In Zambia
The Elephant
Herd at Thorntree River Lodge
Located near Thorntree Lodge,
approximately 10 km from Livingstone, Zambezi Elephant Trails offers a
once in a lifetime insight into these gentle giants and how they spend
their time.
Within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the banks of the Zambezi
River is home to our seven African Elephants, Madinda, Bop, Marula, Liwa,
Danny, Mashumbi and baby Chavaruka. (Chavaruka was born here to Mashumbi
on November 7, 2004.)
The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is resident to the last White Rhino
in Zambia as well as wild Elephant, Hippo, Buffalo, Impala, Giraffe,
Zebra, small animals such as Civet and Serval and abundant birdlife.
Elephant Encounter -
Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia
Morning Walking Safari
- Pick up from Livingstone accommodation: Between 10h30 -10h45
- Drop off at Livingstone accommodation: Between 12h15 -12h30
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 Walk begins as the Elephants head into the bush to naturally browse.
We will follow along and observe as these majestic animals feed, play,
socialize and sometimes swim. The elephants will lead through riverine
bush and the banks of the Zambezi River. The will be one guide per
elephant to discuss all aspects of the African Elephant as well as the
bush. Time spent walking with the Elephants is approximately 30 minutes.
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.
The Walk ends as we leave the elephants to their day and head back to
the riverside for a cool drink.
Elephant Back Safari - Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia
Morning Safari
- Pick up from Livingstone Accommodation: Between 06h30-07h00
- Drop off at Livingstone Accommodation: Between 10h30-11h00
Afternoon Safari
- Pick up from Livingstone Accommodation: Between 14h30-15h00
- Drop off at Livingstone Accommodation: Between 18h00-18h30
Upon arrival, tea, coffee and cordial is served – after which the
guide will give a short introductory talk including safety aspects. The
guests will then be introduced to the Elephants and their Handlers.
On mounting the Elephants, the Safari begins. The trails lead through
riverine bush and shallow parts of the Zambezi River onto the islands.
Actual time spent riding is approximately1 hour after which an elephant
interaction takes place. During interaction, the guide will give an
informative talk on the African Elephant and its relationship with man.
Each Elephant is under the charge of a Handler – the Guide carries a
first aid kit and handheld radio.
The Safari ends with a full English Breakfast or good choice of
snacks (depending which safari is booked) after which guests may view a
video of their personal Elephant experience. Videos are available for
purchase and will be delivered to guests’ hotels that evening or the
following morning (depending on which Safari is booked).
In Zimbabwe
Elephant
Encounter - Masuwe Estate, Zimbabwe
Mid-day Walking Safari
- Pick up from Vic Falls Accommodation: Between 11h15-11h30
- Drop off at Vic Falls Accommodation: Between 14h15-14h30
Clients are picked up from their respective hotel/lodge and
transferred to the Safari Par Excellence office in town. Check in is
done at the office before clients proceed to the Masuwe estate. Upon
arrival soft drinks and cordials are served – after which the guide will
give a short introductory talk including all safety aspects. Guests are
then required to sign an indemnity. Guests are then introduced to our
Elephants (Clem, Em, Penny & Miss Elly) and their Handlers. Guests can
then interact with these mighty animals before departing on the walk
Guests do NOT ride the Elephants, the Safari begins with the
Elephants walking with the clients. The trail leads through the pristine
bush and valley of the Masuwe River, which is home to numerous species
of wildlife, including, Elephants, Kudu, Buffalo, Impala, Leopard and
sometimes even Lions. There is excellent birding with over 50 species to
be sighted.
Each Elephant is under the charge of a Handler – the trips are lead
by a professional Guide, who is armed and carries a first aid kit and
handheld radio.
The Safari ends with clients walking into the Masuwe Safari Lodge
where a Lunch consisting of cold meats and salads will be served on the
deck. The guests view their video of their personal Elephant
experience at Masuwe Safari Lodge. Videos are available for purchase and
will be delivered to guests’ hotels that evening.
Elephant
Back Safaris - Masuwe Estate, Zimbabwe
Morning Safari
- Pick up from Vic Falls Accommodation: Between 07h00-07h15
- Drop off at Vic Falls Accommodation: Between 10h30-11h00
Afternoon Safari
- Pick up from Vic Falls Accommodation: Between 15h00-15h15
- Drop off at Vic Falls Accommodation: Between 18h30-19h00
Clients are picked up from their respective hotel/lodge and
transferred to the Safari Par Excellence office in town. Check in is
done at the office before clients proceed to the Masuwe estate. Upon
arrival, tea, coffee and cordials are served – after which the guide
will give a short introductory talk including all safety aspects. Guests
are then required to sign an indemnity. Guests are then introduced to
our Elephants (Clem, Em, Penny & Miss Elly) and their Handlers.
On mounting the Elephants, the Safari begins. The trail leads through
the pristine bush and valley of the Masuwe River, which is home to
numerous species of wildlife, including, Elephants, Kudu, Buffalo,
Impala, Leopard and sometimes even Lions. There is excellent birding
with over 50 species to be sighted.
Each Elephant is under the charge of a Handler – the trips are lead
by a professional Guide, who is armed and carries a first aid kit and
handheld radio.
The AM Safari ends with a light Breakfast consisting of muffins &
pastries. The PM safari ends with a good choice of snacks and drinks.
The guests are then transferred back to the office where they can view
their video of their personal Elephant experience. Videos are available
for purchase and will be delivered to guests’ hotels that evening or the
following morning (depending on which Safari is booked).
General Notes on the Zambezi Elephant Trails
Age Restrictions
There is no upper age limit. Minimum age limit for Children is 10
years of age. 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 and
Fitness
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. As we sometimes operate over difficult
terrain, a reasonable degree of physical fitness is required.
Group size for bookings
Minimum number is 2 pax and maximum of 12 pax. Larger groups
can be accommodated on special request but advance booking is essential.
Public Liability
Zambezi Elephant Trails is covered by a US$ 1 500 000 Public
Liability Insurance.
Medical Air Rescue Service
All clients travelling with Zambezi Elephant Trails are covered by
M.A.R.S. in the unlikely event of an emergency.
What to bring / wear
Please bear in mind that guests will be responsible for carrying
their personal effects while on the walk. It is therefore
advisable that belongings are kept to a reasonable limit. Bottled
water 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
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 walking shoes
- Long sleeved shirts, especially in the summer months
- A widebrimmed hat
- A sweater is recommended for the months of May to August
Clients travelling from Zimbabwe or Zambia for activities
Clients staying in Zimbabwe requiring transfer to Zambia (and vice
versa) will be catered for upon request at an additional fee (including
return transfers, visas and re-entry visas where necessary).
Passports will be required.
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