Victoria Falls elephant encounter
Meet African elephants with the handlers who care for them, and learn how the herd lives. From US$148 per person plus US$24 park fees.
What to expect
The Victoria Falls elephant encounter costs from US$148 per person, plus US$24 per person in park and bridge fees, takes about 2 hours and runs morning or afternoon. Get closer to Africa’s gentle giants in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. See every rate on the Victoria Falls activity price list.
Get closer to Africa’s gentle giants in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This unique wildlife experience offers an opportunity to learn about African elephants, observe their fascinating behaviour, and gain a deeper understanding of these intelligent and remarkable animals in a guided setting. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, families, couples, photographers, and travellers seeking meaningful encounters with African wildlife, this experience adds a memorable highlight to any Victoria Falls holiday.
Whether you have always dreamed of seeing elephants up close or simply want to learn more about wildlife conservation, the Elephant Encounter promises an educational and memorable experience.
Discover how elephants use their trunks to gather food, drink water, communicate, and interact with their surroundings. Learn about their impressive memories, complex social bonds, and the important role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. One of the highlights of the encounter is the opportunity to observe elephants at close range under the guidance of trained professionals.
Victoria Falls elephant encounter FAQs
What is an Elephant Encounter Safari?
It is an educational elephant experience in Victoria Falls that combines an informative presentation, an up-close encounter with an ambassador elephant, a guided walk alongside the herd, and time at a viewing deck.
Where does the elephant encounter take place?
The experience takes place in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in collaboration with eleCREW, a registered non-profit organisation focused on elephant conservation and human-elephant coexistence.
How long does the experience last?
Allow approximately 2–3 hours, including the educational session and transfers.
What activities are included in the encounter?
The experience generally includes: An educational presentation about elephant senses, intelligence, emotions, and behaviour. An up-close encounter with an ambassador elephant. An approximately 20-minute guided walk alongside the herd for eligible participants. Time at a viewing deck. Refreshments and return transfers from Victoria Falls hotels
Can visitors touch or interact with the elephants?
Guests have an opportunity for an up-close encounter with an elephant. Any physical interaction depends on the programme and the handlers’ instructions. Visitors must follow the team’s guidance at all times.
Is the elephant encounter suitable for children?
Yes. Children can participate in the educational encounter. Children under 10 are not permitted to join the guided elephant walk but can proceed with a guide to the viewing platform. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian.
What is the best time to do the elephant encounter?
Both morning and afternoon sessions are offered, subject to availability. Morning sessions are ideal for those who prefer an earlier start, while afternoon sessions provide a relaxed way to spend the latter part of the day.
Are refreshments included?
Yes, Morning sessions include tea, coffee, soft drinks, water, and a muffin. Afternoon sessions include selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, water, and bar snacks.
Are hotel transfers included?
Return transfers from hotels in Victoria Falls are included
What should I wear?
Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting a little dirty. Closed, comfortable shoes are advisable for walking along bush paths and steps.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing: A camera, subject to photography rules. A hat and sunscreen. Insect repellent. A light jersey during cooler months. Comfortable walking shoes.
Is the experience physically demanding?
The experience generally involves easy walking along bush paths and steps.
Is the elephant encounter safe?
The activity includes a safety briefing and is conducted with experienced handlers. Staff provide guidance throughout the encounter.
Does the experience support elephant conservation?
The visitor fee supports eleCREW’s charitable activities. The organisation’s mission is to promote balanced coexistence between people and elephants. Visitors can learn more about its conservation work during the educational presentation.
Is the encounter available throughout the year?
The experience is advertised as operating year-round, subject to availability and operational conditions. Confirm your preferred date before making other travel arrangements.
Can I combine the elephant encounter with other Victoria Falls activities?
Yes. You can combine it with a guided tour of Victoria Falls, a scenic helicopter flight, a Zambezi River sunset cruise, or a cultural dinner and drum show. Allow sufficient time for transfers and the elephant encounter itself.
Do I need to book in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, especially during busy tourist seasons and school holidays. Provide your preferred date, number of participants, children’s ages, and hotel details when enquiring.
Is the experience worth doing in Victoria Falls?
Absolutely! It offers a distinctive opportunity to learn about elephant intelligence and behaviour, meet an ambassador elephant, and observe the herd with experienced handlers. It is an excellent choice for travellers looking for an educational and memorable wildlife experience. Hwange National Park Day Trip from Victoria Falls Discover the incredible wildlife of Zimbabwe on an unforgettable Hwange National Park Day Trip from Victoria Falls. Explore one of Zimbabwe’s largest and most famous national parks, renowned for its large elephant herds, diverse wildlife, and beautiful African landscapes. Enjoy a guided safari through the wilderness in search of elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelope, and predators such as lions, depending on wildlife movements. Accompanied by experienced guides, you will discover the beauty of the African bush while learning about the animals and their natural habitats.This exciting day trip is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, couples, and travellers looking to add an authentic African safari to their Victoria Falls holiday.
How far is Hwange National Park from Victoria Falls?
The journey generally takes around 2–3 hours each way, depending on the destination within the park and road conditions.
What animals can I see?
Hwange is famous for elephants and is home to lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelope, and numerous bird species. Sightings are not guaranteed.
How long does the day trip last?
Allow a full day, typically around 10–12 hours, including transfers and safari activities. Exact timings depend on the package.
Is lunch included?
Lunch and refreshments may be included, depending on your selected package. Confirm all inclusions when booking.
What should I bring?
comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, and a camera.
Is the Hwange day trip suitable for children?
Many safari packages welcome children, but age restrictions and child rates vary by operator.
Do I need to book in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
At a glance
| Price | From US$148 per person |
|---|---|
| Park & bridge fees | US$24 per person |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| When | Morning or afternoon |
| Minimum age | Ask |
| Where | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe |
Rates are per person and subject to availability. Park, bridge and government fees are shown separately because they change independently of the activity price.
Highlights
- An unforgettable wildlife experience: Discover the remarkable characteristics and behaviour of African elephants.
- Educational and engaging: Learn about elephant intelligence, communication, social bonds, and conservation.
- Guided by knowledgeable professionals: Gain insight into elephants and their natural history.
- Great for wildlife enthusiasts: Enjoy a closer look at one of Africa’s most iconic animals.
- A memorable holiday activity: Add a distinctive wildlife encounter to your Victoria Falls adventure.
- Photography opportunities: Capture memories in accordance with the programme’s safety rules.
- Suitable for a range of travellers: An appealing activity for families, couples, and individual visitors, subject to age and participation requirements.
Book the Victoria Falls elephant encounter
Tell us your dates and how many are coming. We book the activity and the transfer together, and you pay once.
