The Best Places To See Elephants In Africa

The Best Places To See Elephants In Africa

African elephants are synonymous with an African safari.   They are the world’s largest land mammal, the easiest of the Big 5 to find, and are widely spread through southern Africa.  They are well-known for living in matriarchal (female-led) social groups, they are respected and revered throughout their ranges in Africa. There are many places across Africa where you can get up close to these amazing giants, but these are just a few of the areas where elephant viewing is as its very best.

1. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Botswana has the largest population of elephants in Africa and Chobe National Park is a must-visit area where there is a remarkable concentration of approximately 120,000 elephants. Chobe is easily accessible, is Big5 country and has a big predator population including wild dog, hyena, leopard and cheetahs. Buffalo in huge herds can also be seen.

Where To Stay:

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is a luxurious riverside lodge with just 15 guest cottages, as well as the only full spa on the Botswana safari circuit.

2. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange is another area where you will see one of the largest elephant population in Africa. It is home to some of the biggest “super herds” where some can be up to 350 in number. Here in the dry season elephants rely on man-made waterholes, and watching these super herds at the water-holes is a sight to behold.

Where To Stay:

Nehimba is a luxury safari lodge that overlooks the magnificent lodge pan which is a favoured by large numbers of elephants.

3. Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Situated in southern Kenya, Amboseli National Park is known for its vast elephant herds with iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. There are five different habitats in Amboseli, with a variety of wildlife and bird species.

Where To Stay:

Tortilis Camp has unrivalled views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro and a vast elephant population – with more than 1,000 in the park. 

4. Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa's most famous safari destinations full of deep channels, islands dotted in the floodplain, and lush vegetation. The Okavango Delta is home to some of the world’s most endangered species of large mammal, such as the cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, African wild dog and lion.

Where To Stay:

Abu Camp is one of the most popular camps in all of Botswana. Many guests come here for the sole purpose of the Elephant conservation programme. 

5. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

Addo Elephant National Park is now the third biggest National Park in South Africa. It is situated in a non-malarial area and is renowned for having one of Africa's densest elephant populations with excellent chances of seeing the other Big 5 too.  

Where To Stay:

Gorah Elephant Camp is a luxurious tented camp, overlooking a waterhole teaming with elephant.