Overview: Elephant Art Experience

The Elephant Camp works closely with the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to run the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary, an organisation that takes in elephants that have been orphaned through human actions and can’t be reintroduced back into the wild. The elephants are cared for by staff who have been trained by Kansas City Zoo, and through use of positive reinforcement methods have been trained to interact with guests.

As the elephants are so habituated to human presence, they make perfect models for painting workshops run by The Elephant Camp.

Each workshop starts with an introductory presentation on the history of the sanctuary, giving you a chance to talk to the guides and discover the history behind each of the elephants you will be painting, finding out how each individual came to be in the sanctuary’s care.

After this introduction you will be led down to a waterhole, where your easel and blank canvas will have been set up under the shade of a huge mopane tree. A private tutor will then be able to instruct you on how best to use your paints and brushes to capture the landscape and the elephants in front of you.

You will then round off your experience with a buffet lunch, a cold drink, and a chance to sit back and admire your artistic endeavours.

Direct interaction with wild animals for the purpose of tourism is rightly coming under increased scrutiny, and we have carefully considered the ethical implications of this art experience. Based on our visits to The Elephant Camp we are very happy with the professionalism and methods used by the camp staff when dealing with the elephants, and believe that this experience is an ethical way for The Elephant Camp to raise the funds necessary to fulfil their long-term obligation to care for elephants that cannot be reintroduced to the wild.

Please note: Expert Africa can only arrange this inspired painting class & lunch as part of a full, Expert Africa itinerary which includes a stop in Victoria Falls. See the Holiday ideas, below, for examples of such itineraries.

Start location: Any of Expert Africa's hotels or lodges in the vicinity of Victoria Falls - normally pick up will be around 11:30
End location: Back at your hotel
Meals included: Lunch & local beers, wine & soft drinks
Duration: Three hours
Maximum group size: Eight people

Photo gallery

What to look forward to.

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Habituated elephants make perfect models at The Elephant Camp...

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...where private tutors can help you to capture one of Africa's most iconic species.

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You will also have a chance to directly interact with the elephants you will be painting.

Habituated elephants make perfect models at The Elephant Camp...

...where private tutors can help you to capture one of Africa's most iconic species.

You will also have a chance to directly interact with the elephants you will be painting.

Ideas for holidays which can include Elephant Art Experience

Add this experience to these trip ideas or contact us to start planning your own tailor-made safari to Zimbabwe.

Sable Self-drive Safari

12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A great-value southern African self-drive adventure from Namibia along the Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining other-worldly landscapes, unforgettable wildlife spectacles and rarely visited places, and ending at Victoria Falls.

US$7,680 - US$9,270 per person

Klipspringer Safari

8 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT

An outstanding-value Zimbabwe safari exploring Victoria Falls and two contrasting locations in western Zimbabwe – Hwange and the Matobo Hills – giving you a real feel for Zimbabwe, its people and wildlife.

US$2,890 - US$3,570 per person

Nyala Safari

10 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls

US$12,060 - US$16,260 per person

Great Egret Safari

12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

This wonderfully varied adventure combines Botswana's Okavango Delta and a live-aboard houseboat safari on the Chobe River, with big game in Zimbabwe's dry Hwange National Park and the stupendous Victoria Falls.

US$10,360 - US$17,410 per person

Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.

US$6,550 - US$8,320 per person

Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari

18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.

US$6,910 - US$10,400 per person

Leopard Safari

13 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town – a classic southern African itinerary combining luxury, wilderness, safari and culture. We can't think of a better way to spend two weeks.

US$13,430 - US$17,990 per person

Pied Kingfisher Safari

9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT

A luxury safari combining three of Zimbabwe's top highlights. The trip uses some of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe and is perfect for a family or small group.

US$8,470 - US$11,860 per person

The Highlights of Africa

17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.

US$15,270 - US$19,670 per person

Other excursions in Zimbabwe

Inspiration and great ideas for other experiences in Zimbabwe to include in your safari.

Ra-Ikane River Cruise

Two hours minimum

Cruising the upper sections of the Zambezi reveals another dimension to the river's beauty, adding a sense of serenity to the thrill of watching it cascade over the Victoria Falls. On a Ra-Ikane river cruise, experience the river’s islands and channels, keeping an eye out for wildlife, and the spray from the Falls.

More about Ra-Ikane River Cruise

95% (40 reviews)

Helicopter Flight - Zimbabwe

Shortest flight is 12-25 minutes

While viewing the Victoria Falls from the ground is a stunning experience, seen the world’s largest waterfall from the air allows for a completely different perspective, historically said to have been so beautiful as to have been seen by ‘angels in flight’.

More about Helicopter Flight

96% (9 reviews)

Guided tour of Victoria Falls

Two hours - AM & PM departures

One of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the mighty Victoria Falls has to be seen to be believed. Why not take an expertly guided trip to learn about the history, geology, flora and fauna of one of Africa's most spectacular sites?

More about Tour of the Falls

100% (5 reviews)

Elephant Encounter

Three hours

For a very personal encounter with elephants, head to The Elephant Camp near Victoria Falls. From its sanctuary for orphaned elephants, it offers close interaction with one of Africa's most iconic species, including the chance to feed the elephants by hand, and talk to the guides who have raised and trained them.

More about Elephant Encounter

92% (5 reviews)

Zambezi Explorer River Cruise

Two hours

Watching the sunset from the middle of the Zambezi River, with the spray of the falls behind you, is an incredibly popular activity. A large variety of cruises are on offer, ranging from cheap and boozy directed towards the backpacker crowd, to much more luxurious and serene experiences. A great option for the latter style is the Zambezi Explorer.

More about Zambezi Explorer

100% (4 reviews)

Historical Bridge Tour

Two hours - AM & PM departures

A feat of engineering the Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 as part of Cecil Rhodes' vision to link the Cape to Cairo. With an expert guide and the appropriate safety equipment you'll not only discover the wonders of this Victorian marvel but also gain a unique perspective of the Victoria Falls themselves.

More about Bridge Tour

Bushtracks Express

Generally four and a half hours

The Bushtracks Express Train starts its journey at Zimbabwe’s iconic Victoria Falls Station before departing on its route through Victoria Falls National Park the Victoria Falls Bridge, where guests enjoy the stunning view of the Falls. Afterwards, the train will depart for a siding out of town, for dinner.

More about Bushtracks Express

Cookery Course & Activity

Six hours - afternoon activity

Make a traditional Southern African ‘potjie dinner’ on the banks of the Zambezi River. You’ll be guided through the preparation process by professional chefs before embarking on an afternoon activity while your dinner cooks. The activity is followed by a 3-course meal, including your self-made Pot as the main course.

More about Cookery Course