Elephant back safaris have always been incredibly popular in Africa, as you get to gallop alongside the game and really feel as if you are one of Africa’s great explorers. Elephant back safaris were always more associated with India but since the rise in poaching in Africa has gone up dramatically we have found that more and more guests want to meet these great creatures face to face. The elephant back safaris really are becoming more and more popular. These gentle giants really do feel human like emotions and to be close to them on a luxury safari is nothing short of spectacular. The elephants themselves have usually been rehabilitated from unnatural surroundings or been bred at the lodges themselves.
- Luxury Elephant Back SafarisJohnny Peacock / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
The most famous lodge for elephant back safaris is Abu Camp. Abu Camp sits in an exclusive area of the Okavango Delta in Botswana and not only has a herd of habituated elephants, but also boasts some of the most luxurious rooms in Africa. This camp is the best of the best and has long been known as such. All of those iconic photographs of the sun setting behind the mahouts and their elephants, well that’s Abu Camp. Here everything is extremely luxurious from the food, to the bedrooms and main area. The staff are efficient and attentive and you will be utterly spoilt in between having memorable elephant rides through the bush.
- elephant back safarisArno Meintjes Wildlife / Foter / CC BY-NC
Camp Jabulani in South Africa’s Kruger area is the second most famous elephant back safari property and once again offers a luxury safari option with a twist. Here you can even sleep out under the stars next to the elephants boma and allow their earthy rumbles to rock you to sleep. Walking or riding through the bush with the elephants gives you an entirely new perspective when it comes to wildlife. Everything acts naturally and there is not a sound except for the gentle padding of huge feet. It is very special.
- Camp Jabulani in South Africa’s Kruger areaArno Meintjes Wildlife / Foter / CC BY-NC
A special mention has to be given to the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, which is one of the most heart warming places to visit on this earth. Here you meet the orphans whose mothers were destroyed usually by poachers. They are found and flown back to Nairobi where the keepers spend 24 hours with these little elephants, sleeping in their stalls too – often nursing a broken heart. Visiting this orphanage gives one great hope that all is not lost yet when it comes to the battle with poaching.
- Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanagewonjinkyu / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
