Africa is rich in wildlife. It is home to many wild animals including the amazing elephant. In Central and East Africa, poaching is a threat to elephants. This has reduced their number in the wilderness. In Zambezi valley, poaching the animal is minimal. As a result, the region is home to a larger population of elephants in Africa. In this region, elephants are known for crossing the Zambezi River. This has led to the term ‘Elephant in the Zambezi’. A herd of elephants crosses the dangerous river for various reasons. Let’s learn more about this animal.
Elephant in Africa
The African elephant is the largest walking animal in the world. You can find it in most African countries. You can easily identify it with its trunk. This is what they use to handle objects and communicate. You can also identify them with their tusks and large years. Millions of tourists have visited Africa for a closer view of these big animals. You can also see an elephant in Africa. You just need to book your safari.
Elephant on the Zambezi
You can find elephants along the Zambezi River. This is among the longest rivers in Africa. It crosses through several countries from Zambia to Mozambique. Elephants in the Zambezi Valley cross the river in a fascinating event. It is a magical event that attracts tourists.
There is one major reason why the elephant on the Zambezi crosses the river. This is to interact with others. Elephants live in herds. A herd can have 8 to 100 members. The oldest female leads each herd. There are very strong bonds among the family members.
Elephants along Zambezi Valley cross the River to connect with members of their herds. They use infrasound to communicate. They can do so with animals up to 30 km away. Humans cannot hear these sounds. They may need each other, especially during the breeding season. They also cross the river for more sources of food.
Crossing the Zambezi River
It is very risky for the elephant on the Zambezi to cross the river. The river is very deep. We are talking about a maximum of 116m. It is also wide. This increases the risk of drowning. Elephants use channels with shallow water. Here, the currents are gentler. In deeper water, currents tend to be strong. Elephants can be swept away easily.
Again, crocodiles target smaller elephants. So, it is very difficult for the animals to cross the river.
Crossing the river is quite interesting. Elephants come together and cross the river as a herd. They use one entrance point. The young ones stay on the upper side of the adults. When the current pushes them, they are not swept away. Instead, they are pushed onto the adult members.
Elephants can float. This may sound strange looking at their body size. In the front part of the skull, an elephant on the Zambezi has a honeycomb cavity. This cavity has air pockets. This is what helps them to stay afloat. Then, they paddle and walk in the water.
Zambezi Elephant Fund
It was formed in 2015. Its mission is to create awareness of the loss of habitat and rise of poaching in the Zambezi Valley. It also seeks to address these problems. The goal is to protect elephants and their rangelands. This is achieved in two ways. First, people with different skills come together to create useful strategies. Second, the organization fundraises to support different projects.
ZEF supports organizations that protect and preserve Zambezi Valley. Zambezi elephant fund supporters ensure that funds are used properly. There is a safari that shows how the funds are used. It is called ‘Meet the Elephants’. During the safari, partners get to enjoy closer views of wildlife. They also enjoy fun activities and meeting interesting people.
It is a 14-days safari. On day 1, you arrive in Harare and are transferred to the hotel. You may enjoy your dinner with other partners. On days 2 to 5, you explore Mana Pools National Park. You will see elephants on game drives or nature walks. On days 6 to 8, you explore Matusadona National Park. You will enjoy game viewing on land and water. On days 9 to 11, you explore Hwange National Park. You will spend most of your time viewing elephants and other animals. On days 12 to 13, you visit Victoria Falls. Here, you interact with elephants and tour the falls. This marks the end of the safari.
You can be part of protecting the elephant on the Zambezi. You can help secure a long-lasting future for these amazing wild animals. You can donate. You can also take part in their fundraising events.
Would you like to see an elephant in Africa? Then, you need to book your safari today. You can see African elephants in most countries in Africa. You can see them in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. You can see them in South Africa and many other countries. For an even greater experience, you need to see the elephant on the Zambezi. You should see these huge animals cross the Zambezi River. This event may not be popular as the Great Migration. But it is simply fascinating. You should experience it in person.
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