We asked our experts: Where is the best place to see elephants in Africa?
For some, it’s that thrilling moment when a lone bull steps out of the bush. For others, it’s being surrounded by a gentle herd of mothers and calves. Below, you’ll find Adventure in the Wild Safaris’ top 12 places to see elephants across Africa, complete with our handpicked safari camps and lodges. There’s something here for every kind of traveler – whether you’re after conservation insights, photography opportunities, or once-in-a-lifetime encounters.

1. Samburu, Kenya – Take Part in Elephant Conservation at Elephant Watch Camp

In northern Kenya’s wild Samburu region, Elephant Watch Camp offers more than stylish rustic charm – it’s a front-row seat to meaningful elephant conservation. The camp works closely with Save the Elephants, founded by renowned conservationist Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton. Guests have the chance to visit the research center and learn about innovative initiatives like beehive fencing and elephant collaring. The vibrant tents, the wildlife, and the purpose-driven mission make this a standout destination.

2. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania – Meet the Majestic Tuskers at Entamanu

Within the ancient caldera of Ngorongoro, towering bull elephants with extraordinary tusks still roam. These veterans of the crater have lived for decades, their ivory grown long in the protection of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay at Nomad’s Entamanu for dramatic views from the rim, excellent access to the crater floor, and a front-row seat to these magnificent elders of the elephant kingdom.

3. Chobe River, Botswana – Cruise Past Giant Herds at Chobe Chilwero

The Chobe Riverfront boasts the world’s largest elephant population – and one of the most memorable ways to see them is from a boat. At Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, guests watch herds of 100+ elephants drink, bathe, and cross the river just meters away, often against a glowing sunset. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring scenes in southern Africa.

4. Hwange, Zimbabwe – See Elephants Line Up at Bomani Tented Lodge

Hwange during the dry season is pure drama – elephants gather in their hundreds at scarce waterholes, sometimes lining up for their turn. Bomani Tented Lodge offers exceptional access, including game drives, walking safaris, and viewing hides. Guests can also take part in “pump runs,” helping Imvelo Safari Lodges sustain the region’s vital water supply for wildlife.

5. Amboseli, Kenya – Frame Elephants Against Kilimanjaro at Tortilis Camp

Few sights compare to bull elephants silhouetted against snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli is iconic, and Tortilis Camp provides the perfect vantage point, located within a private conservancy that borders the national park. With top-tier guiding and unbeatable views, it’s a photographer’s dream.

6. Skeleton Coast, Namibia – Track Desert Giants at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Namibia’s Skeleton Coast may seem inhospitable, yet desert-adapted elephants thrive here. At Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, guests witness these resilient animals navigating the arid landscape, surviving on mopane leaves and sand baths. It’s a remarkable glimpse of adaptation and endurance in the wild.

7. Luangwa, Zambia – Welcome Elephants to Reception at Mfuwe Lodge

Every year, a family of elephants strolls through the reception at Mfuwe Lodge to reach their beloved wild mango tree. Time your visit for late November, and you may just share the lobby with a passing pachyderm. It’s one of Africa’s most delightful safari spectacles.

8. Katavi, Tanzania – Experience Wilderness at Chada Katavi

Remote, rugged, and utterly wild, Katavi is home to thousands of elephants during the dry season. This hidden gem in western Tanzania sees elephants and buffalo gather in huge numbers on its floodplains. Stay at Chada Katavi for an authentic, off-grid safari in one of the continent’s last truly untouched reserves.

9. Mana Pools, Zimbabwe – Witness Bulls on Tiptoe at Wilderness Ruckomechi

In Mana Pools, a few extraordinary bull elephants have taught themselves to stand on their hind legs to reach high branches. From Wilderness Ruckomechi, guests can watch these acrobatic giants foraging among the ana trees along the Zambezi River – or track them on foot for an unforgettable walking safari.

10. Odzala-Kokoua, Republic of Congo – Discover Forest Elephants at Lango Camp

In the dense rainforests of Odzala-Kokoua, elusive forest elephants roam quietly through the bais (clearing wetlands). Lango Camp, perched above one such bai, offers rare and intimate sightings of this smaller, endangered cousin of the savannah elephant – a must for the adventurous traveler.

11. Selinda, Botswana – Savor Seclusion with Elephants at Selinda Explorers Camp

The Selinda Reserve offers exclusive safaris in a private wilderness where elephants abound. With just four tents and expert guides, Selinda Explorers Camp delivers exceptional elephant viewing – whether by foot, 4×4, or canoe – in a setting where conservation and luxury blend seamlessly.

12. Okavango Delta, Botswana – Connect with Elephants at Wilderness Abu

Named after a once-rescued bull, Wilderness Abu Camp in the Okavango Delta allows guests to form a meaningful connection with elephants. With a rehabilitated herd and a conservation-first ethos, Abu offers both extraordinary elephant interactions and deep insight into their protection and wellbeing.