Domestication of Elephants
The use of any animal for the pleasure of humans will always be
a contentious issue. Elephant back safaris are no exception.
However, the use of elephants in the tourism industry was
imminent. We decided to take the opportunity to set the bar of
standards at a high level in the hopes other operators would follow
suit. Another all-influencing factor for organising these safaris
was that culling operations in the area resulted in a large number
of orphaned calves. If a decent lifestyle could be found for these
calves, we wanted to be a part of it.
Our preferred operator is the recognised haven for genuine
orphaned calves and will continue to care for these distressed or
injured youngsters. This operator is radically opposed to the
capture of elephants in any form for commercial purposes.
Elephant Back Safari - Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe
Sunrise Safaris depart at 6:30am (in summer) and 7am (in
winter), and last approximately 3 hours.
After pick-up from any hotels or B&B's in Victoria
Falls, you'll be transferred to the Wallow, the base for the
elephant-back safaris within the Victoria Falls National Park
concession.
You'll get a chance to meet and interact with the elephants
before getting on your elephant and beginning the safari. The ride
lasts for approximately 1½ - 2 hours through the natural grasslands
and mopane forests of the concession and along the edge of the
impressive Batoka Gorge.
You'll learn about these incredible creatures and gain some
wisdom into the relationship between the African Elephant and
humans. After your safari, you'll be served a full English
breakfast and have a chance to watch and purchase a dvd of the
safari.
Sunset Safaris depart at 3:30pm and the duration is
approximately 3 hours. The Sunset Safari is essentially the same as
the Sunrise Safari above. It includes snacks and sundowner
drinks.
Elephant Back Safari - Livingstone - Zambia
Tea, coffee and cordials are served on arrival. After a short
introductory talk and safety briefing, you are introduced to the
elephants and their handlers before mounting the great animals.
Then, you'll head off through the riverine bush, crossing the river
in shallow water to get onto the many islands.
After the approximately 1-hour ride, you will dismount and
interact with the elephants. The guides will enlighten you with an
interesting and informative explanation about the African Elephant
and their relationship with man.
The morning ride experience lasts about 4 hours and ends with a
full English breakfast and the opportunity to view a video of each
guest's elephant ride. Includes transfers, tea, coffee, breakfast
and cordial drinks. The mid-morning experience and afternoon rides
are similar to the morning ride but include snacks, local beer and
wine instead of tea and breakfast.
Elephant Interaction
The elephant interaction experience lasts about 30 mins and
consists of a short introduction and then 20 mins of direct
interaction. The price includes bottled water but not the
transfer.
Do you question the ethics of "elephant encounters" and
"elephant back trails and safaris"? Here's our position on the welfare of captive
elephant herds.
