In search of African elephants in the wild

Aligned in popular culture as symbols of wisdom and dignity, African elephants are one of nature’s most beloved species. The strength of their familial bonds and their communal mentality has fascinated scientists and wildlife enthusiasts alike for centuries. Despite their popularity however, African elephant strongholds remain under threat. As continual victims of habitat loss and poaching, populations of these magnificent animals are continuing to fall year upon year. Read below if you’d like to find out where to see African elephants in the wild.

As conservation efforts and community education becomes more important than ever before, responsible tourism certainly has a role to play. With that in mind, we have selected some of the best destinations to get you up close and personal with nature’s gentle giants – and work towards their continued conservation at the same time!

Where to see African elephants in the wild

Selous Reserve, Tanzania

A little further from the average tourist itinerary, Selous is untouched African wilderness in its purest form. The largest game reserve on the continent, the park spans 50,000 square kilometers and is home to wide populations of elephants, cheetahs, black rhinoceroses and giraffes. It’s also one of the more diverse nature reserves, offering everything from dense woodland to sprawling grasslands. Following a massive fall in elephant populations during the 1980s, Tanzanian wildlife authorities have increased conservation efforts and numbers have doubled since 1989. With approximately 67,000 elephants roaming its wilderness, Selous is an ideal destination for wildlife lovers.

How to see it: Selous’ sheer size can make it challenging to explore and its relative lack of popularity with tourists means that there’s only a handful of camps. That said, there is the possibility to enjoy a mobile tented safari. Setting up camp in the very heart of the bush, you can spend your evenings surrounded by nature with a thick blanket of stars overhead. Set aside a few days to enjoy the landscape and to immerse yourself fully in rural Tanzania.

Best time: Wildlife is at its most numerous and vibrant during the dry season which falls between July and October as animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making sightings more frequent and concentrated. The thinner foliage during these months also enhances visibility. For those interested in a more secluded experience, the shoulder months of June and November offer a quieter, cooler environment, with fewer visitors but plenty of wildlife to observe.

Chobe National Park, Botswana

With one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa, and a remarkable population of approximately 120,000, Chobe National Park in Botswana is a dream destination for elephant enthusiasts. Known for its lush floodplains and the winding Chobe River, this park offers a unique setting where herds of elephants congregate along the riverbanks, especially during the dry season. Watching these majestic animals move in large family groups (sometimes in numbers of 100 or more), drinking, bathing, and playing in the river, is a truly unforgettable sight. Chobe is also home to diverse wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, all of which thrive along the river corridor.

How to see it: One of the best ways to experience Chobe’s elephant population is through a river safari along the Chobe River. From the water, visitors can see elephants from a unique vantage point as they come down to the banks to drink and cool off. Additionally, traditional game drives are popular, allowing you to explore the inner woodlands and floodplains where elephants roam in their natural habitat. Guided tours are widely available, offering insights into the behavior and conservation of these incredible animals.

Best time: The ideal time to visit Chobe National Park is during the dry season, from May to October, when water is scarce inland and elephants gather in large numbers along the Chobe River, creating prime wildlife viewing opportunities.

Etosha National Park, Namibia

With its iconic salt pan so large it can be seen from space, and a stunning diversity of wildlife, Etosha National Park in Namibia is one of Africa’s most underrated safari destinations. During the dry season, the pan stands cracked and parched under the sun, shimmering with mirages as herds of elephants, antelopes and buffaloes cross its surface. Indeed, the park is home to hundreds of species of mammal, reptile and bird as well as one of the best game viewing spots in the country; the Okaukuejo waterhole. Low vegetation and relatively flat plains mean that sightings are common and the park boasts a population of approximately 2000 elephants. Due to the mineral rich vegetation in the area, these are some of the largest elephants in all of Africa.

How to see it: Etosha is quite a flexible destination and many visitors opt for a self drive safari. However, it is also possible to get a local guide to join your party to give you information about the wildlife and the conservation efforts surrounding it. This allows for a more immersive and informative experience, giving you the chance to get to know Etosha’s biodiversity in more detail.

Best time: For increased chances of wildlife sightings, head to Etosha during its dry season which falls between June and October. The cooler, clear mornings provide ideal conditions for safari drives, and temperatures remain comfortable, ensuring an enjoyable safari experience!

Tsavo East & West National Parks, Kenya

Tsavo East & West is the largest protected area in Kenya, covering around 22,000 square kilometers, and is home to about 40% of Kenya’s 35,000 African elephants in the wild. Arguably, the Tsavo National Parks are the most exciting and diverse on the African continent – they are home to over sixty of Africa’s major species and well over 1,000 plant species. Tsavo West is generally wetter and more mountainous than its eastern counterpart, and while both are well worth a visit, it is in the west that you will find the highest quantity of exciting wildlife: black rhino, African elephants, leopards, hippos and the Maasai lion are all on the list, as well as some incredible birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the smaller, but no less wonderful, wildlife here too, such as hartebeest and the occasional bush baby…

How to see it: The parks are large, and the wildlife often scattered, so it’s always recommended to travel with a guide to get the best possible experience, particularly if you haven’t been on safari before. You are able to self-drive if you’d rather, however.

Best time: January – February and June – September are good times to visit the park for viewing wildlife. If you are coming for the migratory birds, then make sure you visit between October and January. For bird enthusiasts, the best time to visit Tsavo is from October to January, when migratory birds flock to the park, adding a unique experience to a typical safari.

Make it happen

Whether you’re an experienced safari-goer or new to wildlife travel, seeing African elephants in the wild in these remarkable environments is both a bucket list experience and a chance to support ongoing conservation. By choosing responsible travel options, visitors can contribute directly to efforts that safeguard these gentle giants and the habitats they depend on. Ready for a truly unforgettable adventure? Chat to our local experts and book a trip to one of these extraordinary destinations and witness the magnificence of Africa’s elephants up close.

1. Tanzania
2. Botswana
3. Namibia
4. Kenya