World Elephant Day: A Day to Reflect on Our Gentle Giants

They may be the world’s largest land animals, but even elephants deserve a day dedicated to them so we can highlight their need for protection. World Elephant Day, observed annually on August 12th, is an occasion for quiet contemplation on the magnificent presence of elephants in our world and the delicate balance of their future.

Newmark Hotels & Reserves takes a closer look at the importance of World Elephant Day and how ecotourism can play a part.

An Elephant Story
Elephants are sentient beings. Despite their intimidating size (6000kg on average), they have profound family bonds and remarkable intelligence. They are playful, feel emotions and have a tremendous sense of self-awareness.

You will notice their social nature in nuanced interactions within an elephant family as the herd gathers at the waterhole or moves with unhurried grace across the African plains. A valued part of our ecosystem, these endearing creatures must be protected, and that’s what this day is all about.

Elephant Conservation
Their large presence may protect them from being hunted by predators, but unfortunately, it cannot shield them from other elements endangering elephants across the world. Habitat loss is one of the factors leading to the extinction of some elephant species, while poaching remains an ongoing challenge.

Even in fenced parks, elephants are still at deadly risk of being poached for their ivory tusks. Eminent threats like this underscore the vital work of conservation and the relentless dedication by individuals and organisations to guarding these majestic creatures.

How You Can Honour Them
One way to play your part is by joining an online community that allows you to ‘adopt an elephant’ or join a local programme to raise awareness. Another way to honour this day is by supporting ecotourism and choosing responsible travel. A distinguished safari with a focus on connecting rather than just sightseeing is a fantastic way to pay homage to the gentle giants.

Newmark Hotels & Reserves is proud to offer safari getaways at mindfully curated lodges that are committed to responsible tourism and are making genuine conservation efforts that champion the preservation of elephants for generations to come.

From Nkomazi in the UNESCO-protected Emanza region and Mount Camdeboo in the heart of the Great Karoo to walking safaris at Motswari in the Timbavati and QWABI in the Waterberg, guests will have the privilege of unadulterated luxury in a pristine natural setting with conservation at its core.

Head Guide Damien Fourie at QWABI Private Game Reserve shared: "Our elephants consist of one breeding herd with 18 members in it. This breeding herd occasionally splits due to tensions between the older females, and we may need to consider a permanent split in the near future. We’ve got one teenager bull in the herd that is now starting to get confidence built up, so you can expect some heart-racing experiences with him mock-charging vehicles, but never getting serious.

Our elephants came from Marakele Game Reserve, which is a stone’s throw away from our western boundary. This herd spends more time on the west side of the reserve, often looking for ways to get back to Marakele Game Reserve. They tend to hang out in the thickets a lot, making it a big struggle to see them. But once we see them, they are amazing to view with all the personalities coming out.

One cow with a broken ear often takes on the role of protector of the herd and would be the first to alert you if she is unhappy and the herd is uncomfortable. She usually places herself between us and the herd as the barrier for their comfort zone, and when not respected, she will notify you by giving mock charges with her offspring following in pursuit."

A chance to marvel in the continued existence of elephants in their wild and rightful domains is a luxury. Join Newmark Hotels & Reserves in commemorating World Elephant Day and book your conscious safari now.