The African bush elephant is the largest land animal alive: bulls stand up to 13 feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 7 tons, eating around 300lbs of vegetation a day. Their tusks are elongated teeth; their trunk — with over 40,000 muscles — is strong enough to push over a tree and precise enough to pick up a single seed pod.
Elephant society is matriarchal: herds of related females and calves follow the memory of the oldest cow to water and food across decades-old routes, while adult bulls range alone or in loose bachelor groups. They mourn their dead, recognize themselves and communicate through rumbles too low for humans to hear — watching a breeding herd at a waterhole is among safari’s most moving hours.
Highlights of The African Elephant
The largest land animal
Bulls stand up to 13ft at the shoulder and weigh up to 7 tons, eating around 300lbs of vegetation a day.
The matriarch’s memory
Herds of related females follow the oldest cow’s mental map of water and food, learned over a lifetime.
A trunk like no other
40,000+ muscles — snorkel, arm, trumpet and greeting in one; precise enough to pick up a single seed pod.
Emotional intelligence
Elephants mourn their dead, recognize themselves, and communicate in rumbles below human hearing.
Ecosystem engineers
They open woodland, dig waterholes and spread seeds — whole landscapes depend on them.
Where to see them
Chobe holds Africa’s largest population (~120,000); Tarangire and Amboseli offer huge herds and famous tuskers.
Explore Where to see them →
Best time to visit
Dry season — hundreds gather along the Chobe and Tarangire rivers.
Amboseli’s big tuskers against Kilimanjaro — the classic photograph.
In the rainy months many of these same camps drop their rates by 20–40% — emerald landscapes, newborn wildlife, superb birding and far fewer vehicles. Peak season isn't the only great season: tell us your budget and we'll show you what the green season buys.
Planning & cost
Fully tailor-made — priced privately to your camps, season and travel style. No fixed packages.
Every journey is private and tailor-made — your own guide and vehicle, the finest lodges, and a specialist on call throughout.
Everything else,
answered before you ask
The practical details that apply to every safari we plan — so this page is the only one you need.
Money & tipping
US dollars are accepted at virtually every camp, and cards work at lodges and city hotels. Your trip is fully inclusive, so cash is mainly for tips: plan on roughly $10–20 per guest per day for your guide and $10–15 for camp staff, handed over at the end of each stay. We send exact guidance with your final documents.
Health & safety
See a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure for routine shots and malaria advice (most safari regions require prophylaxis; parts of South Africa are malaria-free). Camps are remote but professionally run, with radio contact and evacuation cover — we require travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.
Staying connected
Nearly all lodges have Wi-Fi in the main areas (often in-tent too), and an eSIM from your US carrier covers the cities. Expect to be offline on game drives — most guests come to see that as the point. Family back home can always reach you through us, day or night.
What to pack
Soft duffel bags only (light aircraft cap luggage around 33 lb / 15 kg), neutral-colored layers for cold mornings and warm afternoons, and binoculars. Laundry is included at almost every camp, so pack for 4–5 days no matter the trip length.
Full packing list →Continue exploring
Big Five Safari
A Big Five safari — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, Africa’s most sought-after sightings.
Explore → BotswanaChobe National Park
Chobe — one of the greatest elephant gatherings on earth, seen from the water.
Explore → TanzaniaTarangire National Park
Tarangire — elephant herds by the hundred under ancient baobabs.
Explore →The African Elephant FAQs
Let's design your African Elephant journey.
Tell us how you like to travel and our experts will craft your private, tailor-made itinerary — no obligation.
Enquire now