World Elephant Day 2025: Top 10 Countries With The Largest Elephant Populations

OT Staff & eisha g

Botswana

Botswana in southern Africa is home to about a third of the world's elephant population—over 130,000. Chobe National Park is the best place to see large concentrations of African elephants.

An elephant in Chobe National Park | Shutterstock

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's elephant population is estimated at around 100,000, nearly double the land’s capacity. Hwange National Park is the best place to see the African elephant.

An African elephant walks on a dusty path | Shutterstock

Tanzania

It is estimated that there are 60,000 elephants in Tanzania. They can be found in the national parks of Serengeti, Tarangire and Ruaha.

A female elephant with two calves in Serengeti National Park | Shutterstock

Kenya

The 2021 national wildlife census of Kenya recorded an elephant population of 36,280. The Samburu National Reserve and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve are the top places to see African elephants in the country.

An elephant in Amboseli National Park | Shutterstock

South Africa

According to the government, there are about 44,000 African savanna elephants in the country. Visit Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park and the Knysna Elephant Park to see them in their natural habitat.

Elephants in Kruger National Park | Shutterstock

Namibia

There are about 24,000 elephants in Namibia. The desert-adapted elephants live in the Brandberg mountain region, the Ugab River and the Aba Huab River.

Elephants at a watering hole in Etosha National Park | Shutterstock

Zambia

According to a 2016 estimate, Zambia has 22,000 elephants, approximately 15,000 of whom live in the Luangwa Valley ecosystem. These gentle giants can also be seen in the Kafue and Kasanka national parks.

An elephant wading in the Zambezi River | Shutterstock

India

According to the Wildlife Institute of India, there are approximately 15,887 Asian elephants in the country. Bandipur National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Jim Corbett National Park and Dudhwa National Park are the best places to see them.

Close-up of an Asian elephant | Shutterstock

Mozambique

This Southeast African country has an estimated population of 10,800 elephants. The best place to see them is in Maputo National Park.

An African bull elephant reaches up to a tree | Shutterstock

Gabon

According to a 2022 estimate, there are around 95,000 African forest elephants in Gabon, a country on the Atlantic Coast of Africa. The national parks of Loango and Minkébé are the top places to see the pachyderms.

A forest elephant in Loango National Park | Shutterstock

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A wild baby Asian elephant in Dudhwa National Park | Shutterstock
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