Intro
When it comes to African safaris, the elephant is one of the most popular animals featured. From Kenya to South Africa, elephant sightings are reported by many avid travelers and animal enthusiasts, making Africa an elephant hotspot for elephant safaris. Elephant Safari’s take you deep into the wild where elephants roam freely without fences keeping them within designated areas.
These amazing creatures have been on this earth for millions of years and continue to amaze us with their intelligence and social behaviors. Safari tours that specialize in Elephant viewing have become increasingly popular these days among families, couples, teenagers, groups of friends, individuals who are simply passionate about seeing the beauty of nature up close & personal. This blog post takes a look at some of our favorite destinations across Africa for Elephant safari tours!
African elephants
Africa’s elephants are some of the largest and most impressive creatures on the planet. These gentle giants can weigh in at over two thousand pounds and grow to nearly twelve feet tall at the shoulder. They are also one of the most endangered animals on the continent, with fewer than half a million remaining in the wild.
This makes seeing these creatures in their natural habitat a truly special experience. Here are some of the best destinations for an elephant safari in Africa.
Best elephant safari destinations
Africa is home to some of the best safari destinations in the world. Kenya, South Africa, and other countries across Africa are popular destinations for animal lovers and tourists looking to see elephants in their natural environments. Elephant safaris offer a unique and up-close view of these amazing creatures, and have become increasingly popular among families, couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers.
Here are some of our favorite destinations for african elephant safaris in Africa.
Botswana – The World’s Largest Elephant Population
Botswana is the majestic elephant’s natural habitat. Here, they roam freely in some of the most spectacular surroundings on earth. Around 129,000 african elephants live here – more than any other country!
The best time to come for an elephant safari is during Botswana’s dry season between May and October when there are fewer mosquitoes and the landscape is at its most arid and photogenic.
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is one of the top destinations for an elephant safari. The park is home to one of the densest populations of elephants on the planet, as well as large herds of buffalo, sable antelope and roan antelope and pride themselves in being “an authentic luxury safari in Botswana”.
The park can be explored by foot, 4×4 safari vehicle or traditional boat cruise on the Chobe River. The river provides a unique perspective on the wildlife and offers the opportunity to see elephants up close as they cool off in the water. The Chobe Riverfront is the most reachable section of the park, and it’s also where you’ll encounter the greatest number of animals. Take a trip to Linyanti Marshes if you want a more predator-rich location. Alternatively, rest your legs in the remote Savuti region.
Famed for its massive elephant populations, big herds of buffalo (matched only by some large lion prides) and incredible birdlife, Chobe National Park will leave an everlasting memory. Where else can you find such an amazing riverfront, with bustling wildlife, undisturbed predators, heavenly landscapes and tranquil lodges?
The Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of the most alluring destinations for an African elephant safari. The delta flows into a vast inland estuary fed by two main rivers, where you are likely to spot hundreds of species including elephants, herbivores, predators & birds! All of the big five game animals; the lion, leopard, African buffalo, African bush elephant and rhinoceros (both black rhinoceros and white rhinoceros) can be seen across the lands in the Okavango Delta.
Okavango is popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists wanting to see elephants in their natural environment. The best time to visit is during the dry season.
Kenya – Access to the Big Five
Kenya also enjoys a reputation as one the best destinations for african elephant safari. The country’s largest national park – Maasai Mara – is home to huge herds of elephants and other species such as wildebeest, impala, warthog and hippo roaming freely across 2500 square miles (6400 km2) of open savannah.
Maasai Mara
A visit to Maasai Mara during the annual wildebeest migration is a must for any wildlife enthusiast! The park offers great opportunities for game viewing by car, foot or balloon safari. Be on the lookout for elephants, lions, leopards and buffaloes. Rhino sightings are also very common!
Kenya’s Tsavo East National Park is another great destination for an elephant safari experience. The park, which covers an area of 9,065 square kilometres (3,470 sq mi), shares the same ecosystem as the Maasai Mara and offers a similar variety of wildlife.
Amboseli National Park
If you’re looking for an elephant safari combined with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park is the place for you. The park is located close to the Tanzanian border and is home to large herds of elephants, as well as great numbers of buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and other wildlife.
Safari activities in Amboseli National Park include game drives, walking safaris and river cruises. The view of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro from your jeep is sure to take your breath away!
South Africa – Remote yet close
South Africa offers a diverse range of safari destinations to suit all interests and budgets. Kruger National Park, located in the northeast of the country, is one of the most popular parks for an African elephant safari. The park is home to over 147 000 elephants, as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs and many other species of animal.
The Free State – Big 5 Country! The Free State province of South Africa is widely regarded as one of the best destinations for an African elephant safari experience.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most famous wildlife reserves in Africa, spanning an area of 19,485 square kilometres (7,523 sq mi). The park is home to a huge variety of animals including elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and many more.
The park is a great place for a family safari holiday and offers a wide range of activities including game drives, bush walks, camping and bird watching. There are also plenty of places to stay inside the park, from luxury lodges to self-catering bungalows.
Addo Elephant National Park
Another great option for an elephant safari in South Africa is Addo Elephant National Park. The park, which was established in 1931 to protect a small herd of elephants, is now home to over 550 elephants and has been declared a national heritage site.
Other animals you are likely to see on an elephant safari in Addo Elephant National Park include lions, leopards, hyena, zebra, wildebeest and buffalo. Accommodation inside the park includes camping spots, lodges and cottages.
Zambia – Home to walking safaris
Zambia is a great destination for an elephant safari if you’re looking for an adventure! The country is home to some of Africa’s most beautiful national parks, including South Luangwa National Park and Kafue National Park.
Zambia is also known for its walking safaris which are a must try when visiting the country. Whether you choose to go on foot or in a vehicle, you’re sure not to miss out on Africa’s magnificent wildlife!
South Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa National Park is famous for its elephant population and there are no shortage of opportunities to spot these giants here. Other animals you might see on an elephant safari in South Luangwa include lions, leopards, wild dogs, hippo, crocodile and buffalo.
Lower Zambezi National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park is a beautiful and remote park located on the banks of the Zambezi River. The park is home to elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles and many other animals.
Activities in the park include game drives, canoeing safaris, fishing and bird watching. There are also several places to stay in the park, including luxury lodges and campsites.
South Luangwa National Park
You could also experience an elephant safari in South Luangwa National Park. The park is world-renowned for its spectacular wildlife and offers great opportunities to see elephants, hippo, crocodile, buffalo, antelope and many bird species.
Kafue National Park
Another great option for an African elephant safari in Zambia is Kafue National Park. The park, which is also home to over 450 elephants, is located just south of the breathtaking Victoria Falls World Heritage Site. Other animals you can expect to see on an elephant safari in Kafue include lions, leopards, buffalo, hippo and many bird species.
Conclusion of the best places to visit for an elephant safari
So there you have it, a few of the best places in Africa to experience an elephant safari. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly destination or an adventure-packed holiday, these parks have something to offer everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next African safari today!
