Elephant
“Elephant hunting is one of the most demanding dangerous game pursuits in Africa and requires precision, discipline, and experienced professional guidance at every step.” – Graham Sales Safaris
When it comes to hunting the Big 5, no animal carries the same weight of history and awe as the African Elephant. At Graham Sales Safaris, we offer sustainable, ethical, and free-range Elephant hunting Safaris led by experienced Professional Hunters in premier concessions.
Elephant hunting in Africa: Pursuing the icons of the Savanna
Taxonomy of the genus Loxodonta
The genus name Loxodonta is derived from the Greek “loxos” (slanting) and “donto” (teeth), referring to the Elephant’s distinctive slanting tusks. While Elephants were once regarded as a single species, modern biological studies now confirm two distinct species: the Savanna Elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis).
The Savanna Elephant is the primary focus for those interested in big game hunting in southern Africa and Botswana. It is considerably larger than its forest-dwelling cousin and is easily identified by its large, Africa-shaped ears.
Key species and regional forms for the trophy hunter
Southern Savanna Elephant (L. a. africana): Found from South Africa through Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. This grouping also includes Namibia’s famed Desert Elephants.
East African Savanna Elephant (L. a. knochenhaueri): Native to regions such as Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
West African Savanna Elephant (L. a. oxyotis): Ranging from Senegal to Ethiopia.
The Forest Elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis)
The Forest Elephant is smaller, with rounded ears and tusks that grow straighter downward rather than curving outward. Their ivory is often thinner and lighter brown in hue.
Unique features: Unlike the Savanna Elephant, which generally has four toenails on the front feet and three on the back, the Forest Elephant typically has five on the front and four on the back, a trait shared with the Asian Elephant.
The “Dwarf” Elephant: There is often mention of a Pygmy or Dwarf Elephant (L. c. pumilio), although many experts regard this as a smaller morph rather than a distinct subspecies.
Expert guidance: The Graham Sales advantage
Elephant hunting is one of the most challenging dangerous game hunts in existence. Success depends on a Professional Hunter who understands terrain, wind, herd behaviour, bull movement, and the reality of close-range encounters. For the serious sportsman, Botswana remains a premier destination because of its density of mature bulls and vast free-range concessions. Graham Sales Safaris operates in two of Botswana’s finest hunting concessions.
Is it legal to hunt Elephants? Yes. In carefully regulated regions where wildlife populations are healthy, legal hunting is an important conservation tool. In some areas Elephant numbers have increased to the point where habitat damage begins to affect smaller species and broader ecosystem balance. Responsible, regulated hunting helps manage these populations while generating funding for anti-poaching work, habitat protection, and community-based conservation.
By choosing an Elephant hunt with Graham Sales Safaris, clients directly support ethical, sustainable conservation while experiencing one of Africa’s greatest hunting challenges.
Preferred caliber for Elephant
For Elephant hunting, the legal minimum is generally a .375 H&H, but our Professional Hunters prefer .40 calibers such as the .416 Rigby for their reliability and proven field performance. Larger options such as the .450 Rigby and .460 Weatherby are also excellent choices, provided the client is comfortable and proficient with the rifle.
For Elephant, a quality solid bullet is the preferred option, offering the controlled penetration needed for a safe and ethical harvest. Clients are encouraged to consult with Graham or one of his Professional Hunters before the hunt to select the correct bullet for the specific Safari conditions.
Shot placement by Graham Sales
On an Elephant, the margin for error is effectively zero. This is a hunt that demands absolute precision, total respect for the animal, and calm guidance from seasoned Professionals. Depending on the angle and circumstances, the opportunity may call for either a brain shot or a heart/lung shot, and our Professional Hunters provide step-by-step direction to ensure a swift, humane, and ethical harvest.
At Graham Sales Safaris, Elephant hunting represents the pinnacle of trophy hunting in Africa—earned, unforgettable, and conducted to the highest standards. Operating in Botswana’s legendary concessions, we deliver a world-class Safari experience backed by deep local knowledge and decades of experience.
Professional Hunter Jannie Stander will gladly assist with preparation, rifle and bullet selection, and any aspect of the hunt from first planning through execution. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to ethical hunting help ensure that clients approach this once-in-a-lifetime experience with confidence.
Are you ready to book the ultimate African hunting challenge?
Contact Graham Sales Safaris to begin planning your Elephant hunt in Botswana.
