Ethical, elephant-focused safaris born from a lifelong obsession. No elephant-back riding. No circus tricks. Just the raw, humbling experience of being in the presence of the world's most intelligent land animal.
Shawu Elephant Safaris exists for one reason: the African elephant. Named after the legendary bull whose tusks were the longest ever recorded in South Africa, Shawu is built on decades of watching, studying, and living alongside these animals. Every safari is designed around the elephants, not the other way around.
Every day is different because every elephant day is different. But here's what you can expect when you travel with us.
"When a herd of elephants walks past you in the wild, close enough to hear their stomachs rumble and their skin brush against the bush — that changes something in you. Permanently."
Shawu Elephant Safaris exists because elephants exist. Protecting them isn't a marketing angle. It's the entire point.
Shawu Elephant Safaris was created by Mike Lawrie, a Hoedspruit-based safari tourism entrepreneur who has spent over 20 years living in the heart of South Africa's Big 5 territory. His connection to the African elephant goes beyond professional interest. It's personal, bordering on obsession.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll craft a tailor-made elephant safari experience.