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 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
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
Afternoon Safari
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
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
Afternoon Safari
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.
AFRICAN CLASSIC
ENCOUNTERS NOR AGENTS ASSUMES NO RISK OR LIABILITY FOR
ANY ACTIVITIES - PARTICIPATION IS VOLUNTARILY
AND AT YOUR OWN RISK
Medical Air Rescue
Service
All clients traveling 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 colors 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 traveling 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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