The impressive tall elephants of Etosha National park have successfully adapted to the desert conditions of the area. Chances of viewing them are good. Below are a video, pictures and guide to help you spot them:
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TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS - Spotting Elephants
Some facts...
- There are around 2000 desert elephants in Etosha
- They are considered the tallest in Africa
- They do not have long tusks probably due to mineral deficiencies as they adapted to the desert conditions
Finding Elephants in Etosha
- The chance to spot elephants is quite high during the dry season. If you visit during the rainy one, you have to try the North of the park
- Okaukuejo is a good spot to see elephants especially at night time
Video of elephants in Etosha National Park
Let's start with a short video of some elephants in Etosha National park
Up close with elephants
Yes we got that close, I did not zoom that much!
Jsut near the road we spotted a group of elephants. They were truly magnificent and huge. Lucky for use they were very close and were moving quietly. We had plenty of time to admiore them.
Lone old elephant
At the Okaukuejo waterhole, I saw an elephant by himself so it was probably quite old. I really enjoyed watching it drink.
Elephant group at night
But my absolute best viewing was at the Okaukuejo campsite. You can easily walk to a waterhole nearby. I was awaken by a fellow traveler (not intentionally) at 4:30 am and was really not happy, you can imagine (I was planning to get up early but not that early...).
But then I was fully awake so I decided that it would be better to go to the waterhole than stay in my tent. Well the result is that I gave a huge hug to the women who woke me up!!!! Huge Hug!!!! Because when I arrived there there was around 20 elephants which were just starting to leave. Amazing experience to see so many at once and how they interact together.
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Do you love elephants?
hi Claire…loved reading and knowing about the elephants of Etosha. I have visited several game reserves in Kenya including Amboseli where one can get up close with the giants. Etosha is in my wishlist and I always wondered about the profusion of mega wildlife in a largely desert zone. Etosha is definitely a wonderland of nature and hope to be there some day.