Come the end of 2017, Wild Horizons will phase out it’s elephant back safari operations and elephant interactions, replacing the activities with the ‘Elephant Encounter’, which will allow guests to experience the newly retired elephants up close, at the Wild Horizons Wildlife Trust property, situated on the outskirts of Victoria Falls town.
“The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage has been a safe haven to a mirage of orphaned and injured elephants since its conception in 1992. Whilst hand rearing these orphans we have come to understand that the best way to appreciate these magnificent creatures is to watch them living wildly and freely, and The Elephant Encounter will give guests the opportunity to unobtrusively interact with some of the biggest personalities in Africa, in a pristine environment overflowing with raw natural beauty.
An open-design thatch Boma gives guests an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Masui River, and against this breath-taking back drop, guests will be given an insightful and educational presentation on the sanctuary and the individual elephants, their lifestyle and their future release plans. The sanctuary was founded on the principle of conservation, and one of the most effective ways to evoke a sense of environmental responsibility is to show what stands to be lost. Guests will have an opportunity to talk to guides that have journeyed, physically and metaphorically, incredible distances with these elephant, and learn more about the complexities of the individuals and the herd structures. Guests will learn about the elephant’s history and how they came to be in our care as well as the threats facing elephant populations today, in an interesting and informative talk.
Guests will venture out into the bush to spend time with the elephant and the sight of the gentle grey mammals up close and personal will be imprinted on guests minds long after they have returned home.
Witness the special relationship our staff share with the elephants and become a part of it. You will have the opportunity to take photographs with the elephants. Marvel at their size and watch them behaving normally; browsing and interacting with one another.
All the elephants within our care are orphans or the prodigy of orphans and we work closely with the Parks and Wildlife management authority, offering a haven to elephants in distress within the country. Our initial operations started in 1993 with a group of 4 young orphaned elephants requiring a home, having derived from a population reduction exercise carried out in the late 1980’s by the Parks and Wildlife. Since that time we have been refuge to 33 orphan elephant needing a home, most of which have been released back into the Wild.
After the encounter with these amazing creatures you will be seated for a light buffet lunch consisting of fresh and hearty fare (including local beers, wines, soft drinks, water, coffee & tea).
After lunch you will be transferred back to your accomodation.”
Book your Elephant Encounter for 2018 with Bushtracks Africa by getting in touch with one of our reservations consultants today – reservations@bushtracksafrica.com
