What is an Elephant Back Safari?

An elephant back safari is perhaps the most appealing way to approach wildlife. While typical game drives happen in open vehicles such as 4 x 4′s and mini buses, these extraordinary adventures take place on the back of the world’s largest land mammal: the African elephant! Yes you heard me right, on a REAL elephant! Sounds too good to be true? Well then, read on…

• Advantages

- Noiseless. No engine sounds, just pure air and the incredible sounds of the African Savannah.

- Eco-friendly. No unwanted emissions are released into the atmosphere, except for your own breathing and that of your host!

- Extremely close animal encounters. On a pachyderm, you just blend into the scenery without disrupting the surrounding wildlife. On top of that, the animals don’t notice your presence as the elephant’s odour tends to mask your own.

- Sense of security. While it is said that the lion is the “king of the jungle”, in reality most big cats will run away as soon as an elephant approaches nearby. In other words, the elephant is king out in the opens, and you will feel completely at your ease on top of your large friend!

Also remember that such safaris are conducted by specially trained and armed guides, so you needn’t worry about anything. Just relax and enjoy the spectacle!

- Perfect visibility. Being on such a high vantage point, one gets a 360° view of what nature has to offer. Much easier to locate potential game!

• Disadvantages

- Costs. This unique experience is far more expensive than normal game drives. Most elephant safaris cost around $100 per person, sometimes even further.

- Bumpy ride? Although elephant saddles are tightly attached to the animals, you may need a certain time of adaptation before you feel entirely comfortable on your perch.

- Can’t be afraid of heights. Elephants can stand up to 4 m tall at their shoulders, so it could get a little scary. The decision is yours!

What to Expect from the Activity

Safari operators usually have customized activities when it comes to elephant back safaris, yet typical elephant experiences may include the following:

- Each participant is partnered with an elephant based on temperament.

- Mount your elephant on specifically constructed ramps.

- Enjoy a silent safari experience.

- Food/beverages included + romantic setting.

- Close interaction with the animals both prior and after the ride.

- Witness the elephants as they enjoy a “refreshing” mud swim!

Essential Items to Bring

1. Hat (Rogue safari hats are my favourites).
2. Sunglasses.
3. Sunscreen lotion.
4. Long pants.
5. Good walking shoes.
6. Warm jacket for chilly mornings/winter months.
7. Light rain gear for summer months.
8. Binoculars (essential) & cameras.

Elephant Back Safari Lodges

• Camp Jabulani

Africa’s premier elephant experience!

Limpopo Province, South Africa. Not far from the Kruger National Park, and home to the Big 5!

The Tale of Jabulani (Video):

• Abu Camp

Okavango Delta, Botswana. A rare and humbling experience!

Elephant Safari Tours

• Elephant-back-safaris.com

Offer accommodation in the three following lodges: Abu Camp, Camp Jabulani & The Elephant Sanctuary.

• Elephant safaris.com

• Addo elephant back safaris.co.za

• Wild horizons.co.za

Worth Checking Out

• The Elephant Sanctuary

An Elephant Experience for Life!

Hartbeespoort Dam, South Africa (near Johannesburg). Two other facilities also exist in The Crags (near Plettenberg Bay), and Hazyview (Kruger area).

The main purpose of the sanctuary is to provide close encounters with the elephants (physical interaction), and a better understanding of how these incredible beings live and coexist with one another (educational value). Family-oriented, and perfect venue for both young children and adults!

Tags: elephant back safari, elephant safari

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 2:53 pm and is filed under Safaris. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed or trackback from your own site.