Hidden in the lush green jungle near Luang Prabang lies the Elephant Camp. At the beautiful location elephants have a chance to enjoy their 'golden years' in peace. Want to learn more about these big grey giants? During this amazing module you'll have a chance to experience what it's like to be an elephant keeper. You'll assist the mahout with coaching of the elephants and after their baths you'll give the elephants their much deserved banana meals. While wobbling on the back of an elephant you'll go on a few treks through the area surrounding the elephant camp. You'll spend the night in a cosy bungalow with a view of the Nam Khan River. During the second day you'll go on a trek through the immense jungle and you'll visit traditional villages of the Hmong and Khmu.
Day 1: Luang Prabang - Elephant Camp
This ‘Live like a Mahout’ trip at the Elephant Camp is for real adventurers. The Camp, established in 2003 to protect Asian elephants in Laos, gives elephants a more comfortable retirement by providing professional medical care, nutritious food and natural environment. Around 8:00 am, travel to the Elephant camp outside the town and check-in at the beautiful Lao Spirit Resort. Take a boat across the Namkhan River to reach the Camp, choose an elephant and spend time with the Mahout team, feeding and getting familiar with the graceful animal. Return to Lao Spirit for lunch. In the afternoon, continue the excursion by boat to TadSae waterfall (yet no water from April to August), a pretty, layered waterfall where you can swim in the refreshingly cool water. Return to the Camp by same boat to ride your elephant with the Mahout team out into the jungle. Back to the resort to freshen up and have dinner. Overnight in Laos Spirit resort/deluxe room (L, D)
Day 2: Elephant Camp - Luang Prabang combine with Kayaking or Trekking
Start the day early – pick up your elephant in the jungle with the Mahout team at 6.30am, and ride the animal as a mahout through forest to the Nam Khan river. Wash and clean your elephant and learn how take care of them before riding it back to the Camp. Return to the resort for breakfast. Spend your last day kayaking or trekking to ethnic minority villages nearby – a great chance to see their daily lives, customs and traditions. Enjoy a packed lunch on the way or at village depending on your activity. Return to Luang Prabang. End of service (B, L) |
