African Elephant
Loxodonta africana
The Gentle Giants of the African Bush
Habitat
Savanna, woodland, and forest edges across sub-Saharan Africa
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
60–70 years
Weight
4,000–6,000 kg
The African elephant is the largest land animal on Earth, with bulls standing up to 4 metres tall and weighing 6,000 kg. These highly intelligent, deeply emotional creatures live in matriarchal family groups led by the oldest female. Elephants communicate through low-frequency rumbles that can travel several kilometres through the ground, and their memory is legendary — they can remember water sources, migration routes, and individual elephants across decades.
In South Africa, elephant populations have recovered dramatically from near-extinction in the early 1900s. Kruger National Park alone is home to over 17,000 elephants, while Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape protects over 600 in a malaria-free setting. The Sabi Sands reserves see elephants crossing freely from Kruger, often walking through lodge grounds.
Habitat & Diet
Habitat
Savanna, woodland, and forest edges across sub-Saharan Africa
Diet
Herbivore — grasses, bark, roots, leaves, and fruit (up to 150 kg/day)
Lifespan
60–70 years
Weight
4,000–6,000 kg (bulls), 2,700–3,600 kg (cows)
Best Viewing Locations
- Kruger National Park
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Sabi Sands
- Pilanesberg
Fascinating Facts
Elephants mourn their dead and have been observed returning to the bones of deceased family members
A single elephant can drink 200 litres of water per day
Baby elephants suck their trunks for comfort, similar to human babies with thumbs
Their skin is up to 2.5 cm thick but is so sensitive they can feel a fly landing on it
