# African Elephant > Discover the African Elephant, the largest land animal on Earth and one of Africa's most iconic wildlife species. Known for their intelligence, strong family bonds, remarkable memory, and impressive size, African elephants roam the savannahs, forests, wetlands, and national parks across the continent. These gentle giants play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems by shaping landscapes and dispersing seeds. Encountering African elephants in their natural habitat is one of the most unforgettable highlights of any African safari experience. - **Type:** animal - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//wildlife/african-elephant - **Last updated:** 2026-07-23 ## Key facts - **Scientific Name:** Loxodonta africana - **Category:** Big Five - **Habitat:** Savanna, forests, marshes - **Diet:** Herbivore - **Conservation Status:** Least Concern - **Sighting Chance:** Very Common - **Best Time To See:** Year-round; dry months (June–October, January–February) concentrate herds at rivers and swamps — Amboseli is superb at midday ## Details The African Elephant ( Loxodonta africana ) is the largest land mammal on Earth and one of Africa's most recognizable wildlife species. Revered for its intelligence, strength, and social nature, the African elephant has become a symbol of conservation and one of the most sought-after animals to see on safari. There are two recognized species of African elephants: the African Savannah Elephant and the African Forest Elephant . The savannah elephant is the larger of the two and is commonly found in open grasslands and national parks throughout East and Southern Africa. Adult males, known as bulls, can stand up to 4 meters tall at the shoulder and weigh more than 6 tons. Females are generally smaller but remain among the largest mammals on the continent. African elephants are distinguished by their large fan-shaped ears, powerful trunks, and curved ivory tusks. The elephant's trunk is one of the most versatile appendages in the animal kingdom, containing over 40,000 muscles. It is used for feeding, drinking, communication, lifting objects, and social interaction. Elephants are highly intelligent creatures capable of problem-solving, cooperation, emotional expression, and long-term memory. African elephants live in close-knit family groups led by an experienced matriarch. These family units often consist of mothers, daughters, sisters, and calves, while adult males tend to live independently or form smaller bachelor groups. As ecosystem engineers, elephants play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity. They create pathways through vegetation, dig waterholes, disperse seeds, and help shape habitats that support countless other species. African elephants inhabit a variety of ecosystems, including savannahs, forests, wetlands, deserts, and mountain regions. Despite their adaptability, elephant populations face threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching for ivory. Conservation efforts across Africa continue to protect these magnificent animals and their habitats. For safari travelers, observing a herd of elephants crossing a savannah, bathing in a river, or interacting with their young is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences Africa has to offer. ## Seeing Elephants in the Masai Mara Kenya’s [Masai Mara National Reserve](/kenya/masai-mara-national-reserve) supports a healthy resident elephant population, with breeding herds regularly seen along the Mara River forests and around Musiara Marsh. Many travellers pair the Mara with Amboseli’s famous tuskers on an [8-day Kenya safari](/safaris/8-day-kenya-safari-from-nairobi) that covers both. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the African elephant? The African elephant is the largest land mammal on Earth and one of Africa's most iconic wildlife species. ### Where do African elephants live? African elephants live across sub-Saharan Africa in savannahs, forests, wetlands, and protected conservation areas. ### How much does an African elephant weigh? Adult males can weigh between 4,500 and 6,500 kilograms, while females typically weigh between 2,700 and 3,600 kilograms. ### What do African elephants eat? They are herbivores that feed on grasses, leaves, bark, fruits, roots, and shrubs. ### How long do African elephants live? African elephants can live between 60 and 70 years in the wild. ### Where can travellers see African elephants on safari in East Africa? Reliable East African elephant sightings are found in Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, Samburu, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Murchison Falls. Amboseli and Tarangire are especially strong choices for large herds and close photographic encounters. ### When is the best time to see elephants in Kenya and Tanzania in 2026? From late June to October 2026, the dry season concentrates elephants around rivers, marshes and permanent water sources in parks such as Amboseli, Tarangire and Tsavo. Calmer visibility and thinner vegetation usually make sightings easier during this period. ### What is the difference between African savannah elephants and forest elephants? Savannah elephants are larger, with bigger ears and more outward-curving tusks, and live mainly in grasslands and open woodland. Forest elephants are smaller, darker and adapted to Central and West African rainforests, with straighter, downward-pointing tusks. ### Are African elephants endangered? Yes. The IUCN lists the African savannah elephant as Endangered and the African forest elephant as Critically Endangered, mainly because of habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflict. ### Why are elephants called ecosystem engineers? Elephants modify habitats by knocking down trees, creating trails, digging for water and spreading seeds through dung. These behaviours create feeding areas, water access and habitat diversity for many other species. ### Is it safe to watch elephants on safari? Yes, when viewed with a professional guide at a respectful distance. Travellers should stay inside the vehicle, avoid blocking a herd’s path and be especially cautious around breeding herds, calves and lone bulls in musth. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.