The Bedford Estates, London
Get up close to the Asian Elephants!
Woburn Safari Park's hugely popular Elephant Encounter, is the ultimate VIP experience for any Elephant lovers!
This elephant experience is truly a one of a kind, as the only place in the UK where you can visit elephants on foot to watch alongside as they peacefully graze in their own private grassland reserve!
First, you'll meet the stars of the safari on an off-road guided tour of the Road Safari animal reserves. You'll learn about the amazing animals living at the Park, including lions, macaque monkeys, tigers, giraffes, rhinos and more!
Next, you'll be transported behind the scenes into private parkland on the Woburn estate, where you'll get up close to the elephants.
And don't forget your camera - you'll have the opportunity to take incredible photos and videos of Asian elephants - Damini, Chandrika and adorable juvenile Tarli - as a lasting memento of your fantastic VIP package.
Now available to book as an open dated Gift Voucher, valid for 12 months for available booking dates.
Your elephant experience includes:
- A one hour VIP Safari Off Road Adventure experience. Your afternoon starts with this guided tour through the wild animal reserves in the Road Safari in a VIP Land Rover
- A one hour experience with female elephants Chandrika, Damini and juvenile Tarli, allowing time for photos and a chat with keepers and your tour guide
- Admission to Woburn Safari Park during park opening times on the date of your experience
- The latest Safari Park Guidebook (subject to availability)
- A £10 lunch voucher to use in one of two restaurants at the Park (includes a hot or cold meal and a drink). This is supplied in your booking confirmation email, you will need to print this or show it on your device and state your booking reference
- A £10pp donation will be made for each person booked to the International Elephant Foundation.
2024 Weekend Dates
A VIP Elephant Encounter booked for weekend dates between 29th March and 13th October 2024 costs £649 for up to two people (minimum booking) and £349 per additional person.
boOk now2024 Thursday and Friday Bookings
A VIP Elephant Encounter booked for Thursday and Friday dates between 29th March and 13th October 2024 costs £599 for up to two people (minimum booking) and £299 per additional person.
BoOk nOwVIP Elephant Encounter Gift Vouchers
You can now book this as a gift voucher, once we receive your order your booking confirmation will include instructions on how to send us the contact details of where to send the gift pack.
Discover more boOk nowAvailability and Restrictions
- Each experience runs from 3.30pm to 5.30pm and takes place on either a Thursday or Friday, or on a weekend, between from 29th April and 13th October 2024
- There are 10 places available on each booking date, this is a non-exclusive booking and you are likely to share your experience with other guests, unless you book all 10 places
- This tour is only available for adults aged 16 or over on the date of the experience
- Unfortunately the VIP Bigfoot vehicle and VIP Land Rovers are not wheelchair accessible
- Please note that some walking is required
- Please note: Proximity of the elephants is never guaranteed as they are free to make their own choices about their location. However, the majority of participants can expect to be within 10 feet of the elephants. You are not permitted to touch or feed the elephants during this experience for their welfare
- Please note: The location of the Elephant Encounter may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
Refunds & Cancellations
Experiences are non-transferable. If, for any reason, there are necessary cancellations due to Covid 19 restrictions or for animal welfare reasons, then we will make reasonable changes. This might include moving an experience to a later date, or reducing the number of people travelling in a Land Rover together. You will be contacted in advance of your booking date, if this becomes necessary.
How long do I get with the elephants?
Usually between 45-60 minutes in total, depending on travel across the park (peak summer holiday times may be slower, due to traffic)
Can I touch the elephants?
No, keepers will not encourage the elephants to approach for health and safety reasons. The elephant herd is given the freedom to choose how they spend their time, and will most likely be grazing or dust bathing; enjoying the natural habitat.
Can I get a photo with the elephants?
Yes, there will plenty of opportunities for photos, but there is no guarantee of your proximity to the elephants, as they are given the freedom to choose.
How much walking is involved?
This is dependant on the elephants' location on the day, but we do advise you wear sturdy footwear as the ground may be uneven.
How many people will be taking part in the experience?
Ten places are available to book on each experience, if you do not book all ten places then you will be sharing your experience with other customers.
Who can book?
This experience is only valid for people aged 16 years and above.
Woburn Safari Park takes no responsibility for any issues you might encounter when trying to access the booking site, but if you have problems booking, please contact the VIP Experiences team on 01525 292124.
Woburn Safari Park does not take any responsibility for customer receipt of update emails once they have been despatched. Individual privacy or spam filters set up by individuals may reduce the chances of receipt, so we cannot guarantee you will receive notifications by email.
When can I book for?
The VIP Elephant Encounter only takes place in the warmer months from the end of March to the end of September, all spaces are first come first served and subject to availability.
Is my booking exclusive to me?
No, each VIP Experience is non-exclusive, which means if you don't book all ten places on the booking time and date, you will share your experience with other people.
Can I change the date if I need to?
Yes, but only if you can provide evidence that you are unable to attend for medical reasons, including for self-isolation for Covid 19, you will be advised of dates to re-book (subject to availability).
If we are unable to offer you a suitable new date, it may be necessary to offer you a refund.
- This tour is only available for adults aged 16 or over on the date of the experience
- Unfortunately the VIP Pinzgauer vehicle and VIP Land Rovers are not wheelchair accessible
- Please note that some walking is required
- Please note: The location of the Elephant Encounter may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
