Elephants are gentle wild animals but can also be dangerous because of their size, weight, and strength. Even lions, which are often called the kings of the jungle, fear elephants. It takes a group of lions (a pride) to bring down one elephant, and even then, they often get injured.
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will find African Savannah elephants, known scientifically as Loxodonta africana. These are the largest land animals on Earth. Uganda is home to about 5,000 elephants, found in Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, Semuliki National Parks, the Greater Virunga Landscape, and other areas.
An adult female elephant gives birth to only one calf at a time. Because of their slow birth rate, the Uganda Wildlife Authority works hard to protect and conserve them.
Like chimpanzees, elephants show behaviors similar to humans. They care for weak family members, adopt orphaned calves, grieve for their dead, and live in family groups led by a female leader called a matriarch.
These groups travel long distances in search of food and water. In Queen Elizabeth, elephants are often seen near the Kazinga Channel, where they drink up to 190 liters of water a day and eat between 250 to 350 kilograms of plants.
Elephants help the environment. By feeding and moving through the bush, they keep grasslands open and create small water holes by digging with their trunks and tusks. These water holes help other animals survive.
You can see elephants during game drives in safari vehicles, usually led by experienced guides. You may also see them during nature walks or boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel. These activities also give you a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, birds, and many more animals.
Birdwatching is very popular in this park. If you take part, try to stay quiet and calm, as birds and elephants are sensitive to noise. Don’t forget your camera to capture the beauty of the park.
If you plan to film elephants, make sure you get a filming permit in advance.
