7 Best Places To See Elephants In The Wild Worldwide
Seven of the best spots to see Elephants in the Wild Worldwide
Though visiting an elephant sanctuary may be an experience you will never forget, getting to see these animals in their element out in the wild is unbeatable.
Imagine the earth vibrating under your feet as an African elephant thunders past you. Or the sight of an Asian elephant strolling leisurely past you.
There’s no way you won’t be affected by the wild but intelligent behavior of the largest terrestrial mammals on our planet.
Here are our 7 best places to see elephants in the wild worldwide. So no matter where you stay, you could probably get one location that would be worth the journey down there.
7 Best Places To See Elephants In The Wild Worldwide
1) Borneo
This is the third largest island in the world and the largest in Asia.
Elephants found in this region are known as pygmy elephants. Although there is still uncertainty to date on the origin of these creatures. Some people believe that they may have descended from elephants that were offered as a gift to the Sultan of Sulu around the 18th century.
Where to find them: The Malaysian Sabah, and northern Indonesian Kalimantan both have wild elephants. Get close by land through the Danum Valley and Tabin Wildlife Reserve or go by boat and watch them by the Kinabatangan River.
2) Botswana
The southern part of the African continent is teeming with elephants and Botswana is not left out.
There is an important wildlife haven and it was established by preserving traditional migration routes for the elephants. The haven is designed to be away from human activities and developments like farms, etc.
In addition, Botswana boasts of the highest number of these creatures anywhere in the world: about 100,000 elephants!
Where to find them: These elephants can be observed in the Okavango Delta, Chobe national park, and Kasane. You can observed them by walking, sailing past on a canoe, or from a jeep.
3) India
Though India is known more for captive and tame elephants, you can find multitudes of them roaming freely in the wild too.
Visitors can see them in the vast grasslands and forests which serve as their natural habitat.
Where to find them: The best places to see elephants in the wild here would be Corbett National Park (northern India) and at the Nagarhole National Park (southern India).
4) Kenya
For those picture lovers in search of breathtaking backdrops, Kenya would be a top choice.
The country is home to some of the most unforgettable scenery in their natural and unspoiled state. And though almost half of Kenya’s elephant population has been reduced by poachers, recent measures to curb this despicable act are producing results.
As their numbers slowly recover, visitors will certainly enjoy seeing huge elephants in the wild here. Proceeds from tourism in the country are also helping the anti-poaching campaigns.
Where to find them: You’ll find these majestic creatures in Amboseli (at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro) and the great Masai Mara. The Masai Mara also serves as home to the Eighth Wonder of the World: The wild beast migration.
5) South Africa
Actually, Kruger in South Africa would be the destination of choice for those that would rather drive their vehicle. Kruger is particularly well developed and offers so many things to see that you may hardly have enough time to even see them all.
Best of all, there’s an abundance of elephants at Kruger. Therefore, you won’t lack several opportunities to see them as they move along their natural migration routes. Fortunately, conservation efforts have led to a rise in South elephant populations.
Where to find them: Addo Elephant Park and several other reserves scattered around KwaZulu Natal.
6) Thailand
Despite decades of severe abuse, Thailand’s pachyderms are also recovering in numbers. Estimates say there are between 2,000 and 3,000 of these animals roaming wild deep in the jungles there. Also, it is now illegal to capture or harm them so their numbers will likely continue to increase.
Interestingly, some of the reserves in Thailand have tree houses where guests can spend the night and get to see the see elephants in the wild up close.
Where to find them: Khao Yai National Parks (a UNESCO heritage site), Khao Sok, and Kuiburi.
7) Tanzania
Kenya’s close neighbor, Tanzania is another destination that almost overflows with herds of elephants in the wild.
Evidence of the elephant’s movement is indicated by the migration trails they leave behind. However, poaching has affected the population of the elephants in this country despite measures to curb it. Better measures to protect these elephants from relentless poaching are underway.
Where to find them: The Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Selous reserves are some of the world largest natural elephant habitats.
