Elephant Havens: Giving Baby Elephants And Communities a Second Chance

At Anywhere in Africa Safaris, we believe travel should leave a positive impact. That’s why we’re proud to support Elephant Havens in Maun, Botswana - a sanctuary that’s not only rescuing orphaned baby elephants but also transforming the local communities that surround them. Inspiring doesn’t even come close to what they’re doing!

Saving Baby Elephants, One Life at a Time

Every year, Botswana’s elephants face tough challenges, from drought and floods to human-wildlife conflict. Elephant Havens rescues vulnerable calves who have lost their families and provides expert care.

Currently, over 30 baby elephants call the sanctuary “home.” These youngsters start their day feeding on fresh grasses and acacia leaves, while the tiniest calves still rely on bottle feeds every few hours, day and night. It’s a demanding routine but one full of hope.

Visitors to Elephant Havens get the rare chance to meet the herd and witness their incredible journey from orphaned calves to thriving young elephants - a truly unforgettable experience. Pictured here is me on one of my first-ever visits - I try to go at least once a year to see the incredible work that Debra Stevens, Boago Polok and their team are doing.

More Than Just Elephants: Investing in People

What makes Elephant Havens special is its deep commitment to the local community. Conservation isn’t just about wildlife - it’s about people too. Here are some initiatives that have taken place over the past year within the local community.

• The Ellie Hair Project: Led by Kay, Elephant Havens’ first female elephant handler, this project brings dozens of underprivileged children from nearby villages to town for professional haircuts, braiding, and a nutritious meal. It’s a powerful way to uplift vulnerable kids, build confidence, and strengthen community ties to conservation.

• School Upgrades: Elephant Havens has renovated toilets and installed fresh running water at Shorobe Primary School, improving sanitation for over 400 learners. Clean water and proper facilities make a real difference in children’s health and education. They’re in the process of sourcing laptops and doing work on the school’s infrastructure to give these kids access to more opportunities. Pictured above is there bus which they donated to the school to assist in transporting children to and from school, and to arranged extra-murals and enrichment programs. 

• Medical Support: The sanctuary’s veterinarian, Dr. Caron Botes, also extends her care beyond elephants - providing vital vaccinations and medical treatment for local pets and livestock, protecting animal and human health alike.
  

How Anywhere in Africa Safaris Supports This Work

We donate a portion of every booking to Elephant Havens to support both their elephant rescue efforts and their community programs. We also offer travelers the chance to visit the sanctuary, see the work in action, and connect with the people and elephants whose lives you are helping to change.

Your safari with us isn’t just about amazing wildlife sightings - it’s about contributing to a sustainable future for Botswana’s elephants and people. To find out more about our conservation partners beyond Botswana’s borders, click here.

Why This Matters

Botswana’s floodplains are the heart of one of the world’s richest elephant populations. Elephant Havens protects the calves who represent the future of these herds, while investing in the communities living alongside them. Supporting both wildlife and people creates a stronger, more resilient ecosystem for everyone.

If you’re planning a trip to Botswana, make it one that matters.

For more insight into Elephant Havens, watch this short YouTube video below.

Let’s build something unforgettable together.

Sunny, warm regards,
Kirsty

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