Activity Description
One of the most incredible wildlife experiences available in Victoria Falls. Seeing elephants on a game drive is amazing. Meeting them as individuals, watching their interactions and witnessing their behavior in such an intimate way is truly indescribable.
These rescued elephants have been in the care of their keepers for most of their lives. Previously they helped earn their keep and spread awareness through elephant back safaris. However, with changing attitudes towards human animal interactions around the world, their human herd members opted to move away from the riding, and rather offer the Walk with Giants Elephant Encounter. A unique fundraising and awareness opportunity where you don’t just see elephants, but actually meet them.
Operated on a private game reserve this special elephant herd spend their days foraging naturally and living a pretty normal elephant life, under the supervision of their human herd members. Your activity starts under the cool thatching of an open air Boma overlooking the elephant’s favorite watering hole. Meet the guys that have dedicated their lives to the care and wellbeing of some pretty incredible animals.
After a conservation talk and safety instructions head out into the bush on foot to meet these gentle giants and experience them in their natural environment. Under the constant supervision of their human herd members, witness firsthand the special bond shared between them.
Listen to their intimate stories of the animals that they work with and the conservation message these elephants help to spread. Acting as ambassadors not only to their species, but ecosystems as a whole.
Walk with Giants Activity Requirements
Age Limit: 5 years and older, Note* Parents/Guardians of children under 16 must be present and available to sign indemnity forms
Minimum Height: No minimum height
Maximum Height: No maximum height
Fitness Level: No Fitness Requirement.
Maximum Weight: No Maximum Weight.
Experience Level: No Experience Requirement.
Additional Information
Duration: The whole excursion from time of pickup to drop off at your hotel is approximately 2.5 – 3 hours.
Seasonal Activity: The Walk with Giants is not a seasonal activity and is done throughout the year.
What to wear: Clients are advised to wear comfortable clothing items. Secure footwear such as hiking or running shoes are a must.
What to bring: Clients are advised to bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, sun hat, camera and binoculars.
How safe is the Walk with Giants Elephant Encounter?
Like any activity involving animals there is always an element of risk. However there has never been an accident in the time this activity has been running. A big reason for this is that the encounter is all about experiencing these animals in their natural environment, in a completely observation only way.
Besides this, you will always be under the care and guidance of expert staff who have spent many years with the Elephants. Their ability to read behavior and understand moods is uncanny and will always ensure that your safety is at the forefront of the experience.
What is the difference between a Walk with Giants Elephant Encounter and an Elephant Back Safari?
Obviously the major difference between the two activities is that one sees you walking alongside these incredible animals, unobtrusively observing them in their natural habitat. The other sees you on the back of these great animals observing the world from an elephants eye view.
Given the global movement and attitude change towards animal interactions, each of these activities offers very different experiences. The Walk with Giants Elephant Encounter has embraced the growing movement to have more of an observation approach to animal interactions whilst the rides continue to bring people and animals into close proximity.
Whilst both have their merits, the choice of which experience to have will be entirely based on the individual’s preference. We are big supporters of having experiences with animals that are as natural as possible.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Included:
- Transfers from your lodge/hotel.
- Early morning: Tea, Coffee, Soft Drinks & breakfast
Mid morning: Soft Drinks, Local beer, wine, water, coffee, tea and a selection of hot & cold snacks.
Afternoon: Soft Drinks, Local beer, wine, water, coffee, tea and a selection of hot & cold canapés.
Excluded: Conservation levy which is currently US$10pp.
