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 Elephant lovers!
This elephant experience is truly a one of a kind, where you can visit elephants on foot, to watch alongside as they peacefully graze.
You'll be transported to the elephants' private grassland enclosure, where you'll get up close* to some of the females of the Woburn herd. You'll meet their keepers and spend around 30 minutes learning all about these amazing mammals, from the dedicated team who cares for them.
Next, you'll meet the stars of the safari on a 60 minute 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!
And don't forget your camera - you'll have the opportunity to take incredible photos and videos of Asian elephants - Damini, Chandrika and Tarli - as a lasting memento of your fantastic VIP package.
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Your Elephant Encounter includes:
- A 30 minute experience with female elephants Chandrika, Damini and Tarli, allowing time for photos and a chat with keepers and your tour guide
- A one hour VIP Safari Off Road Adventure experience. Your experience starts with this guided tour through the wild animal reserves in the Road Safari in a VIP Land Rover
- Admission to Woburn Safari Park during park opening times on the date of your experience
- The latest Safari Park Guidebook.
2025 Availability
A VIP Elephant Encounter booking costs £499 for up to FOUR people (this is the minimum booking) and £80 per additional person.
This is available to book as an exclusive experience, you won't share your trip with other visitors.
Bookings for larger groups of up to 12 people can be made by calling 01525 292124.
Selected dates will be available to book until 30th September 2025.
Hurry, numbers are very limited and these experiences are expected to sell out quickly.
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Availability and Restrictions
- This tour is only available for ages 12 years and over, on the date of the experience, and must be accompanied by an adult
- Unfortunately the VIP Bigfoot vehicle and VIP Land Rovers are not wheelchair accessible
- Please note that some walking is required, sensible footwear and outdoor clothing may be necessary
- *Please note: Proximity of the elephants is never guaranteed as they are free to roam within their grass enclosure. However, the majority of participants can expect to be within around 10 feet of the elephants.
- You are not permitted to touch or feed the elephants during this experience for their welfare.
How long do I get with the elephants?
Around 30 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, this is not possible 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.
Who can book?
This experience is only valid for people aged 12 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?
Yes your booking is exclusive to your group, you won't share your experience with other people.
Can I change the date if I need to?
Yes, but only under exceptional circumstances (eg. for medical reasons). You will be offered 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.
Refunds & Cancellations
Experiences are non-transferable. If, for any reason, there are necessary cancellations due to animal welfare reasons, then we will make reasonable changes. This is an all weather experience and will only be cancelled if there are safety concerns with extreme weather.
This might include moving an experience to a later date. You will be contacted in advance of your booking date, if this becomes necessary.
- This tour is only available for ages 12 years and 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
