Background & History
Domestication of Elephants
The use of any animal for the pleasure of human beings will
always be a contentious issue never more so than in the case of
elephant. The fact was that the use of elephant in the tourism
industry was imminent and if there was a chance to set the bar of
standards at a high level others would accept this and follow suit.
The other all influencing fact was that orphans from culling
operations were a 'feit accompli' and if a decent lifestyle could
be found for them we would like to be a part of it.
We believe that they have achieved much of what they set out to
do. Many questions are still unanswered and those that have
been, present the operators with more. Adaptive management policy,
awareness, dedication & constant monitoring will hopefully keep
them aware of their continuous changing needs.
Our preferred operator has become the recognised
destination for genuine orphaned calves and will continue to care
for these distressed or injured youngsters. They
remain totally against the capture of elephant in any form for
commercial purposes.
Elephant Back Safari - Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe
Sunrise Safaris departure is 06h30 (in
summer) and 07h00 (in winter), and the duration is approximately 3
hours.
After pick-up from any hotels or B&B's in
Victoria Falls, guests are transfered to the Wallow which is the
base for the elephant-back safaris. The Wallow is located within
the Victoria Falls National Park concession. Guests will get a
chance to meet and interact with the elephants before getting on
their 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. Whilst riding the elephant guests will
have the chance to see the game that occurs in the area and being
on an elephant, you are able to approach the game in a much more
natural way and get much closer than normally possible.
Guests have the opportunity to learn about these incredible
creatures and to form a bond with their elephant, gaining some
wisdom into the relationship between these animals and humans.
After your safari guests will be served a full English breakfast
and have a chance to watch and purchase a dvd of the safari.
Sunset Safaris depart at 15h30 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 rather than
breakfast.
Elephant Back Safari - Livingstone - Zambia
Tea, coffee and cordials are served on arrival and after a
short introductory talk and safety-briefing you are introduced to
the elephants and their handlers before mounting the great animals.
The handler and no more than two guests on each animal then 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 on the ground giving the guides an
opportunity to make 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 lasts about 4 hours and ends
with snacks and the opportunity to view a video of each guest's
elephant ride. Includes transfers, snacks, local beer, wine and
cordial drinks.
This afternoon ride and experience also lasts for about 4
hours with snacks at the end of the day and the opportunity to view
a video of each guest's elephant ride. Includes transfers, snacks,
local beer, wine and cordial drinks.
Elephant Interaction
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.
