Best Places to See Elephant with Asilia

By Claudia Smargiasso

Perhaps it’s because of their immense size, unique appearance, or their remarkably human-like range of emotions and family relationships that have made elephants such an endearing species.

Weighing up to 6,5 tonnes and able to consume up to 450kg of vegetation per day, these placid pachyderms are one of the members of the famed Big 5 along with lion, leopard, rhino, and Cape buffalo.

One of the most surprising things about an elephant sighting in the wild is how silently they move through the bush, appearing seemingly from out of nowhere. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for elephants to be sighted almost as the game drive vehicle passes them by.

Sitting silently and watching these gentle giants is an awe-inspiring experience that won’t soon be forgotten, so we’ve outlined some of the best places to see elephant on your next Asilia safari.

Tarangire National Park

Boasting the biggest population of elephant per square kilometer in East Africa, Tarangire offers a remote and un-crowded safari experience. The large herds of elephant (sometimes numbering up to 200!) amble along through the iconic baobab forests and congregating by the Silale Swamps and Tarangire River, especially in the dry season (August to October).

Where to stay: Oliver’s Camp, Little Oliver’s

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is famed as one of the world’s best wilderness reserves, and for good reason. Not only is it the backdrop to the incredible Wildebeest Migration, but also its generous populations of wildlife of all descriptions make it an ideal destination for wildlife aficionados.

The Northern Serengeti, in particular, is home to growing populations of elephant who graze on the grassy plains.

Where to stay: Sayari Camp, Ubuntu Camp (North), Kimondo Camp (North), Olakira Camp (North)

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a wildlife wonderland. The Crater floor offers delicious sweet grasses for grazers who in turn attract predators, making the Crater one of the best places to see the Big 5 in Africa. Ngorongoro is particularly famous for the big tuskers – elephants with some of the most enormous tusks you have ever seen – who can often be seen out around the Gorigor Swamps in the crater.

Where to stay: The Highlands

Masai Mara National Reserve

Kenya’s Masai Mara and surrounding reserves, forming part of a larger eco-system along with the Serengeti in Tanzania, are home to some spectacular wildlife. In addition to hosting part of the Great Migration, the Masai Mara is also a top destination for Big 5 sightings. Groups of elephants can be seen making their way through the Acacia woodlands and gathering at water-holes.

Where to stay: Encounter Mara, Naboisho Camp – in the Naboisho Conservancy – and Nomadic Camp, Mara Bush Houses, Rekero Camp

BONUS

If you’re passing through Nairobi on your travels, be sure to pop into the Elephant Orphanage operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The orphanage aims to save and raise young elephants orphaned as a result of poaching.

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