Elephant Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Elephant Tours & Trips

• What are some of the best destinations to see elephants on a safari tour?

  If you want to see lots of elephants, head to Chobe National Park in Botswana - it has more elephants than anywhere else in the world. Other great spots include Addo Elephant Park in South Africa, where you'll find protected elephant herds, and Amboseli National Park in Kenya, where you can watch elephants with Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background. You can also visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi to see rescued baby elephants. One TourRadar traveler said about Chobe: "The river attracts wallowing hippos, elephants and many other wildlife species which can often be seen swimming in the Chobe River."

• What is the best time of year to go on an elephant safari tour?

  The best timing depends on where you're going. For Kenya and Tanzania, plan your trip during the dry seasons - either June through October or January through February. That's when elephants gather near water holes, making them easier to spot. If you're heading to Southern Africa like Botswana or South Africa, go between May and October when there's less vegetation. Amboseli National Park in Kenya is great for elephants year-round, but you'll get the clearest views of them with Mt. Kilimanjaro as a backdrop during the dry months from June to October.

• How many elephants can I expect to see on these tours?

  The number of elephants you'll see changes depending on where and when you visit. In Chobe National Park, you might come across groups of 50 to 100 elephants at once. Amboseli has about 1,500 elephants living there. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "We saw hundreds of elephants in Tarangire National Park, where huge herds would gather around the river." Just remember that since these are wild animals, there's no guarantee of exactly how many you'll spot.

• How do these tours contribute to elephant conservation?

  When you go on these tours, part of what you pay helps protect elephants through park fees and support for sanctuaries. Places like the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi help orphaned baby elephants, while Wildlife SOS in India takes care of rescued elephants. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Visiting this project benefits local communities and contributes to the protection of wildlife" after spending time at a conservation center.

• What should I pack for an elephant safari tour?

  Pack clothes in neutral colors - skip anything bright or flashy. You'll need comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars for better viewing, and a good camera with a zoom lens. For example, if you're visiting Tarangire National Park where thousands of elephants live, bring lightweight clothes that work for temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C). Don't forget gear for both sunny and occasionally rainy weather.