SafPar Fact File: Elephant Back Safaris

Page 1 of 6

Fact File Intro |Victoria Falls | The Lower Zambezi | African Safaris | Package Tours | Trip Planner

Zambezi Elephant Trails - Victoria Falls

Zambezi Elephant Trails Notes | Bookings | Fact file Available daily on request, all year round from both Victoria Falls and Livingstone; Livingstone - Zambia "Elephant Back Safaris": early am or pm, US$160 pp "Elephant Encounters": late am, US$60 pp

(excludes National parks fees of US$ 10 pp)

Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe "Elephant Back Safaris": early am or pm, $120 pp "Elephant Encounters": late am, US$72 Must be booked in advance

Zambezi Elephant Trails are available as 3 options

an early morning or late afternoon "Elephant Back Safari"; or as a late morning "Elephant Encounter" pickup from and drop off around

...from 2 locations in either Zambia or Zimbabwe...

Thorntree River Lodge, approximately 10km from Livingstone in Zambia, or Masuwe Lodge, approximately 10km from Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe Be sure to book the correct trip depending on where you're staying and do it in advance!!

Zambezi Elephant Trails - Fact Files

In Zambia
Information about the elephants at Thorntree River Lodge in Zambia Elephant Encounter - Thorntree River Lodge Elephant Back Safari - Thorntree River Lodge

In Zimbabwe
Information about the Masuwe herd in Zimbabwe

http://www.victoriafalls.net/fact_files/zambezi_elephant_trails.htm

6/15/2011

SafPar Fact File: Elephant Back Safaris

Page 2 of 6

Elephant Encounter - Masuwe Elephant Back Safari - Masuwe

General notes
Age Restrictions Health Requirements and Fitness What to bring / wear Group size for bookings Public Liability Medical Air Rescue Service Clients doing border crossings for activities

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.

http://www.victoriafalls.net/fact_files/zambezi_elephant_trails.htm

6/15/2011

SafPar Fact File: Elephant Back Safaris

Page 3 of 6

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.

http://www.victoriafalls.net/fact_files/zambezi_elephant_trails.htm

6/15/2011

SafPar Fact File: Elephant Back Safaris

Page 4 of 6

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

http://www.victoriafalls.net/fact_files/zambezi_elephant_trails.htm

6/15/2011

SafPar Fact File: Elephant Back Safaris

Page 5 of 6

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.

[ Home ]

[ Home ] [ Go up ] [ Safari Par Excellence: Current Rates and Costs ] [ Safari Par Excellence: Notes on rates ] [ White Water Rafting - Victoria Falls ] [ Riverboarding the Zambezi River ] [ Tandem Kayaking - Zambezi River ] [ SafPar Fact File: Lion Encounter ] [ SafPar Fact File: Zambezi Horse Trails ] [ SafPar Fact Sheet: Zambezi Horse Safaris ] [ SafPar Fact File: Elephant Back Safaris ] [ Upper Zambezi Canoe Trails ] [ SafPar Fact File: Thorntree River Lodge ]

http://www.victoriafalls.net/fact_files/zambezi_elephant_trails.htm

6/15/2011

SafPar Fact File: Elephant Back Safaris

Page 6 of 6

[ SafPar Fact File: Kayila Lodge ] [ SafPar Fact File: Mwambashi River Lodge ] [ SafPar Fact File: The Island Trail ] [ SafPar Fact File: Great Zambezi Trail ]

Like

1,262 people like this.

International (Zambezi UK Office) Telephone: +44 845 2930512

Fax: +44 870 0941881 E-mail: safaris@safpar.com

Victoria Falls
Tel: +263 13 4 4424, 4 2190, 4 2054 Fax: +263 13 44510 E-mail: ziminfo@safpar.com

Zambia
Tel: +260 332 0606/7/8 Fax: +260 332 0609 E-mail: zaminfo@safpar.com

Zambezi Safari & Travel Co. Ltd 2001- 2011

http://www.victoriafalls.net/fact_files/zambezi_elephant_trails.htm

6/15/2011