ELEPHANTS IN MASAI MARA

The massive elephants are herbivores by nature and tend to stay close to water sources for easy access to water when needed. In Masai Mara, these gigantic species are known to inhabit riverine forests, marshes, and plains, with their population once estimated at 167,000. However, over time, increased poaching in the national reserve led to a decrease of over 20,000 elephants. Through the efforts of the government and game rangers in Masai Mara, poaching was combated by employing former known poachers who provided information on the hideouts of other poachers. As a result, a significant stockpile of ivory was confiscated and destroyed. Kenya was commended for its dedication to elephant conservation. In 2015, the elephant population rebounded to 30,000, and since then, it has been steadily increasing, with 72% of the elephants being recorded to date.
Astonishingly, these magnificent, grey-colored elephants are matriarchal, meaning they are led by the females. It’s quite amazing! They are known to weigh around 6 tons, giving a tough challenge to hungry predators. When predators attack, a full pride of lions is often required for the battle, and even then, some may leave the confrontation with injuries. The cow, the female leader, rules for generations, usually being the oldest and fattest in appearance. Males are called bulls and often stay alone, though some join the herds with a voracious appetite, capable of consuming up to 300 pounds of food in a single day. Elephants become sexually active at the age of 20 for males, while females are fertile between 25 and 40. Mating begins, and once females become pregnant, they have a lengthy 23-month gestation period. Despite the long journey, it doesn’t deter the cows from taking excellent care of their young ones once they give birth. They nurse them for six years, with weaning typically occurring between 6 to 18 months. Adult elephants can live up to 70 years.
Elephants are remarkably versatile, using their trunks for various activities, including sucking up water, picking food, greeting fellow herbivores, and bathing, among others. They display a high level of intelligence, complex emotions, feelings, compassion, and self-awareness. Excellent swimmers, their ears are covered in veins filled with blood, similar to humans. More interestingly, their ears often form distinct patterns used for identifying other elephants, contributing to a unique sense of communication. They also employ ultrasound communication, with their sounds covering an area of up to 50 square kilometers.
Many tourists wonder if they will be able to see elephants in Masai Mara. The answer is likely yes, especially if they are led by a knowledgeable tour guide who can take them to water sources or areas with fresh grass. The best time for an elephant safari is during the dry season when all the wildlife is active, seeking food and water. Months from June to November are recommended as the best for such safaris. However, the doors of Masai Mara are always wide open to welcome visitors, so don’t hesitate to visit the reserve and explore other animal species such as lions, cheetahs, zebras, antelopes, wildebeests, rhinos, buffaloes, and more. A visit to Masai Mara for an elephant safari is akin to visiting London for the first time, so don’t miss the wonders of this area.