Seeing elephants in Africa is always a worthwhile experience, whether you’re on a family safari, a honeymoon, a photographic safari, or simply travelling alone. The gentle giants of Africa enrich every trip to the continent and are always popular sightings for both locals and tourists. But where are the top places to see elephants in Africa? Continue on to find out.
Chobe National Park in Botswana
The Chobe National Park is located in northern Botswana, along the Chobe River, bordering Namibia. With one of Africa’s richest wildlife populations, the park is especially well known for its impressive herds of African Elephants. The Chobe River has the highest concentration of elephants in Africa, with herds of over 100 elephants not uncommon. As the dry season progresses, the river attracts more of these gentle giants. During the busy season, the riverbanks are lined with elephants, making a boat cruise on the Chobe River an extraordinary experience in Africa.
Addo Elephant Park in South Africa
Addo Elephant Park, located just outside of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, is the crown jewel of the Eastern Cape. The thick bushveld that runs alongside the Sundays River is home to approximately 350 African Elephants that thrive on the citrus trees in the area. The park, which was established in 1931 to conserve elephants in Africa, has grown from strength to strength. The Eastern Cape, which is malaria-free and famous for its year-round mild climate, is ideal for families with young children who want all the thrills of a big game safari within easy driving distance of cities.
Amboseli National Park in Kenya
After the Masai Mara, the Amboseli National Park is Kenya’s most visited park. The renowned backdrop of elephants walking in front of a snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro is popular with wildlife photographers — you’ve got Africa’s largest animal set against its highest mountain. The landscape is relatively flat and open, with sparse vegetation, and there is plenty of water coming down in streams from Mount Kilimanjaro to form wetlands of lush greenery, making it an ideal setting for elephants in Africa.
Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe
Hwange is another area with a high concentration of elephants in Africa. It is home to some of the largest “super herds,” with some herds numbering up to 350. Elephants rely on man-made waterholes in the dry season, and watching these super herds at the waterholes is a sight to remember. Hwange National Park is also home to many other large mammals, including lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and wild dogs.
Etosha National Park in Namibia
Because of the park’s dense vegetation, Etosha National Park in Namibia is home to some of Africa’s largest elephants. This immensely popular park is a great place to visit for a keen photographer owing to the abundance of subjects that can form an amazing photo collection. You will also have the opportunity to see the black rhino, lion, and leopard.
Include one (or all) of these fantastic parks in your safari itinerary to round out your safari experience. Elephants in Africa have conquered their environment, from scrubland to desert, and can now be admired in their natural habitat from the safety of a guided safari.
