On tiptoes through the realm of the 'desert' elephants

25-02-25 Desert elephants Huab River - Greg Willis Wikipedia 2006-10-08 web 960 x 640

At least 70 metres distance. If calves are present, keep an even greater distance. Do not stay longer than 20 minutes to observe the animals. Do not drive after the animals. And: Never get out of the car when they are nearby.

These are just some of the many rules for observation drives through the realm of the 'desert' elephants that have been agreed upon by those responsible in north-west Namibia. More than 30 representatives from lodges, tour operators and local communities attended the meeting at the Uibasen-Twyfelfontein Conservancy Hall.

The organisers were the Tourism Supporting Conservation Trust (TOSCO)  and the Elephant-Human Relations Aid (EHRA). TOSCO is committed to responsible travel in Namibia, EHRA to the protection of the 'desert' elephants in north-west Namibia.

Elephants adapted to life in arid regions are under threat. Their numbers have been stagnating for years. There is increasing evidence that the animals are under constant stress. The reasons for this are increasing droughts due to climate change and growing conflicts with humans.

The latter refers to the communities in the area for a long time. Tourism is a new source of stress. Tour operators and lodges advertise the 'desert' elephants. Guests want to experience them, as close as possible. As the animals move along the riviers (dry river courses), there is little room to aviod each other.

More and more often, groups of elephants find themselves literally surrounded by vehicles. The stress is all the greater when they have newborn calves.

According to the EHRA, the animals are also sometimes fed with fruit. If elephants become accustomed to humans, there can be dangerous encounters that end with the 'problem animals' being killed.

Showing consideration for the elephants

To avoid such conflicts, TOSCO, EHRA and representatives of tourism companies and communities have agreed on comprehensive rules. Under the motto: "We tiptoe through the realm of the 'desert' elephants." The rules also apply to self-drivers. Misbehaviour will be reported.

Here is the list of rules (with only a few omissions).

ON ELEPHANT DRIVES IN THE RIVERBEDS:

• We do a vehicle check before the drive to minimise the risk of breakdown in the riverbed.
• We engage in 4x4.
• We always keep a safe distance of more than 70 meters away from elephants.
• If newborn calves are present, we take extra care and stay far away.
• We always drive away if elephants approach our vehicle. We never let an elephant get close enough to touch our vehicle!
• We always keep an escape route for ourselves AND the elephants.
• We only stay 20 minutes at a sighting and then leave the elephants at peace.
• We do not drive faster than elephants usually walk (5-8 km/h).
• We make sure there is a maximum of 3 cars at a sighting.
• We do not leave our car when around elephants.
• We do not drive behind elephants.
• We do not take fruits or bread along on a game drive.
• We stay quiet.
• If elephants seem stressed, we drive away.
• When entering the Huab river area, we sign in at De Riet Tourist Information Centre.

CAMPING & FOOD

• We do not camp in the riverbed.
• We do not let elephants access any human food or refreshments.
• We do not leave vegetable or fruit waste in open bins where wildlife can access it.
• We do not leave food in our tent.
• We do not go on elephant drives with fruits in our car.
• We pack our food in metal boxes or hand it in at the reception until returning from our drive.
• We take our trash away with us.

ACCOUNTABILITY

• Guides observing non-compliance should report this to their manager promptly, providing as much proof as possible.
• Managers take up the issue with TOSCO.

Sven-Eric Stender