Top 10 Places to See Elephants in Africa
African elephants, the largest land mammals are highly intelligent creatures. Studies show they are as smart as chimpanzees and dolphins. The African bush (or savanna) elephant is the largest of the three elephant species alongside the African forest elephant and the Asian elephant. They are found across the African continent.
In some regions, elephants have adapted to tough climates like the Sahara and Namib deserts. However, they are harder to spot there due to limited water. It is easier to see elephants in open plains and areas with lush vegetation. Below are the best places in Africa to see large populations of elephants.
1. Chobe National Park, Botswana
Number of Elephants: Over 120,000
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Chobe National Park in northern Botswana has the largest elephant population in Africa. The park’s habitats include mopane and acacia woodlands, baobab trees and grassy floodplains which provide ample food for the elephants. During the dry season hey gather along the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers making them easy to spot.
2. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Number of Elephants: Around 20,000–50,000
Best Time to Visit: July to October
Hwange National Park has the largest population of elephants in Zimbabwe. Although the park faces challenges due to elephant overpopulation, it remains a top destination to see large herds. Hwange also has other wildlife including lions and the remaining “big five” animals along with hundreds of bird species.
3. Okavango Delta, Botswana
Number of Elephants: Over 18,000
Best Time to Visit: May to October
The Okavango Delta has a unique ecosystem with seasonal flooding providing water year-round. This attracts many elephants and other wildlife. The delta is also known for its stunning scenery and is home to various bird species and other animals.
4. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Number of Elephants: Approximately 15,000
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Selous Game Reserve has Tanzania’s largest concentration of elephants. The reserve features diverse habitats such as miombo woodlands, savanna, wetlands and the Rufiji River. Elephants in Selous particularly enjoy the red fruit of the doum palm, a common food source in the area.
5. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Number of Elephants: Over 13,000
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Kruger National Park, South Africa’s oldest and largest park has a significant population of elephants. The park’s conservation efforts have been successful making it one of the best places to see these animals. Kruger is also home to the “big five” and hundreds of other wildlife and bird species.
6. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Number of Elephants: Over 12,000
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its stunning scenery along the Zambezi River and surrounding floodplains. It is a great place to watch elephants along with hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife.
7. Tsavo Conservation Area, Kenya
Number of Elephants: Approximately 12,000
Best Time to Visit: May to October
The Tsavo Conservation Area includes Tsavo East and West National Parks, Chyulu Hills, and other reserves. This region has Kenya’s largest elephant population which has grown due to reduced poaching. The area features diverse landscapes including savanna, forests, and scrublands, supporting a variety of wildlife.
8. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Number of Elephants: Over 7,000
Best Time to Visit: July to September
The Serengeti is famous for the annual wildebeest migration but is also home to many elephants. They roam the plains, woodlands and waterholes, adding to the park’s rich wildlife diversity.
9. Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Number of Elephants: Over 3,000
Best Time to Visit: January, February, June to October
Amboseli National Park is well known for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park also features a variety of bird species and other wildlife though it does not have rhinos.
10. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Number of Elephants: Approximately 2,500
Best Time to Visit: July to October
The Masai Mara is famous for its wildlife diversity and plays a key role in the annual wildebeest migration. Elephants are often seen in the plains, marshes, orests, and their numbers are increasing thanks to conservation efforts.
Other Places to See Elephants in Africa
Addo National Park, South Africa
Chyulu Hills, Kenya
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Samburu National Park, Kenya
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana
Africa offers many opportunities to see elephants in their natural habitats from vast national parks to private conservancies.