Elephant Safari Africa- These are my favourite as they are absolutely my favourite mammal! Why do I adore them? Because of their complicated yet endearing family structure – the unique bonding of the matriarchal society. Their unique intelligence – I remember when I was living in Namibia and I used to drive in the Mahango National Park where the elephant population was the most concentrated in Namibia. I used to watch huge family herds walk a familiar trodden path each day. One day I saw a ground plover’s nest with eggs and I watched with incredulity how the entire family herd gingerly stepped over the nest, feeling the strange sensation of the eggs on the pads of their feet. What other creature, of that size or even half that size, would have responded with such sensitivity – such agility? Just Loxodonta Africana!

Elephant safari Africa with AfricanExplorations.com

We offer the most amazing elephant back safaris. Probably the most unique are in Botswana where one can embark upon an elephant back safari for three days or more. There is a very large price tag attached to it (roughly $7500 per person for three days), but if you can afford it – its the experience of a lifetime! Next up, also in Botswana is the elephant experience with Doug Groves. I simply adored this and felt completely humbled by the whole experience! Four hours are set aside whilst one takes an elephant on a walk – one of his three orphans whom he has habituated on an elephant walking safari. Doug, being a zoologist, gives you four hours of unabated pleasure and an insight into these magnificent pachyderms!

Elephant Back Safaris with AfricanExplorations.com

Then, in Kenya, Dr Iain Douglas-Hamilton, world authority on the African Elephant and author of several scientific books, has two research stations in East Africa. One in Samburu in Kenya and one in Lake Manyara in Tanzania. In Kenya, for a donation (around $1000.00 which goes directly to the Save The Elephant Research Centre), one can go out with a researcher for a day and learn all about collaring the elephants, identifying families and learning about their migratory routes. This is one of the best things I have ever done. We even discovered a baby elephant that had been born and was literally hours old! Lastly, in Kenya, is the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. This is such a worthwhile charity! Here one can see orphaned calves being nursed and nurtured back to health before joining a matriarchal herd in Tsavo National park.

Abu's Camp with AfricanExplorations.com

We are all completely elephant mad at African Explorations. Let us share our passion with you!!

Here’s my take on walking safaris ….

A thoroughly unique experience in Africa! Walk with elephant herds in the Okavango Delta, tracking with your guides and learning all about these incredible pachyderms! Stay at one of three camps – Abu’s, Stanleys or Baines and have an interactive experience that cannot be achieved elsewhere! Your funds will be directly benefiting the welfare of these elephants, allowing for future research work. This is the only opportunity of getting so close to a naturally wild elephant. Abu’s Camp and Baines Camp are both beautiful and stylish, whilst Stanleys is more traditional (but equally lovely!). At Stanleys and Baines, you have the zoologist Doug Groves who explains every aspect of these magnificent creatures to you. This is a truly humbling experience and one that we thoroughly recommend!