Tanzania is home to around 42,000 elephants. As 25% of the country is a protected wildlife area, you'll have plenty of chances to see these amazing huge mammals in one of the country's National Parks.
Traditional migration trails are the best way to track these gentle giants. When choosing the best spot, keep in mind that the biggest parks are not always the best for elephants watching. Serengeti's territory is more suitable for grazers like wildebeest, zebras, and antelope. The number of elephants here is over 2,000 though. Selous is such an enormous territory that the elephant population here isn't especially exciting (You can mainly see them at the Lake Manze during the dry season). But smaller parks like Tarangire, for example, can give you some of the best chances of seeing elephant herds. Here you'll find over 2,500 elephants.
The elephants of Tarangire National Park have a specific colouring, they look red due to the fine dust which accumulates while they walk between dry woodlands. The Tarangire River attracts the herds once per day to have a refreshing drink and for smaller ones to play in the water.
Ruaha National Park is one more good viewing spot, especially on the banks of the Great Ruaha River. Here you'll find some of the largest concentrations of elephants in all of Tanzania.
The dry season is the best time for watching elephants, as whole herds move predictably from one water spot to another looking for fresh water, roots, grass, and fruit. Thus, the periods from January to February and from June to October are typically the best time. One of the best ways for an elephant safari is treetop camping. Just remember to be tolerant and respectful to nature and its rules.
Practical info
When is the optimal timing to view elephants in Tanzania?
From January to February and June to October, Tanzania's dry season offers the best sighting of elephants. During this time, the herds travel predictably from one water source to another in search of fresh water, roots, grass, and fruit. Show more
Which national parks are the most suitable for observing elephant herds in Tanzania?
Tarangire is the ideal national park to witness elephants in Tanzania due to the high concentration of these animals. Serengeti's territory is more suitable for grazers such as wildebeest, zebras, and antelope. Ruaha National Park is another good spot, mostly on the banks of the Great Ruaha River. Show more
How many elephants inhabit Tarangire National Park?
There are over 2,500 elephants in Tarangire National Park. The herds are attracted to the Tarangire River every day for a refreshing drink and the smaller ones play in the water. The elephants here possess a unique reddish hue as a result of the fine dust that accumulates when they walk about the dry woodlands. Show more
What is the distinctive characteristic of elephants found in Tarangire National Park compared to other elephants in Tanzania?
The elephants in Tarangire National Park have a unique reddish color due to the fine dust that accumulates when they walk around the dry woodlands. Moreover, every day, they are drawn to the Tarangire River for a refreshing drink, and the smaller ones play in the water. Show more
Is it possible for tourists to camp in treetops in Tanzania to watch elephants?
Camping in treetops to observe elephants is possible in Tanzania. This is one of the best ways to experience an elephant safari and provides a unique perspective of the animals in their natural environment. However, it is essential to be tolerant and respectful of nature and its regulations. Show more
