Tourists killed by elephant in Zambia. July 2025

[davidedric]

Two tourists have been killed by a charging elephant during a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park, in Zambia.
A walking safari consists of at most six guests, a safari guide in front of the tourists whose job is to spot animals, birds and so on, and right at the front an armed guard whose job in extremis is to shoot a dangerously threatening animal.

It seems the safety measures failed in this case. The animal attacked from behind, but I also wonder about what arms were provided. I've been on one such walk where the guard had what looked like a Kalashnikov or similar. I'm no hunter, but I don't think that would bring down an elephant!

However, the main reason for the post is to encourage you into a walking safari, if you get the chance. It really does give you a very different way to experience the bush. In spite of this incident, it really is very, very safe. I've done many walks, and never a hint of trouble.

Dave

 

[Lester Wareham]

Yes I saw this report on the BBC news.

TBH I was surprised there were such things as walking safari, I had assumed they were all truck based with the golden rule "don't step out of the truck", but obviously not. Not that being in a truck would save you from a pissed off elephant (plenty of elephant attacks against vehicles), but at least you can move a little faster way.

It is a good thought about the weapon, but I guess they normally use the small arm to try and scare the animals only only shoot to kill as a last resort. One suspects 7.62 mm round would piss-off a big animal like an elephant or rhino more possibly, but I am well out of my wheel house.

 

[West Coast Birder]

Wow, definitely sounds like a lapse of the part of the guide/guard in not keeping an eye on the rear. Terrible way to go.

 

[joayne]

This does not encourage me to go on a Walking Safari...

 

[davidedric]

This does not encourage me to go on a Walking Safari...

You'd be a lot safer than driving down an Interstate (probably )

 

[Maureen Souza]

Cripes! I did a walking day safari there last year...May, 2025. We had a scare by a big bull elephant but luckily were able to get safely away. Our guide carried a pretty big rifle.
The elephants in Zambia were much more aggressive than the ones I just left in Botswana!

 

[Maureen Souza]

Yes I saw this report on the BBC news.

TBH I was surprised there were such things as walking safari, I had assumed they were all truck based with the golden rule "don't step out of the truck", but obviously not. Not that being in a truck would save you from a pissed off elephant (plenty of elephant attacks against vehicles), but at least you can move a little faster way.

It is a good thought about the weapon, but I guess they normally use the small arm to try and scare the animals only only shoot to kill as a last resort. One suspects 7.62 mm round would piss-off a big animal like an elephant or rhino more possibly, but I am well out of my wheel house.

There are all kinds of walking safaris available. One day to 2 weeks.