African Elephant
Loxodonta africana
About African Elephant
The largest land mammal, with tusks and a trunk; important ecosystem engineers in savanna and miombo woodland.
Physical Characteristics
Very large body, long trunk, tusks; adult males up to 6 tonnes.
Habitat
Savanna, woodland and riverine areas.
Diet
Herbivorous — grasses, leaves, bark and fruit.
Behavior
Social matriarchal herds; migratory in seasonal areas.
Quick Facts
Best Viewing Times
Dry season when concentrated around permanent water (June–October).
Best Viewing Locations
Tarangire, Ruaha, Nyerere (Selous) floodplains.
Where to Find African Elephant
Burigi-Chato National Park
Burigi-Chato, Tanzania, Kagera / Geita
New northwestern park with lakes, woodlands and diverse habitats.
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Katavi National Park
Katavi, Tanzania, Rukwa
Remote wilderness with spectacular seasonal wildlife concentrations.
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Mikumi National Park
Mikumi (near Morogoro), Tanzania, Morogoro
Accessible savanna park east of the Udzungwa mountains, good for short safaris.
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Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Southern Tanzania, Lindi / Pwani / Morogoro
Large southern park (formerly Selous) with riverine habitats and large wildlife populations.
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Ruaha National Park
Ruaha, Tanzania, Iringa / Dodoma
Vast remote park famed for predators and large elephant herds.
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