The first time you see a wild Gorongosa elephant is a moment you will never forget. They are the essence of our untamed African wilderness: huge, majestic, truly awe-inspiring. Gorongosa has between 800 and 1000 of these beautiful animals today. Each family is led by the oldest, wisest female: the Matriarch. She’s usually the one leading her family back to the forest in the morning or leading them to water in the afternoon. 

Gorongosa’s elephants play an important role in the park’s ecosystem, and every creature here somehow depends on them. By knocking down trees and eating tall grass, they act like gardeners, keeping the bush open and clear, accessible to other grazers. They spend 16 hours a day eating to satisfy their huge appetite, and you can spot the telltale signs of their presence everywhere: enormous balls of poop that fertilize the soil and spread seeds. Their dung is also a delicious treat for Gorongosa’s dung beetles

Our elephants are truly wild. They haven’t spent as much time near tourists as elephants in other parks. As humans have always been a natural predator, they sometimes react to vehicles by running away or making defensive displays like trumpeting and mock-charging. Mostly, this is just their way of telling you to keep your distance. Our safari guides are well-trained and know they need to give the elephants lots of space.

Your time with Gorongosa’s elephants on your Mozambique safari will help them to build trust and show them they have nothing to fear. Thank you from us and “Trumpets” from the elephants.