An Elephant back safari made it onto our list for good reason…these exhilarating safaris offer more than just a game-viewing experience, but rather a closer insight into the world’s largest land mammal, the African Elephant.
You may have the chance to see some of the other wildlife that occurs within the area and being on an elephant enables you to approach that much closer than is usually possible. After your safari and whilst interacting with the elephants, you will have the opportunity to reward your elephant with game cubes.Whilst on your safari you will have the opportunity to interact closely with both the elephant you are riding on, as well as with your elephant handler, gaining fascinating anecdotes on your particular elephant and insight from your handler on the day to day lives of the elephant under his care.
Why choose Wild Horizons for your Elephant Back Safari?
- Wild Horizons involvement in Elephant Back Safaris stretches back to 1992 when first offered a small herd of elephants in need of a home. Since then we have become recognised as a leader in the field of domesticated Elephant Management, as well as a registered Sanctuary offering protection to orphaned or injured animals of all description.
- All Wild Horizons staff operate within the parameters of a strict Training and Operation Procedures Manual, with trust, patience and reward being key ingredients in the management of these gentle giants.
- All Elephants encountered on your Safari have originated from a truly orphaned environment, or have been born within our own herd. Wild Horizons considers the capture of any animal from the wild for commercial gain to be both immoral and unethical and will resolutely campaign against this practice wherever it is encountered.
- All elephants that participate in our safaris, work with guests for a maximum of 3 hours per day, with the rest of their time being spent free ranging on the property, interacting with other wildlife and doing what come naturally to an elephant.
- Wild Horizons has always recognized that the best environment for an elephant is in the wild, and guests may come into contact with our resident elephant “release herd” whilst on safari. This consists of a small herd of elephants that have previously been domesticated and are earmarked for reintroduction back into the wild.
- Whilst on Safari with Wild Horizons, guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the VFWT, a non-profit wildlife Trust founded by Wild Horizons and which operates a Wildlife Veterinary Laboratory on the property. Guests may also be fortunate enough to meet Sylvester the resident ambassador cheetah who lives on the property and provides educational opportunities for both tourists and visiting schoolchildren.
When you go on an Elephant ride it’s also helpful to know what to bring. We recommend the following for your trip:-
- Camera!!! This is an amazing and unique experience and you will want to capture these moments.
- Sturdy shoes or trainers. (Flip-flops are not suitable)
- Comfortable clothing with shorts or trousers preferred skirts are very awkward as you will be straddling an elephant.
- A sun hat and sunscreen the Zimbabwean sun is very harsh so ensure you are protected.
You can book an Elephant Ride with Wild Horizons by contacting [email protected]
