amboseli
Home to the most well studied elephant population in Africa, Amboseli is where the classic images of elephants with Kilimanjaro in the background are taken. (Amboseli is in Kenya, and Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania). As well as the iconic black and white images of elephant herds and ‘big tuskers’ crossing the dry plains.
Hwange
When you first arrive you might not think Hwange, a very dry environment, could support many elephants. But because of the many solar pumped water holes - there are a whole lot! It’s a great place to watch them up close drinking and playing around by the water. A great combination with another special place to watch elephants in Zimbabwe - Mana Pools.
Linyanti
This area of Botswana, to the north of the Okavango Delta and just across the border from Namibia is serious elephant country. Mega-herds numbering in the hundreds can be seen in the vast reed beds of the river, an awesome spectacle.
Each of these destinations promises awe-inspiring elephant encounters set against some of Africa’s most scenic landscapes, creating unforgettable memories for those on a luxury safari.