This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Safari in Review - June 23, 2013

The last morning of our safari adventure – our trip flew by so fast! We woke up at our lodge in Zambia this morning. Most of us in the group had one more exciting adventure awaiting before we would be finished: We had scheduled an elephant safari! What does this mean? There is an elephant sanctuary just a short distance from the lodge, where they take in orphaned elephants and care for them for the lifetime of the elephants. The elephants are habituated to humans, but they are also allowed to roam in the national park where the sanctuary is located, and they are allowed to mix and mingle with the wild elephants too.

When we first arrived at the sanctuary, we were served coffee and were given brief instructions about how to mount the elephants for our rides. We then lined up by the platform and pair up with a partner to ride the same elephant. Our guides were already on the elephants and boarding the elephant did not take too long.

Once we were underway, the ride lasted an hour but it felt like only a minute went by. We learned more about our particular elephant, Madinda, from the handler who rode in front with us. Elephants walk very smoothly and sure-footedly. We never once felt Madinda trip.

Find out what's happening in Alpharetta-Miltonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

However, elephants can be tamed somewhat, but they will still do what they want when they want. Madinda helped himself to tree branch snacks rather frequently, as did the other elephants at the sanctuary as we were riding along.

We even rode up to the bank of the Zambezi River, but no crossing was attempted because the water levels were still very high.

Find out what's happening in Alpharetta-Miltonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

After our wonderful ride, we had the opportunity to feed our newfound friends and pose with them for photographs.

We also got to pose with the adorable “little” orphan, and then had more coffee while watching the video of our amazing experience.

The elephants even saluted us as we left.

Upon returning to the lodge, those of us who were leaving on this day packed our bags and took leave of those who had extended their stay in Zambia.

It was a truly amazing experience, and we invite you to join us on one of our next guided safari trips!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Alpharetta-Milton