African Elephant
Loxodonta africana
The African elephant is the world's largest land animal and one of the most intelligent creatures on Earth. These gentle giants are essential to maintaining healthy savanna ecosystems and are a highlight of any safari. With their complex social structures, emotional depth, and remarkable memory, elephants captivate visitors like few other animals. Sadly, poaching and habitat loss have reduced their numbers dramatically, making conservation efforts critical.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Loxodonta africana
- Family
- Elephantidae
- Diet
- Herbivore - grasses, bark, roots, leaves, fruits
- Social Structure
- Matriarchal herds of related females; males solitary or in bachelor groups
- Top Speed
- 40 km/h
- Lifespan (Wild)
- 60 years
Best Parks to See African Elephants
Top safari destinations for african elephant sightings
Amboseli
Kenya
Almost guaranteed
Famous for large elephant herds against Kilimanjaro backdrop. Best photography location.
Chobe
Botswana
Almost guaranteed
Highest elephant concentration in Africa - over 50,000. River elephants swimming.
Kruger National Park
South-africa
Very high
14,000+ elephants. Self-drive makes prolonged viewing possible.
Tarangire
Tanzania
Very high
Dry season sees massive herds. Iconic baobab landscapes.
Hwange
Zimbabwe
Very high
Large populations, good for close encounters at waterholes.
Addo
South-africa
Almost guaranteed
Dense elephant population in malaria-free area. Great family option.
Best Time to See African Elephants
Dry Season
June, July, August, September, October
Elephants concentrate at water sources, making sightings easier and more dramatic.
Wet Season
January, February, March
Lush landscapes, newborn calves, but elephants more dispersed.
Physical Characteristics
Male Weight
4000-6300 kg
Female Weight
2700-3600 kg
Top Speed
40 km/h
Lifespan
60 years (wild)
Conservation Status
Population
Decreasing415,000 - 500,000
Estimated wild population
Main Threats
- Poaching for ivory
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Human-wildlife conflict
- Climate change affecting water and food sources
Viewing Tips
Give elephants plenty of space - they're unpredictable despite appearing calm
Watch for signs of agitation: flapping ears, raised trunk, trumpeting
Visit waterholes in late afternoon when herds come to drink
Look for dust bathing in dry areas - a behavior unique to elephants
Stay quiet and let them approach - patience is rewarded
Photography Tips
Capture family interactions - mother-calf moments are powerful
Low angle shots emphasize their size
Include environment for scale - Kilimanjaro at Amboseli is classic
Black and white processing works beautifully for elephants
Watch for trunk expressions and ear positions
Interesting Facts
Elephants can live up to 70 years and never forget a face
They mourn their dead and return to elephant graveyards
Baby elephants suck their trunks like human babies suck thumbs
Elephants can communicate using infrasound over distances of several kilometers
They're one of only a few animals that recognize themselves in mirrors
Elephants are crucial ecosystem engineers, creating water holes and paths used by other animals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best place to see elephants in Africa?
Botswana's Chobe National Park has Africa's largest elephant population (over 50,000). Amboseli National Park in Kenya offers iconic photos with Kilimanjaro backdrop. Tarangire in Tanzania and Hwange in Zimbabwe are also exceptional.
How big do African elephants get?
African bush elephants are the largest land animals. Bulls can weigh up to 6,000kg (13,000 lbs) and stand 4 meters (13 feet) at the shoulder. Females are smaller, typically 2,700-3,600kg.
Are elephants dangerous on safari?
Elephants can be dangerous if threatened, especially mothers with calves or bulls in musth. Signs of agitation include flapping ears, raised trunk, and trumpeting. A calm, patient approach and staying in vehicles keeps safaris safe.
Why do elephants have such big ears?
Elephant ears act as cooling radiators. Blood vessels close to the surface release heat, and flapping the ears creates airflow. African elephants have larger ears than Asian elephants because they live in hotter climates.
How long do elephants live?
African elephants can live 60-70 years in the wild. They have excellent memories and maintain social bonds throughout their lives. Older matriarchs lead herds using knowledge accumulated over decades.