*A version of this article originally appeared in the August 2024 Bush Telegraph newsletter. You can read our recent newsletters and sign-up to receive these in your inbox on our Bush Telegraph newsletter page.
Damaraland, Namibia
Damaraland is famous for its desert-adapted elephants. These elephants, with larger feet and leaner bodies, roam the landscape, and at times can get very close to camps.
Great lodges and camps to see these elephants include Doro Nawas, Damaraland Camp and Camp Kipwe, though most camps and lodges in the area can arrange guided drives to see these unique animals. Ideally visit between May and November.
Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
Mana Pools has a healthy elephant population, and is great for seeing elephants while canoeing or on a walking safari. Walkers can often get surprisingly close to relaxed bull elephants, including its most famous resident, Boswell, who has impressive ivories and will often stand on his back legs to reach fruit and the more succulent parts of trees.
Elephant encounters are possible at all camps and lodges in Mana Pools, but our top recommendation would be Vundu Camp during the dry season from April to end-October.
Amboseli, Kenya
An enduring image of Kenya is an elephant captured on camera with the majesty of Kilimanjaro in the background. Amboseli is where you can recreate this experience, with its iconic setting and dense herds of elephants and other plains animals.
The elephants come down from the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro every day to drink, offering great opportunities for photos all year round. If you’re lucky you’ll come across Craig, one of the last ‘super tuskers’.
We’d suggest Tawi Lodge, Tortilis Camp or Porini Amboseli Camp for the best opportunities to see elephants.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Impressive herds of elephants are a defining feature of Chobe. The Chobe River is a key water source in the area, attracting large elephant herds and offering many opportunities to view and experience these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.
Chobe offers many camps and lodges where you can watch elephants, especially along the Chobe River – including Muchenje Safari Lodge, Ngoma Safari Lodge and Camp Kuzuma.
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Tarangire is a stronghold for elephants, with an estimated population of around 4,000 individuals during the dry season (around July to October), with some individuals in the area all year round. They tend to be relaxed around safari vehicles, and it’s no exaggeration that you might see 500 elephants over a course of a day as you drive along the riverside routes.
Oliver’s Camp and Kuro Tarangire are great locations from which to explore and encounter elephants.
Elephant insights, from travellers like you
Did you know that the Expert Africa website has recommendations on the best camps and areas for seeing elephants (and other wildlife), all based on first-hand reports by our travellers?
Use our interactive maps to explore the best locations, and then find out more detail on our lodge and camp pages, including the success rates for viewing various wildlife.
If you’ve been inspired and want to find out more, give us a call or enquire now to speak to an expert.
