Travel bucket list idea:
Victoria Falls Elephant Sanctuary
Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
Last updated: 04 April, 2024
Gone are the days when elephant-back rides were a popular outing at Victoria Falls. Today, savvy travellers choose to get up close to Loxodonta africana at the Victoria Falls Elephant Sanctuary, where visitors have the opportunity to hear about the plight of the African elephant in the wild, as well as the work being done around conservation and education at this respected elephant sanctuary.
Chat to the guides and keepers, and enjoy the opportunity for a close-up experience in a natural setting with these giants of the bush. The experience ends with refreshments at the Wild Horizons Elephant Wallow.
While you’re there
If you fancy yourself as an artist – or just enjoy an occasional paint – the Sanctuary offers an ‘Elephant Art Safari’ where you’ll be set up by an elephant-filled waterhole with paints, canvas and easel to do your best (or worst).
Logistics
Price from: £15
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 2-3 hours
Getting there & doing it
Visits to the elephant sanctuary are offered year-round, with three departures per day offered from Victoria Falls. Return hotel transfers are included in the cost.
Book visits to the sanctuary and the art safaris direct through the Wild Horizons website. Wild Horizons have worked with elephant conservation since 1992, and are one of the most respected operators in the region.
Note that children aged 5-12 may only participate if accompanied by a parent. A wide-brimmed sun-hat and high-factor sunscreen are recommended.
When to do it
Tours are offered year-round, but the cooler winter months (July-September) are best if you are sensitive to the heat. Thunderstorms often bring heavy rain on summer (November-February) afternoons, so try and avoid these times.
