ELEPHANT BACK TRAILS

ZIMBABWE

In 1985 a severe drought in Gonarezhou, Zimbabwe's second largest National Park, had an extreme impact on the wildlife. Fortunately 2 young orphaned elephants were rescued and translocated to our private ranch, where they were cared for and bottle-fed back to health.

12 years later these orphans have built an incredible relationship with man. So much so that they revel in the pleasure of carrying people on their strong backs.

They are extremely social animals, and love and physical contact is an important part of their daily routine. Guests are encouraged to spend a good deal of time interacting with the elephants.

During the full moon phase, a moonlight elephant back ride is a truly magical experience.

These gentle creatures are extremely intelligent and all training has been implemented using a reward system. At no time have they been subjected to any form of physical punishment.

The elephants have quite distinctive characters.

The biggest is "Tusker". He has always been the adventurous one, and you can be sure that when mischief is brewing, Tusker will be at the centre of it! "Duma" is Mr Cool, calm, collected and very laid back. Nothing much gets him excited.

This intangible bonding between human and elephant is probably one of the most touching and memorable wildlife experience you are likely to experience.

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