Elephant Locations in Tanzania

There is no doubt that one of the most iconic animals on Safari is the African Elephant. These majestic, magnificent and huge beasts have roamed the African plains for millions of years. We are extremely lucky that Tanzania has one of the largest, and widespread, populations of Elephants in all of Africa. Sadly, due to human interactions, overlapping of habitats with humans, and the increase in the Ivory trade in Asia, Elephant numbers are decreasing rapidly. Soon there may be too few African Elephants to sustain the population.

We know that almost everyone who plans a Tanzanian Safari come here hoping to see the famed African Elephant. With the declining population, increased security and the danger of poachers, a sighting of an Elephant in its natural habitat is becoming rarer and rarer. These days you have to know the Elephant Locations in Tanzania, and when it is best to see them.

Selous Game Reserve

The Selous Game Reserve is considered the last bastion for African Elephants with their numbers holiday at 25,000 individuals, despite the fact that 66% of the population has been killed between 2009-2013. The numbers of Elephants here are sadly still dwindling, which sparked and unprecedented collaring scheme to help preserve the Elephant numbers in the April of this year (2018). Although there are tight controls over who comes and goes, Walking Safaris are permitted and the boat Trips on the Rufiji river are extremely popular. This may be the easiest and most leisurely way to get into the Selous Game Reserve due to the tight controls over Reserve entry. The River itself cuts right through the middle of the whole Game Reserve, so access to see the wildlife is unbeatable. As Elephant Locations in Tanzania, the Selous Game Reserve is the biggest, however, there are a lot of obstacles to overcome if you wish to see the Elephants.

Elephants on the Rise in the Serengeti

In the bleak landscape of Elephant Conservation in Tanzania, there remain a few glimmers of hope. The Serengeti & the Maasai Mara (Kenya) has seen a 266% increase in elephant numbers between 1986 and 2014. Elephant Locations in Tanzania’s north has grown substantially and there are now thought to be over 7.450 elephants within nearly 20,000 square miles. In spite of this good news, it is thought that Elephant numbers, in general, are still in decline, and the Elephants are simply migrating from what was once thought as elephant locations in Tanzania, in favour for safer, more protected areas. Safari trips to the Serengeti are some of the most popular in Tanzania, so booking will not be a problem. It is comforting to know that at least for now, that the Serengeti is a beacon of hope for Elephant locations in Tanzania. All the more reason to visit the Serengeti while you can.

Ngorongoro Crater Elephants

Elephants in the Ngorongoro crater are the longest living Elephants in Tanzania. This is largely to do the natural protection that the huge volcanic crater provides and the lush soft vegetation that feeds the animals. It is a relatively unknown fact that Elephants can replace their teeth 4 or 5 times in their life span. Generally, other than being massacred by humans, the Elephants die from lack of sustenance once their final set of teeth wear out. Of all Elephant locations in Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater has the best environment for soft vegetation to grow, vegetation that the older Elephants can eat. Unfortunately, due to the age of these Elephants, their tusks grow longer than almost any in Tanzania; this makes them a target to poachers. Ngorongoro is a majestic location to enjoy a Safari trip, in and outside of the crater.

The Map of Elephant Locations in Tanzania