All of the elephant experiences offer encounters with game, either from the back of these true rulers of the bush or while walking with the animals. It is interesting to see how differently wild animals react to elephants (with you on their back) as opposed to the way they react to humans on foot.
You can even have some fun. Wash an elephant.

Elephant rides are available from a variety of operators on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the river. All experiences begin with an orientation and safety talk as well as an introduction to the elephants you will be riding or walking with.

Times and distances covered vary from operator to operator, so it is best to discuss the various options with the operator.

Elephant Interaction

Elephants are remarkable animals with a high level of emotional intelligence. One of the most popular activities at the Falls is the chance to interact with these great mammals.
This opportunity is offered by operators on both sides of the river and is a highly-recommended experience.

The Easter Elephant Tragedy In years of high rainfall, animals often get swept over the Falls. A particularly heart-wrenching example occurred on Good Friday in April 2007. Guests at the Livingstone Hotel in Zambia watched as an elderly elephant attempted to cross the river from Zimbabwe to Zambia with two younger animals. Midway across the river, which was flowing at an estimated 35km/h, the bigger elephant appeared to get into trouble. Quoted in an article published in the international magazine Newsweek, Kelvin Ng’andu, senior waiter at the hotel, said the larger elephant almost made it to the bank, to the cheers of hotel guests who were watching from the wide lawns that stretch between the hotel and the river bank. However, sharp rocks appeared to make the animal change its mind, and it turned back into the river. It battled against the water, which dragged it downstream towards the Falls. The battle against the current went on for half an hour, with the elephant screaming piteously and its companions returning the calls. “It was a very sad struggle; we could all put ourselves in the boots of that animal,” Ng’andu said. “Some people were crying”. At 4.55pm, a hush descended over the scores of spectators as the elephant disappeared over the main part of the Falls, tumbling down into the Boiling Pot. “That was the same day that our Lord Jesus died for us,” said Ng’andu.