Places to See Forest Elephants in East Africa
The best places to see forest elephants in East Africa. Forest elephants are also part of the elephant family which are relatively similar to those in the savannah parks. These elephants live in small groups of three members. They are also one of the destructive species in the forests. They destroy the areas they stay in and dig up the soil in search of minerals. Forest elephants are smaller than savannah elephants in size. Most forest elephants are found in Africa’s central region, and a few are in Uganda. Additionally, forest elephants have 5 toes on their front feet and four on their hind feet. Their bodies are covered by straight hair and grey and their tuskers are smaller than those of the savannah species.
Forest elephants feed in large quantities on leaves, grass, and fruits and can drink over 15 liters of water per day. While in the forests, these elephants communicate in low tones so the fellows can get the message due to their large ears. The gestation period of the forest elephants is about 22 months where they give a single calf per each birth.
Where can I see forest elephants in East Africa?
The forest elephants in East Africa can be seen within Uganda and some of these areas include;
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda at the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The park is famous for hosting several mountain gorillas. The park is home to the forest elephants that live with the mountain gorillas within the forest. These elephants are usually natives or migrants from the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is hard for travelers to find these elephants since they are rarely seen. Travelers usually track them using the footprints that they live behind. Additionally, travelers can track them from the areas they will have dug up to get minerals.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
This is the smallest park located at the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo part of the Virunga region. Kibale National Park is also home to the mountain gorillas living with golden monkeys. In this park, travelers can also see the forests elephants living in the forests of the park. Travelers encounter these elephants during the hiking of the 3 volcanoes that is Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura, gorilla trekking, and also during golden monkey trekking. The forest elephants in this park keep migrating to the different regions of the park and also cross boundaries.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is found in the western part of Uganda within the Kabaroole district. This park is famous for the chimpanzee since it is home to several chimpanzee species. It hosts the forest elephants that travelers encounter during the chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, birding, and many other activities.
Semuliki National Park
This park is found within the Congo basin in western Uganda at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is a great destination for travelers to see the forest elephants. Travelers on where to find the forest elephants have to engage in the different nature walks within the park to find them.
Mountain Elgon National Park
Mountain Elgon National Park is with the Elgon ranges which is the land of the Bagisu. The park is in the eastern region of Uganda. It is this park where travelers can see the forest elephants. These elephants can be spotted during the hiking of the mountain Elgon, nature walks, and during the birding safari.
Rwenzori Mountain National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is within the Mountain Rwenzori ranges located in western Uganda. This park has a more diverse environment to support several wildlife. Forest elephants can be spotted in this park during hiking, nature walks, birding, and many others.
Volcanoes national park
Found in the western part of Rwanda at the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. This is also a great destination in Rwanda where travelers can see the forest elephants. The forest elephants in this park can be sited during the hike to the Dian Fossey tomb which lies within the park.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Udzungwa Mountains National Park is found in the region Iringa region of Tanzania. This is one of the newly created parks which was founded in 2012. This park is also home to the forest elephants which are spotted during the hiking of the mountain, nature walks, and many others. There are very few elephants found in this park.
Threats faced by the forest elephants in East Africa
There are several threats faced by forest elephants among them include the;
- Loss of the habitant due to human encroachment.
- Poaching due to increased demand for their body parts.
- Infertility rate among the elephants
- Climate change is also another challenge facing the elephants.
What is the best time to see forest elephants in East Africa?
Forest elephants in East Africa can be seen throughout the year. During the dry season June to September and December to February. This is the best time to see them since the environment is drier and clearer for the viewing of these elephants. Additionally, during this time, they are seen in the lowlands looking for more pastures.
