Zambezi Elephant Trails

Located near Thorntree Lodge, approximately 10 km from Livingstone, Zambezi Elephant Trails has established Zambia's first Elephant Camp  - offering a once in a lifetime insight into these gentle giants.  Together with this ecologically friendly method of game viewing, a strong emphasis is placed on an Elephant experience rather than just an Elephant ride and guests are encouraged to interact with these majestic and intelligent African mammals.  The training techniques used by Zambezi Elephant Trails are based on the positive reinforcement method as opposed to the controversial discipline and submission technique commonly associated with Asian Elephants.

Our six African Elephants Madinda, Bop, Marula, Liwa, Danny, and Mashumbi each offer two guests an unparalleled viewpoint of the mighty Zambezi River and surrounding bush area of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park.  We also have the proud edition of 2 calfs, both born at the elephant camp.  Chavaruka was born to Mashumbi on November 7th 2004 and Nandi, born to Liwa and Bop on the 13th April 2007.  Both calfs accompany their mothers on the walk with clients, frolicking along with the herd.

Elephant Back Safari
Upon arrival to the bush site, the Head Guide will give a short introductory talk including safety aspects. The guests will then be introduced to the Elephants and their guides.

On mounting the Elephants, the Safari begins. The trails lead through riverine bush and the banks of the Zambezi River, the ride lasts for 1 hour. On completing the ride, guests will dismount and interact with the Elephants on the ground.

Each Elephant is under the charge of a guide, whom is fully experienced with our elephants. The Professional Head Guide carries a firearm, first aid kit and handheld radio.

AM Ride

• Pick up from Waterfront                                        6.15am
• Pick up from DLSL                             :                 6.30am
• Pick up from Sun / Royal                                      6.45am
• Pick up from town accommodation                        7.00am
• Drop off at accommodation:                   Between 10.30 - 10.45

Due to logistics, please allow 15 minutes either way for pick up times.
A full English Breakfast is served at the end of the trip.

Mid Morning Ride

• Pick up from Waterfront                                             10.15am
• Pick up from DLSL                             :                       10.30am
• Pick up from Sun / Royal                                           10.45am
• Pick up from town accommodation                         11.00am
• Drop off at accommodation:                                       Between 14.30 – 14.45

Due to logistics, please allow 15 minutes either way for pick up times.
Snacks plus drinks will be served at the end of the trip (including local wines, beer & spirits).

PM Ride

• Pick up from Waterfront                                        14.15am
• Pick up from DLSL                             :                 14.30am
• Pick up from Sun / Royal                                      14.45am
• Pick up from town accommodation                         15.00am
• Drop off at accommodation:                      Between 18.15 – 18.30

Due to logistics, please allow 15 minutes either way for pick up times.
Snacks plus drinks will be served at the end of the trip (including local wines, beer & spirits).

Numbers: - Minimum of 2 clients, maximum of 12 clients.
Timings: -   The whole experience lasts approx 3 hours which includes introductory talk, an hours ride, interaction with elephants, breakfast / snacks and watching of video.  Please allow an extra hour (maximum) for transfers from Livingstone.

Elephant Encounter

Upon arrival to the bush site, the Head Guide will give a short introductory talk including safety aspects. The guests will then be introduced to the Elephants and their guides.

Clients will then walk through the bush with the elephants for 30 minutes and get the chance to watch them feed, play, socialize and sometimes swim.  There will be a guide per elephant to explain about the elephants as well as the local bush.  At the end of the walk, guests will have a chance to interact with the elephants. 

Each Elephant is under the charge of a guide, whom is fully experienced with our elephants. The Professional Head Guide carries a firearm, first aid kit and handheld radio.

Pick up from Livingstone accommodation:             Between 10:30 -11.00
Drop off at Livingstone accommodation:                 Between 12:15 -12:45

Soft drinks, tea and coffee will be served at the end of the trip.
Minimum number of 4 clients maximum of 12 clients

Numbers: - Minimum of 4 clients, maximum of 12 clients.
Timings: - The whole experience lasts approx 1 hour which includes introductory talk, ½ hour walk, interaction with elephants, soft drinks.  Please allow an extra hour (maximum) for transfers from Livingstone.

Elephant Interaction

Upon arrival to the bush site, the Head Guide will give a short introductory talk including safety aspects. The guests will then be introduced to the Elephants and their guides. The guests will interact with the elephants for approximately 20 minutes.

Pick up from Livingstone accommodation:                Between 10:30 - 10:45
Drop off at Livingstone accommodation:                    Between 11.45 – 12.00

Bottled Water will be served at the end of the trip.

Numbers: - Minimum of 4 clients, maximum of 12 clients. (Larger groups can be catered for on request).
Timings: - The whole experience lasts approx 1/2 an hour which includes introductory talk and interaction with elephants. Please allow an extra hour (maximum) for transfers from Livingstone.

* Please note that the elephant interaction does not include transfer costs.  Transfers can be booked at $20pp return, alternatively clients can make their own way to the elephant boma.

Additional Information

Park Fees
Clients will be required to pay $10pp park fees, this is payable direct at the elephant boma upon arrival.  This is only applicable for the elephant ride.

Transfers
Please note that pick ups from Livingstone include all lodges within the Livingstone town area as well as Sussi & Chuma Lodge on the Kazungula Road, any lodges further out than this will have to organize their own transport.

Videos and photographs
Zambezi Memories are on site at the elephant boma, allowing clients to watch the DVD of their ride straight after the trip.  The DVDs are available for purchase immediately after viewing at $40.

Age Restrictions
There is no upper age limit.  Whilst the minimum age is 10 years, guardians of Minors (under 18) will be required to sign an indemnity form on behalf of the minors.  A Guardian must accompany children under the age of 16 throughout the trip.

Health Requirements
There are no specific health requirements for this activity, and physical disabilities will be considered on an individual basis.  If a guest has any medical condition such as epilepsy, diabetes or dangerous allergies etc, please ensure that Zambezi Elephant Trails is informed at the time of booking.

Insurance and Safety
All clients travelling with Zambezi Elephant Trails are covered by SES in the unlikely event of an emergency. Zambezi Elephant Trails is covered by a US$ 1 500 000 Public Liability Insurance.

What to bring / wear
Please bear in mind that guests will be responsible for carrying their personal effects while on the ride.  It is therefore advisable that belongings are kept to a reasonable limit.

Bottled water and other refreshments will be available, so it is not necessary for guests to bring their own.

We recommend that guests do bring the following:

• Sunblock
• Binoculars
• Cameras
• Personal Medication
• Glasses or Sunglasses
• Insect Repellent
• Money for merchandise / video etc

Guests should wear neutral coloured clothes.  Wildlife may be encountered and therefore whites and bright colours should be avoided.

Recommended clothing as follows:

• Long trousers with closed, comfortable shoes.
• Long-sleeved shirts, especially in the summer months.
• A wide brimmed hat.
• A sweater is recommended for the months of May to August.

Activities Rates

Lodges Rates

Combined Activities Rates

Transfers Rates