Hannibal crossed the Alps on an elephant so why not traverse Botswana’s Okavango Delta swamps on one. Siyabona Africa’s five day elephant-back safari starts at the luxury tented Abu Camp on the edge of the swamps where you are introduced to your elephant and get on first-name terms.

Rides take place early mornings after a fresh coffee, when you mount your beast, sit in a blanketed saddle and rock along through the bush to palm tree islands in the swamps, spotting game animals as you go. Skilled, armed guides are with you all the way, and set up picnic brunches and lunches under the palms. Graze on a muffin while Dumbo devours a nearby tree, and then head back to camp for an afternoon game drive and sundowners on the deck.