Kenya is undoubtably one of the best places to see elephants in Africa. A land of incredible natural beauty and diverse wildlife, including the majestic elephant. These intelligent and social animals are one of the most iconic and beloved creatures in Africa. Kenya is one of the best places in the world to see them in their natural habitat. In this blog post, we’ll highlight six of the best places to see elephants in Kenya.
- Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park is one of the largest national parks in Kenya and is divided into two parts: Tsavo East and Tsavo West. Both parts of the park are home to a large population of elephants. Visitors can often see them bathing and playing in the park’s many waterholes, searching for food, or on the move in large herds. Therefore making Tsavo the best place to see elephants in the world. Tsavo is also known for its stunning landscapes, including the Yatta Plateau, which is the world’s longest lava flow.
In particular, the area is known for its large herds of red elephants. Red elephants are named as such as they’re often covered in dust from the red soils, they wallow in beside the Galana River. In fact, there are around 12,000 elephants in Tsavo National Park, which make up one third of Kenya’s total elephant population.
- Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is one of the best places to see elephants in Kenya, as it is home to some of the largest herds in the country. The park is located in the southern part of Kenya, near the border with Tanzania. Amboseli is known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro which is Africa’s tallest mountain. In addition to elephants, visitors to Amboseli can also see lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and many other species.
Amboseli elephants are known for their impressive tusks, which can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds each. Unfortunately, this also makes them a target for poachers who hunt them for their ivory. In recent years, efforts have been made to combat poaching, but it remains a serious threat to the elephant population.
Despite the challenges they face, Amboseli elephants continue to thrive. The park provides a safe haven for these gentle giants, with plenty of vegetation and water sources to sustain them. They are also able to maintain their social structure, with family groups staying together for their entire lives.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Amboseli elephants is their ability to communicate over long distances. They use a variety of vocalizations, such as trumpeting, rumbling, and roaring, as well as physical cues like ear flapping and trunk gestures. These signals help them stay in touch with other members of their herd and navigate their environment.
- Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is located in northern Kenya and is known for its unique and diverse wildlife. The reserve is home to several rare species, including the Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk and the reticulated giraffe. Samburu also has a large population of elephants which are regularly seen in large numbers throughout the reserve.
Samburu elephants are protected by Elephant Watch Camp which is closely connected with Save The Elephants, both located in and near to the reserve. Luckily, GPS tracking has been beneficial in tracking and understanding the sheer intensity of illegal killing and boundaries at which it occurs within the reserve.
Samburu’s elephants are unique in that they have adapted to their harsh environment, where temperatures can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They have longer legs and thinner bodies than their counterparts in other regions, allowing them to move more easily through the thorny vegetation and rocky terrain.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Located in Laikipia County, Ol Pejeta is one of the largest and most popular conservancies in Kenya. It is home to over 130 black and white rhinoceros, as well as many other endangered species, including elephants. Visitors to Ol Pejeta can see elephants grazing on the savannah grasslands, or even get up close and personal with them on a walking safari. The conservancy is also known for its conservation efforts, including its groundbreaking rhino protection program. If staying at Sweetwaters Tented Camp, there is a large waterhole at the camp which regularly has elephants come for a drink in the dry season. This waterhole is one of the best places to see elephants in Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
In addition to elephants, visitors to Ol Pejeta can also see other big game animals such as lions, leopards, and cape buffalo. The conservancy offers a wide range of safari experiences, including day and night game drives, guided bush walks, lion tracking and visiting the last two remaining northern white rhinoceros in Africa. Visitors can also learn about the local communities and conservation efforts through cultural visits and educational programs.
- Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world and is known for its annual wildebeest migration. The reserve is also home to a large population of elephants, and visitors can often see them roaming the grasslands and forests. In addition to elephants, visitors to Masai Mara can see a large population of lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and many other species. Although being well known for the great migration, large populations of lions and its endless plains, the Masai Mara is one of the best places to elephants in Africa.
- Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park is located in central Kenya and is home to the second-highest mountain in Africa. The park is also one of the best places to see elephants, as well as many other species of wildlife. This includes cape buffaloes, hyenas, and leopards. Visitors to Mount Kenya can hike the mountain, go on a safari, or visit one of the park’s many waterfalls.
In conclusion, Kenya is an incredible destination for anyone who loves wildlife, and especially elephants. These majestic animals are a symbol of Africa’s natural beauty and strength and can be seen in many of Kenya’s most stunning national parks and reserves. Whether you’re looking for a safari adventure or a peaceful retreat in nature, Kenya has something to offer everyone.
At Brady’s Wildlife Adventures we visit several of these incredible destinations on each of our tours, giving us many opportunities to see elephants on all of our tours. Visit Kenya Safari 2023 | Brady’s Wildlife Adventures (bradyswildlifeadventures.com) for more information on all of our upcoming tours.
