5 impressive ways to get up close and personal with elephants
Make some unforgettable memories
Elephants are among the planet’s most majestic creatures, gentle giants who walk steadfastly through the savannas, forests and deserts of Africa and Asia. They are also the largest living land mammals, and being able to see them in person is a sight to behold. Experience this extraordinary vision yourself during an ethical tour, hotel stay or park visit that puts the animals first.
Explore Chobe National Park in Botswana
The Savitu waterhole is a natural gathering place for elephants at Chobe National Park
So many elephants live in Chobe National Park — it’s estimated 120,000 call it home — that there is a “good chance” you’ll spot a few “wherever you go,” said Thrillist. Botswana has the world’s highest elephant population and is a longtime “haven for the trunked pachyderms,” thanks to strong anti-poaching and conservation efforts.
Chobe has four geographical zones, and the best way to see elephants is by choosing a safari in the grasslands and riverfront area because “where there’s water, there’s elephants.” As a bonus, you can expect to see a parade of other incredible wildlife, like lions, zebras, giraffes, water buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and hyenas.
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Take the Elephants & Opium tour through northern Thailand
Learn all about Asian elephants during Red Savannah’s tour
On Red Savannah’s 11-day Elephants & Opium tour, travelers start in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand and end in Bangkok in the south. Along the route, you’ll stop at temples, ride bikes through the countryside, visit historic ruins and the Hall of Opium Museum and take a private home cooking class, with the highlight being your time in the Golden Triangle. Guests stay at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort and interact with rescued elephants that are going along on their daily jungle walk.
Visit Elephant Valley at San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California
Elephant Valley covers 13 beautiful acres
At the immersive new Elephant Valley, visitors come face to face with a herd of eight elephants led by their matriarch, Swazi. The space was expanded to give the animals “more areas to roam, bathe and sleep” and additional “opportunities to keep them engaged,” said KPBS.
It’s easy to spend hours watching the elephants play together with puzzle feeders and splash around in a 250,000-gallon pool, and there are several lookout points where you can snap stunning pictures and videos. When hunger strikes, you don’t have to tear yourself away from the views. Enjoy a meal or snack at Mkutano House, Elephant Valley’s open-air dining experience where snacks and meals come with a side of gorgeous panoramas of the pond and savanna.
Stay at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa
Elephants are your fellow guests at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
Take your pick — &Beyond has six lodges on this 74,000-acre reserve, and each offers ample opportunities to coexist with elephants and other wildlife. Phinda Homestead is a private villa with a dedicated ranger, tracker, chef, butler and host, while Phinda Rock Lodge sits on a cliff face, giving guests dramatic views from their stone suites.
The “most unique” accommodation is the recently revamped Phinda Forest Lodge, said Condé Nast Traveler. It is situated on one of Africa’s last sand forests, and the “glass-encased” suites have a “treehouse-like” feel. Start your day with a game drive, keeping your eyes peeled for elephants, leopards and lions, then take a guided bush walk and “laze by the pool, where the animals swing by for an afternoon drink.”
Check out Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home in Sri Lanka
Baby elephants are the stars of the show at Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home
The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is a “halfway house” for orphaned and injured elephants, giving them a safe place for rehabilitation before being returned to the wild, said Lonely Planet. Visitors are invited to observe the elephants from a viewing platform and watch as they eat and interact.
There are typically 40 juvenile elephants out and about, and while you do have to keep your distance, the experience is “still a lot of fun,” said Lonely Planet. Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is a short drive from Udawalawe National Park, which has “famous elephant herds” that are best spotted from 6:30 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 6:30 p.m.
