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Where to see elephants in the wild

Thailand, India and beyond – here’s where to see elephants in the wild.
They’re the largest mammal on land, drawing in thousands of tourists every year hoping to see an elephant in the wild. Native to Africa and Asia, spotting a herd in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travellers. Wildlife observation trips should always prioritise the safety and health of the animals, so check out our suggestions below for organisations working to protect elephants. And for more on what we’re doing to support animal conservation, take a look at, TUI’s independent charity, the TUI Care Foundation, and the work they are doing with World Animal Protection.

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KUI BURI NATIONAL PARK, THAILAND

This 969 kilometre national park has all of the stunning landscape you’d expect to see in Thailand, including waterfalls and dense forest. You may spot bison and monkeys during your visit, but there’s only one king of the jungle here. It’s said that there’s a 99% certainty visitors to Thailand’s Kui Buri National Park will see elephants during their trip. The animals are supported by the Kui Buri Wildlife Ecotourism Club, an organisation made up of local farmers who take tourists out on in jeeps – so the local community benefits from every visit, and the elephants are free to roam the land.

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BANDIPUR TIGER RESERVE, INDIA

This reserve, inside Bandipur National Park in India, is the perfect place to head if you want to see more than just one type of animal on your trip. Tigers and elephants are described as the ‘flagship’ species for this park – and Bandipur and the surrounding areas have the single largest Asian Elephant population in the world. Conservation efforts have inspired the creation of the Special Tiger Protection Force, patrols by anti-poaching staff, and extra patrols around elephant camps during monsoons to provide protection from hunting groups. Safaris take place in designated tourist areas, and visitors have a chance to learn about educational programmes taking place with local communities.

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DAPHNE SHELDRICK ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE, KENYA

Just outside Nairobi National Park, the Orphans’ Project is run by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and is dedicated to protecting elephants and rhinos from the loss of their habitat and threat of poaching. Over 150 baby elephants have been hand-raised by the trust, before being released back into the wild in Tsavo National Park. You can watch as the elephants are fed, bathed, and taken for walks, and if you fall in love with any in particular, you can even foster them.

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Or, for more inspiration, read about where to see wild elephant in Sri Lanka and where the best national parks are. Plus, check out our best wildlife holidays. 

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Author: Lizzie Butler

Last updated: 16.02.2018

Holiday Type

Destination

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