This guide is written to improve your experience while viewing elephants.
By following these guidelines, you’ll enjoy memorable encounters and ensure your safety and the well-being of these magnificent creatures.
Our aim is not to instill fear, but to provide clear instructions on behaving responsibly in their presence.
General Advice on Driving Near Elephants:
- Respect the elephants at all times.
- Always allow elephants the right of way.
- Do not cut off their path, especially when more than one vehicle is present.
- Drive off slowly if they get too close.
- Do not follow the elephants.
- Do not rev the engine near elephants.
- Maintaining a safe distance when elephants are on the side of the road allows them to cross without feeling threatened, providing you with a wonderful sighting.
Identifying Elephants Threatened By Your Presence
Identifying a threatened African elephant involves observing specific behavioural signs:
- Ears: Flapping ears rapidly or holding them out to the side, making themselves appear larger.
- Trunk: Swinging or curling the trunk, sometimes slapping it on the ground.
- Tail: Holding the tail out stiffly or swinging it rapidly.
- Body Posture: Standing tall with the head held high and tusks pointed toward the perceived threat.
- Foot Stomping: Stomping feet on the ground.
- Trumpeting: Making loud, high-pitched trumpeting sounds.
- Mock Charges: The most severe and obvious sign. Charging toward the threat without actually following through.
If you notice these signs, maintain a safe distance, remain calm, and avoid sudden movements or loud noises. Be ready to drive off if necessary.
Breeding Herds
- Be cautious when approaching elephant breeding herds with small calves.
- The matriarch or other herd members can become aggressive, especially if the calves feel threatened by your presence.
- Keep a safe distance. Look and respond to any signs of aggression as previously discussed.
Identifying Bulls In Musth
- Musth bulls can be identified by the constant dribbling of strong-smelling urine on the ground and their hind legs, leaving a trail of urine on the road.
- Their temporal glands will exude a dark liquid visible between their ears and eyes. Some people incorrectly describe this as “elephant tears”.
Musth bulls are expected to be aggressive if disturbed. Always keep a safe distance around lone bulls with these traits.