RISKS of renewed human-wildlife conflict is rife in Zambia as the El Niño-induced drought forces the migration of elephants from neighbouring Zimbabwe, earlier than usual.
A breeding herd of approximately 150 elephants, including calves, have arrived since early March.
These majestic animals traditionally migrate between Zimbabwe and Zambia from September to December.
The herd has migrated to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Livingstone, Zambia.
This development is attributed to the dry season and ecological conditions, leading elephants from the adjacent Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks in Zimbabwe to seek food and water resources in Zambia, up north.
The Zambezi-Mosi-oa-Tunya Wildlife Dispersal Area, where they have headed, is a key component of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), hosting an estimated population of 9 500 elephants.
This early migration has raised safety concerns, particularly following incidents in 2024, where 13 people lost their lives and four were injured in elephant encounters.
“Therefore, we urge residents, road users and communities in and around Livingstone to exercise extreme caution,” said Nelly Banda, Principal Public Relations Officer in Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism.
Motorists have been advised to drive slowly and yield to elephants when crossing active corridors.
Pedestrians and cyclists are discouraged from crossing such corridors during dark hours and farmers are encouraged to employ traditional deterrents, including fires and noise, to protect crops.
“The Ministry of Tourism remains committed to safeguarding human lives and wildlife, ensuring peaceful coexistence while promoting Zambia’s unique natural heritage,” Banda said.
Southern Africa hosts the largest population of elephants in the world.
Source: Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia (03/04/2025)
Read More:
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.
See also:
When hungry elephants and people clash (March 2025)
The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)
Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)
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