Where to See the Majestic African Elephants: A Guide to Prime Locations.

Best Places to See Elephants in Africa. Since Africa is known for its diverse wildlife, it presents some of the most spectacular scenery to behold the iconic elephants roaming in their natural habitats. In this section, I outline some of the best places on the continent that still remain a natural habitat for these gentle giants:

African Bush Elephants: Best Places to See Elephants in Africa.

The African Bush Elephant, also known as Loxodonta africana, is an iconic and magnificent creature that roams much of Africa. Here is an in-depth look at some of the great places to see these fantastic animals in their natural setting:

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.

While famous for its beautiful waterfall, Murchison Falls National Park remains one of those ‘off-the-beaten-track’ places where elephant lovers head to. It is bisected by the Nile River and abounds with a variety of game, including a rather large population of elephants. Besides game drives, elephant sightings are pretty good along riverbanks and open savannas on a boat safari.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.

Although more famous for the lush ecosystems and primates, Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda also harbors elephants. A part of Ishasha sector within the park is renowned for tree-climbing lions, and elephants can be encountered during tours around this area.

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania.

It is the national park in northern Tanzania more known for huge herds of elephants. Its baobab-studded landscapes and the Tarangire River appeal to these gentle giants during the dry season, so it is an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts to see great gatherings of elephants.

Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania: Best Places to See Elephants in Africa.

Selous is among the largest game reserves in Africa and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its diverse ecosystems. In this reserve, elephant activity has mainly centered on the Rufiji River, and boat safaris accord an exciting angle from which to watch them. As a matter of fact, game viewing in Selous is not crowded and much more exclusive than some of the more famous destinations.

Amboseli National Park, Kenya: Best Places to See Elephants in Africa.

Amboseli, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, offers great backdrops for elephant sightings: large herds of elephants against a picturesque backdrop. In addition, it offers standard activities such as game drives and guided walks with the chance to take that quintessential photograph of elephants against the backcloth of Kilimanjaro.

Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Kruger National Park is a flagship South African wildlife reserve that boasts a healthy population of elephants. Because of the varied landscapes-from open grasslands to thick bush-Kruger supports a wide variety of game, and there are numerous options for exploring it by self-drive and guided tours. It is frequent that one can spot elephants, especially in areas around waterholes and riverbanks.

Chobe National Park, Botswana.

Chobe National Park, northern Botswana, is known for its massive elephant population. With over 50,000 elephants within its borders, one can be assured that it has the highest concentrations of elephants found anywhere in Africa. Game viewing by boat along the Chobe River is a different way of doing things: you will watch these great creatures come to drink and play on the edge of the water.

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe.

Mana Pools borders the Zambezi River and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its landscapes of outstanding beauty and abundant wildlife-including elephants. Visitors explore the area on foot or by canoe for unusual and exciting close-up encounters with wildlife.

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.

This is another great destination to view African elephants in their natural habitat. The park hosts a diverse plethora of wildlife, and one can tour around through game drives, guided walks, or even hideouts overlooking the water holes.

Etosha National Park, Namibia.

Namibia’s Etosha National Park is home to a lot of species of wildlife; it hosts an appreciable number of elephants. Salt pans and waterholes across the park make it a perfect place to see elephants among other animals. Many waterholes dot this park; during the dry period of the year, for example, wild life can be found concentrated around the waterholes.

Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa.

Found in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, the Addo Elephant National Park was once purely the creation of an effort to salvage the few remaining elephants in the area. Today, the number of elephants has reached over 600, which can now be viewed on the game drives available in the park. Among the very few national parks allowing such adventure in this continent, Addo gives room for horseback safaris with a guide.

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

This South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia is famous for walking safaris and its large wildlife. Many elephants are being attracted by the Luangwa River, especially during dry season, and visitors can see these creatures by taking either foot or driving safaris through the park.

Comments on Best Places to See African Bush Elephants in Africa.

The best season for going on a trip to view African bush elephants is the dry seasons of the year during which one would be in their native location. Dry seasons have more often been related to good viewing conditions as animals congregate around areas that have water, and the visibility of spotting elephants among other wildlife is enhanced.

The guided tours or safaris with experienced guides not only maximize such sightings but also are designed to ensure personal safety and responsible viewing that does not distress the animals or harm their natural habitat.

African Forest Elephants: Best Places to See Elephants in Africa.

In all of the various ecosystems throughout the African continent, perhaps no single species has more relevance to being called a ‘keystone’ than the African elephant. To lovers of wildlife, it is an animal of special affection. Most of us imagine elephants in the open, expansive savannas of Africa, but the Forest African Elephant is a separate subspecies, with a preference for the dense, richly vegetated forests of Central and West Africa. Seeing these animals in the wild is a rare and exhilarating experience. This article outlines some of the key sites where you can see the Forest African Elephants in all their splendor.

Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, Central African Republic.

Situated right at the heart of the Congo Basin, Dzanga-Ndoki National Park forms a haven for biodiversity and is considered to be one of the best places to encounter the Forest African Elephants. Dzanga Bai is a large forest clearing that has attracted these gentle giants and is one of the most striking places to spend time in watching their social interactions and behaviors.

Lopé National Park, Gabon: Best Places to See Elephants in Africa.

Lopé National Park is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its diverse ecosystems, which range from savannas to dense forests. It provides a home for a small population of Forest African Elephants, and visitors can scan the rich trails and riverbanks to try to spot these shy giants.

Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo.

Another jewel in the Congo Basin, Odzala-Kokoua National Park provides virgin wilderness and is one of the crucial habitats for the Forest African Elephants. Guided treks combined with boat safaris ensure that sightings of these grand creatures are obtained along with a score of other wildlife.

Ivindo National Park, Gabon.

The Ivindo National Park also consists of dense rainforests, with the inclusion of waterfalls, making it a haven for many species. Here, Forest African Elephants wander freely in this protected area, while adventurous travelers can embark on guided hikes to encounter these giants among rich flora and fauna.

Mole National Park, Ghana: Best Places to See Elephants in Africa.

Mole National Park is the largest wildlife retreat in Ghana and is situated in northern Ghana. It provides a habitat for the Forest African Elephants. Guided game drives and walking safaris make for some exploration time within the park and give one a great opportunity to view these elusive creatures.

Loango National Park, Gabon.

Going by the burial name of “Land of the Surfing Hippos,” Loango National Park in Gabon is incomparable, actually, where the forest meets the ocean. This is home to Forest African Elephants, and as such, visitors can enjoy both forest exploration and beachside wildlife viewing.

Remarks on Best Places to See African Forest Elephants in Africa.

It is a great honor and an emotionally overwhelming experience to see the Forest African Elephants in their natural, wild habitats. Their populations are under threat from habitat loss and poaching; thus, visits to protected areas in support of conservation are an important part of the survival of this species. Where a trip to see the Forest African Elephants is being planned, responsible tourism should be planned with integrity to support further protection for these magnificent creatures and their habitats.