Where to see Elephant in Rwanda
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 Rwanda
Based on 5 reports by our travellers since Aug 2018, visitors at these camps in Rwanda have the best chances of sighting elephant.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
No sightings yet
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 Rwanda holidays for elephant sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Rwanda 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
Golden Monkey Safari
12 days • 5 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.
US$9,710 - US$11,270 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
Gorillas and Migration Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.
US$17,070 - US$23,410 per person
Gorillas and Serengeti Safari
11 days • 4 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
US$12,620 - US$14,390 per person
Mona Monkey Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.
US$12,160 - US$17,600 per person
L'Hoest's Monkey Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Meet three iconic primates – gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys – and explore Rwanda's fascinating culture on this excellent value privately guided adventure.
US$5,570 - US$6,320 per person
Mountain Gorilla Safari
5 days • 2 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.
US$5,830 - US$6,120 per person
Silverback Gorilla Safari
4 days • 1 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Fly into Rwanda and you can be trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas the next morning. An itinerary like this could easily be combined with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.
US$10,170 - US$13,040 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.
