Wildlife

African Elephant

Ave. lifespan 70 years
est. population 700,000
status threatened

Seeing the world’s largest land mammal in the flesh, with their calm yet controlling presence and impressive features, is something you will truly never forget.

Everything you need to know about seeing African elephants on safari

The ground rumbles as you sit tentatively, cameras poised. You hear them before you see them, an almighty crunch as the lead female breaks through the foliage and onto the wide savannah plains, shortly followed by the rest of the herd. The first time you see an African elephant in the wild is a moment to behold; overwhelming in size and beauty, they move almost gracefully across the plains.


We can put you in the right place at the right time for lunch with rescued elephants in Botswana, witnessing shy forest elephants in the Congo, or even to see the rare desert adapted elephants of Namibia.


On a safari in Africa, most assume that you’ll just see an elephant anyway without giving it much thought, but they really are one of the most impressive animals to see in the wild.

african elephant safari gallery

elephant interaction

Meet three rehabilitated elephants at Baines' or Stanley's Camp in Botswana, and even go for lunch with them.

Explore Baines' Camp
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close encounters

Head to Abu Camp where you can get up close and personal with the resident herd; the ele's here are so individual and full of character.

Explore Abu Camp
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photography

Elephants are one of the most photogenic species on the African plains; their mighty stature always makes for a great shot.

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game drives

Often seen on safaris throughout Africa; game drives are a great way of seeing African elephants in their natural, wild environment.

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Experts view: Will Bolsover

I was privileged enough to walk with the trio of orphaned elephants and enjoyed lunch with them on the grassy plains. This interaction will stay with me for a lifetime. 

Walking along aside these magnificent animals really does bring home their huge stature, as well as their individual personalities.

The African Elephant

There are two species of African elephant: the African bush elephant and the African forest elephant. The larger of the two, the bush elephant, is the largest and heaviest land mammal on the face of the planet, with males weighing in at up to 5.5 tonnes.


The trunk they are famed for is used for communicating as well as handling objects and food; the trunk alone contains about 100,000 muscles. The two finger-like features at the end of the trunk assist them with grasping objects and sticks. Their huge tusks continue to grow each year, and are used in fights with fellow elephants as well as for marking and digging. The iconic ears of an African elephant look almost like the African continent; they are used for radiating heat, and when it gets too hot, there’s nothing they enjoy more than splashing around in the water, shooting cooling sprays from their trunks.


Elephants can be found across Africa - they charge across the savannah plains of Kenya and Tanzania, bathe in the cooling waters of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, and even walk through a certain lodge reception in Zambia.

african elephant facts

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CONSERVATION STATUS The status of African elephants is considered to be threatened, and many have been killed for their valuable ivory tusks.


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HABITAT From the savannahs and deserts of sub-Saharan Africa, to the rainforests of central Africa.

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COMMITMENTS Elephants have the longest pregnancy of any mammal, lasting nearly 22 months, and calfs already weigh an astounding 91 kilos at birth.

The Best African Elephant Safaris

  • Tailor-Made

    Botswana Elephant Tracking Safari

    Spend five days with the bushmen of Khwai community concession, tracking elephants through the bush and learning about their behaviour, history and conservation.

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  • Tailor-Made

    Elephant Safari in the Masai Mara

    Explore the wildlife and landscape of the Masai Mara staying at Richards River Camp where for the last three generations, the Roberts families have played an integral part for conservation in Kenya; notably working with elephants in the Mara. Witness the world's largest mammal numerous times and learn about their plight, as well as the vital conservation efforts that are going in to protecting this majestic species.

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  • Tailor-Made

    Elephants of Amboseli & Masai Mara Big Cats

    A 7 day Kenya safari combining Amboseli National Park, most famous for large elephant herds and views of Kilimanjaro and the freedom of game-viewing on one of the Mara Conservancies where both day and night drives as well as guided bushwalks are included.

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  • NWS RAW - Tailor-made

    Gonarezhou Camping Safari

    Discover the pristine wilderness of Gonarezhou National Park, tracking its famed elephant herds and other wildlife while camping right in the heart of the park.

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  • Tailor-Made

    Lakes, Plains & Craters of Tanzania

    Go in search of magnificent wildlife in two of Tanzania’s most iconic locations – Ngorongoro Crater and the plains of the Serengeti – home to Africa’s big cats, the Big Five and flocks of flamingos.

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  • Small Group Safari

    Wildlife and Wilderness in Zakouma NP

    Join naturalist Richard Anderson to explore the abundant wildlife and rugged landscapes of Zakouma National Park, one of the last remaining wildernesses of Africa. The park is renowned for its exceptional birdlife, lion populations and crocodile-filled rivers.

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  • Tailor-Made

    Trans Africa Cape Town to Kenya Safari

    Explore South Africa, Zambia and Kenya on this adventurous 2 week safari, which takes you from the vibrant city of Cape Town to the Victoria Falls and the incredible wildlife of the Masai Mara.

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  • Tailor-Made

    Botswana & Zambia: Wildlife & Waterfalls

    A fantastic wildlife-focused safari to Botswana & Zambia taking in some of the highlights including the magnificent Victoria Falls, huge herds of elephants at Chobe National Park & experiencing mokoro rides through the Okavango Delta.

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Why book with us

We are destination specialists

Our team of specialists have extensive on-the-ground knowledge and have all lived, guided or explored in great detail the destinations that they sell. They will design your journey around you, at the right place at the right time.

We are wildlife specialists

As a leading specialist operator we have excellent partnerships with naturalists and conservationists. We know our wildlife and do what we can to preserve its natural habitat.

We really care about our destinations

At Natural World Safaris we frequently monitor the social, economic and environmental impact of our travel operations to ensure we are at the forefront of a sustainable and ethical tourism industry. 

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT SEEING THE BIG FIVE IN THE WILD?

Our African safari experts know everything there is to know about seeing the big five in the wild. Get in touch to find out more and start designing your journey.

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