Magnificent in every way, the world’s largest land mammal is also one of the animal kingdom’s most intelligent creatures, and you can see it with your very own eyes
Words Amy Grisdale
Travel expert
Justin Francis is the co-founder of Responsible Travel and is one of The Times 50 most influential people in travel
The experience of seeing these huge, intelligent and untamed creatures in their natural habitat is breathtaking, and you’ll learn far more in just a few minutes with a wild herd than you would from days with a captive elephant as you observe their [natural] behaviour.
Seeing one of the world’s largest land mammals move across the African savannah or shuffle through an Asian forest is unforgettable; the way an entire herd protects a tiny baby, the care with which desert elephants treat the scant vegetation, or the heart-stopping mock charges if your vehicle separates a herd crossing the road.
Another option is to volunteer, for instance, working with elephants rescued from logging or riding and given sanctuary in large enclosures rather than those that offer rides or performances.
Map key
1 Karnataka Elephant Reserve
2 Kameng Elephant Reserve
3 David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
4 Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
African bush elephant
Found on the open savannah, this is the species safari-goers are most likely to spot wandering in large family groups or gathered near water.
African forest elephant
These animals are smaller and darker in colour than their plain-dwelling relatives and navigate Congo’s dense forests in groups of around four.
Sri Lankan elephant
This subspecies of the Asian elephant has suffered from colonisation and is now mostly found in just a handful of pockets of land.
Indian elephant
This elephant’s range is not limited to the country after which it is named – Indian elephants graze on over 100 different plant species throughout parts of mainland Asia.
Borneo pygmy elephant
300,000 years of evolution separate this species from other elephants, leaving it as the smallest elephant in Asia. It roams Borneo’s forests, and there are only around 1,500 remaining.
Sumatran elephant
There are now less than 3,000 of these elephants in the wild, and 85 per cent of their habitats are outside of protected areas.
Travel guide
When to go
Elephants may be easiest to locate during or shortly after the wet season as their footprints will be most visible then.
How to get there
You’re most likely to need to fly to see elephants in the wild, and it’s best to travel with a responsible tour company.
What the weather will do
Wherever you go, it’s going to be very hot. If you visit during rainy season prepare to get wet on a daily basis.
What to take
Sun cream, insect repellent and a good hat for protection are the most essential things to take on an elephant trek.
