Bush Whacking with Elephants

Horses and Elephants

A horse mad friend recently asked me how do you ride an elephant? At first I thought said friend might have had too much Christmas bubbly, but the question intrigues so here goes.

Firstly its easier than riding a horse – at least an elephant will not go careening off into the bush at the speed of light, hurtling itself and you over life threatening obstacles – all the time you hanging on for dear life and praying like you never prayed before.

So relax an elephant back safari is a much more sedate affair. In fact it is a wonderful experience and a never to be forgotten memory of being so close to the gentle giants.

Elephant Riding Lessons

There are some logistical problems which first need to be negotiated. No. 1 logistical problem – how do you climb aboard a 3 m high (about 10 ft) 6000 kg animal?

Quite easy really – you climb up a few steps to a wooden scaffold. The elephant is then led over to the scaffold allowing you to “mount”. There are even stirrups if you wish to use them. The elephant’s handler (mahout) is the first on the elephant.

Once everyone feels comfortable then off you go on the experience of a lifetime.

Do the elephant walk

The elephant ride is a slow rhythmic sway with frequent stops while the ellie eats at one end, and delivers at the other end.

These elephants are not circus trained but they are trained from about 2 years of age. It is only when they are about 8 or 9 years that they are allowed to take people on safari.

Cool Reception

On arrival at the elephant camp you are welcomed by the trainers and handlers and there is always a cold one of all descriptions ready for you. I like this civilized way of doing things.

While quenching the African thirst a brief safety talk is given. At all times you are requested to hold onto the strap in front of you. You can also hold on to the dishy Brad Pitt lookalike – if he happens to be on board.

The trek takes you through the African bush and whilst there are no raging waters to navigate, the elephant will have to negotiate some dongas. If the elephant is moving “uphill” then lean forward and if moving “downhill” then lean backwards.

These positions just help the elephant and keep the weight more evenly balanced.

Safety rules

There are a couple of things you should be aware of. Never try to jump or slide off the elephant. If you wish to get off at any time, just pass the message to the mahout. An armed guard accompanies the safari and there is also a first aid kit on the ride.

Birds Eye View

High atop the elephant you get a totally different view of the bush – bird watching just got better.

Actual time on the back of the ellie is about 40 minutes and at the end you dismount (roughly the same procedure as mounting). At the end of your bush trek its time to thank your elephant host and to interact with the giant.

Pelleting the elephant

A favourite treat for them are game cubes – these are small game pellets full of nutritional value and other good healthy things.

Of course the elephant has a never-ending appetite so he needs feeding like all the time.

You can feed the elephant from your hand – or drop them into his mouth. Make sure to disengage hand from elephant mouth after each mouthful. Stroke behind their ears and really interact with them. These are great moments for some photographic or video shots.

Let’s face it – you need the evidence to show your family and friends that you really did ride an African elephant in Victoria Falls.