Where To See Elephants in Africa

Where to See Elephants in Africa – Top 5 Best Safari Destinations

If you’re wondering where to see elephants in Africa, you’re not alone. These gentle giants are among the most fascinating animals to watch on any African safari. Intelligent, social, and expressive, elephants never fail to capture the hearts of travelers.

Generally, the dry season (June to September) is the best time of year to go on safari and spot elephants at waterholes, rivers, and open plains. Below are the top 5 safari destinations in Africa where you can experience unforgettable elephant encounters.

Amboseli National Park – Kenya 🇰🇪

If you’ve ever seen iconic photos of elephants walking beneath Mount Kilimanjaro, chances are they were taken in Amboseli National Park. Amboseli is famous for its breathtaking views of Africa’s tallest mountain and its large, well-studied elephant herds — some monitored since 1972.

Many lodges and camps in Amboseli, such as those operated by Elewana Collection or Tortilis Camp, offer elephant-focused game drives. You can observe how these intelligent and social animals interact, care for their young, and communicate through rumbles and gestures.

Best time to visit Amboseli for elephants:

January–February and June–October (dry season)
Avoid heavy rains in April and May

Chobe National Park – Botswana 🇧🇼

No list of elephant destinations is complete without Chobe National Park — often called the elephant capital of Africa. Home to over 120,000 elephants, Chobe boasts the largest elephant population in the world.

A Chobe River safari is a must-do experience. From your boat, you can watch elephants swim across channels, bathe in the shallows, and drink together in family herds. You’ll also see hippos, buffalo, and crocodiles nearby — creating one of Africa’s most photogenic wildlife spectacles.

Best time to visit Chobe for elephants:

May–October (dry season) when elephants gather along the Chobe River

South Luangwa National Park – Zambia 🇿🇲

For a more intimate safari experience, head to South Luangwa National Park — often described as the crown jewel of Zambia.

Here, elephants are frequently seen along the Luangwa River and oxbow lagoons. Watching them cross the river, using their trunks as snorkels while their calves follow close behind, is pure magic. South Luangwa is also famous for walking safaris, offering a closer connection to nature.

Best time to visit South Luangwa for elephants:

July–October (dry season, when elephants gather at remaining water sources)
January–March (emerald season): lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and discounted lodge rates

Mana Pools National Park – Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

The scenic Mana Pools National Park is one of Africa’s most beautiful wildlife areas. Set along the Zambezi River, it features vast floodplains, shimmering pools, and forests of towering acacia and winterthorn trees.

Mana Pools is renowned for its unique elephant behavior — some bulls have learned to stand on their hind legs to reach high branches for nutritious pods, a rare and awe-inspiring sight.

Best time to visit Mana Pools for elephants:

June–October (dry season)
Avoid the hot, wet months of January–March when many camps close

Mashatu Game Reserve – Botswana 🇧🇼

Known as the “Land of Giants”, Mashatu Game Reserve in Botswana is home to huge elephants, ancient baobab trees, and rich biodiversity.

What sets Mashatu apart are its underground hides — sunken photographic shelters built at waterholes. From this eye-level perspective, you can photograph elephants just meters away as they drink, play, and cool off. The sounds and close-up views are unforgettable!

Best time to visit Mashatu for elephants:

May–September (dry season)
Higher chance of seeing elephants at the hides during this period

Final Thoughts: The Best Places to See Elephants in Africa

From the shimmering plains of Amboseli to the mighty Chobe River, Africa offers countless opportunities to see elephants in their natural habitat. These experiences not only bring travelers closer to nature but also support vital wildlife conservation efforts that protect elephants for future generations.

If elephants are at the top of your safari bucket list, any of these five destinations — Kenya, Botswana, Zambia, or Zimbabwe — will deliver unforgettable encounters with these gentle giants.