Where to See African Elephants: Exceptional Safari Destinations

Few wildlife encounters compare with the sight of a great herd of African elephants moving across the landscape. For many travellers, it becomes the defining moment of a safari. The lodges and conservancies below are all engaged in serious efforts to protect elephant populations — an approach that benefits visitors and wildlife alike.

Conservation in Action

One organisation making a measurable difference is African Parks, a non-profit conservation body that operates the largest counter-poaching force on the continent. It manages ten protected areas spanning six million hectares. Among its achievements is the 500 Elephants campaign, one of the largest elephant translocations ever undertaken. The project involves moving up to 500 elephants over 350 kilometres across Malawi to Majete Wildlife Reserve, where they can establish a secure population.

Chobe National Park, Botswana: Best for Families

Chobe Elephant Camp sits on the western side of Chobe National Park, within a private concession in the Ngoma area, with sweeping views over the floodplains. The lodge keeps its carbon footprint to a minimum through solar power and the use of timber from renewable or reclaimed sources, which also gives it a rustic, farmhouse character.

A stay here combines game drives in search of Chobe’s substantial elephant herds with a visit to Victoria Falls — an appealing combination for families travelling with children.

Okavango Delta, Botswana: A Canoe and a Close Encounter

A traditional mokoro canoe trip through the Okavango Delta offers one of the most peaceful ways to observe wildlife. Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp, a classic luxury tented camp overlooking the delta, provides both excellent wild elephant sightings and a more unusual experience.

As part of the Living With Elephants Foundation, the camp is home to three semi-habituated elephants, each rescued from culling operations. Guests can walk with a local guide and learn about elephant habits and social structures. The three elephants may choose to accompany the walk.

Amboseli National Reserve, Kenya: Conservation and Research

Every camp and reserve featured in an elephant-focused itinerary contributes in some way to protecting Kenya’s wild elephants and their habitat. At the eco-luxury Elephant Watch Camp in Samburu, guests can meet the researchers and conservationists who monitor the reserve’s 66 elephant families.

At the Maasai-owned Selenkay Conservancy ecotourism project in Amboseli National Reserve, visitors see conservation working in practice. Elephants and predators that had previously vanished from the region have returned. The 15,000-acre private reserve admits just 18 guests per day.

Planning Your Trip

The destinations above suit different travellers — families, couples seeking a quieter pace, and those with a particular interest in conservation and research. Whichever you choose, the opportunity to watch elephants in their natural habitat, knowing that your visit supports their protection, is difficult to match.