Where to see Elephant in Kenya
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
Quick facts about Elephant
| Scientific name: | Loxodonta africana | Habitat: | Woodland and savanna |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Vulnerable | Adult weight: | 2,500–6,500kg |
The elephant familiar to most safari-goers is, technically speaking, the African bush elephant, a distinct species from the smaller African forest elephant (L. cyclotis). This enormous animal is extraordinary in every respect: its tusks, enlarged front teeth, serve for feeding and fighting; its trunk, an elongated nose, can tear down a branch or pick up a bean; and its huge ears are cooling vanes that circulate the body’s blood supply.
Matriarchal herds of females and young centre on a dominant female; mature males form smaller bachelor herds. Elephants communicate over huge distances using infrasound, and co-operate in finding food and water.
They are the engineers of the landscape, creating waterholes and opening up savannahs, although confined populations can be destructive.
±40–60,000
Muscles in trunk
3.48m
Record tusk length
22 months
Gestation period
5kg+
Weight of brain
The top camps for seeing elephant in Kenya
Based on 597 reports by our travellers since May 2018, visitors at these camps in Kenya have the best chances of sighting elephant.
Best chances to see
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Where to see elephants in Africa
African bush elephants occur in 37 countries, with today’s largest populations found in Tanzania, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Visit waterholes during the dry season to see the most action.
Top tips for viewing elephants
The more you watch elephants, the more enthralling they become, whether it’s an individual quietly feeding or a boisterous herd interacting at a waterhole.
Especially impressive gatherings occur in Chobe and Moremi (Botswana) and Hwange (Zimbabwe). Other excellent locations include Amboseli and Samburu (Kenya), Tarangire, Ruahaand Serengeti (Tanzania), Etosha (Namibia), and the Luangwaand Zambezi valleys (Zambia).
Elephants habituated to vehicles generally allow a close approach. However, always be alert to signs of agitation, such as a raised trunk or flapping ears. Cows with young should always be allowed plenty of space. Watching elephants from a boat offers a different perspective – as does a guided walk in elephant country, where observing their tracks, droppings and feeding signs can be as exciting as finding the animals themselves.
Our best Kenya holidays for elephant sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Kenya safaris are likely to give the best elephant sightings
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.
US$14,310 - US$18,170 per person
Black Kite Fly-in Safari
10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Explore Kenya in-depth with visits to Nairobi and Meru national parks, the Mara Conservancies and Amboseli. Nestled in remoter regions, four camps provide fantastic access to rich game, a range of activities and beautifully diverse landscapes.
US$10,140 - US$12,240 per person
Gabar Goshawk Fly-in Safari
10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Experience Amboseli, the Maasai Mara ecosystem and Laikipia during this economically priced safari. Two simple camps offer adventure before a stopover in Nairobi and a final stay in the charming, wildlife-rich Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge.
US$5,800 - US$6,090 per person
Elephant Safari
10 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
This example of a mid-range Kenya safari and beach trip explores the wildlife of Tsavo West's volcanic plains and woodlands, Tsavo East's immense plains and the white-sand beaches and lush environment of Diani Beach.
US$5,110 - US$5,770 per person
De Brazza Monkey Fly-in Safari
9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Enjoy a range of activities in the remote wilderness of northern Kenya before exploring the wildlife-rich plains of the Mara ecosystem. Private vehicles and guides heighten the personalisation of this highly immersive safari.
US$12,310 - US$16,320 per person
Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari
9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.
US$12,590 - US$18,010 per person
Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.
US$10,590 - US$13,490 per person
Lanner Falcon Fly-In Safari
8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Three sister camps offer access to wonderfully remote regions across northern Kenya and the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Enjoy an exclusive safari experience focused on great wildlife, superb guiding and considerable comfort, with a range of activities.
US$6,620 - US$8,400 per person
Golden Jackal Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A contrasting safari of a lodge and a tented camp, with action-packed activities in Laikipia and wildlife-filled game drives in the Maasai Mara, offers a consistently high-quality experience.
US$9,730 - US$13,080 per person
Rothschild Giraffe Safari
8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A example of a luxury Kenyan safari, starting at the iconic Giraffe Manor before fabulous stays on the spectacular Solio Reserve and Sala’s Camp in a remote corner of the Maasai Mara.
US$11,720 - US$16,510 per person
More information about elephant in our other destinations
Click here for detailed information about elephant in other countries, including the places for sighting elephant.
