In a world where the largest elephants are becoming legends, few safari experiences rival the magic of coming face to face with Big Tuskers, Africa’s last remaining elephants with ivory so long they nearly touch the ground. These giants are rare, elusive, and awe-inspiring, and finding them requires more than just a game drive, it requires intention, patience, and expert guidance. There is no better place in the world to experience them than Amboseli.

Why Amboseli Is Unlike Anywhere Else

Amboseli is a vital region for elephant conservation due to its expansive landscapes and the surrounding network of conservancies that provide elephants the space they need to thrive. These vast open areas are essential for their migratory patterns, social interactions, and natural behaviors.

Photographers come here from around the world, drawn not only by the chance to see a Big Tusker, but to capture them in the golden light against iconic backdrops. Amboseli offers an unparalleled experience for photographers, with its breathtaking landscapes and iconic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The open plains provide unobstructed views, allowing photographers to capture stunning images of elephants in their natural habitat.

Who Are The Big Tuskers

A “Big Tusker” is a title reserved for a select few. To qualify, a bull elephant must carry ivory that weighs at least 100 pounds per side, often resulting in tusks so long they scrape the earth as he walks. These giants are a vanishing breed, with about 24 or less estimated to remain across all of Africa.

Protected for decades within the Amboseli and Tsavo ecosystems, the Big Tusker lineage has produced legends, Tim, Craig, and Tolstoy, bulls whose sheer presence inspired awe and whose DNA was critical to the continuation of the super tusker legacy. In Amboseli, these legends were intertwined through famous matriarchal lines. Tim and Tolstoy were closely related through the ‘T’ family, with Tolstoy actually being Tim’s uncle, his older sister, Trista, was Tim’s mother. Craig came from the separate ‘CB’ family group, born to the matriarch Cassandra. While from different family lines, Craig and Tim were often considered cousins by conservationists due to their shared ecosystem and age.

The bloodline of these giants descends from a rare genetic lineage, one that carries the specific potential for the massive, symmetrical tusks that once defined the African landscape. While many assume any elephant could grow ivory this size if it simply lives long enough, that is a misconception. These bulls are born from a unique gene pool, a heritage that has been nearly erased across the continent due to decades of poaching. To witness one in the wild today is a privilege, a living reminder of what has been lost and a testament to what we still have a chance to protect.

Honoring a Legend, What’s Next for Craig

As 2026 began, the world mourned the passing of a true icon of the wild. Craig, the legendary Super Tusker of Amboseli, died on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the age of 54 due to natural causes. He passed peacefully after his final set of molar teeth wore down, which eventually led to a ruptured intestine. Because he lived to such a mature age, he fathered many calves, ensuring his “super tusker” genes remain a permanent part of the Amboseli ecosystem.

He was one of the world’s most gentle giants, a soul who lived peacefully alongside the communities he shared space with. Craig was a massive presence in Amboseli and a true ambassador for his species, leaving behind a legacy that has touched photographers and nature lovers across the globe.

To honor his status as a global conservation icon, the legendary Super Tusker’s remains were collected by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and conservation partners. His tusks were secured and his body taken to Nairobi to be preserved, potentially for museum display at the Nairobi National Museum. Following the precedent set by Tim, he will serve as a living monument to Africa’s heritage. Craig lived free, died protected, and his legacy now serves conservation.

His long life is a testament to the incredible protection of KWS, Amboseli Trust, Big Life Foundation, and the local Maasai community. While the plains feel a little quieter without his magnificent silhouette, we celebrate a life truly well lived and turn our eyes toward the next generation of giants he inspired.

To continue that legacy, we look to the remaining bulls of the ecosystem:
Michael, Esau, TJ and Pascal: These emerging giants are the future of the Super Tusker lineage in Amboseli.
Per: A magnificent bull who carries the weight of history in his stride.
One Ton: A large tusker frequently seen in the wider Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem corridor
Wickstrom: Known for his impressive stature and presence.

The Heart of the Herd

Though the Tuskers are the stars of the show, the real leaders in elephant society are the matriarchs. Craig may have been a prominent figure due to his striking tusks, but the leadership within his herd is rooted in the matriarchs. These elder females determine migratory routes, locate water and food sources, and provide stability during crises.

The deep familial bonds among elephants are profound to witness. Standing quietly near a herd, you might observe them comforting one another with gentle rumbles and trunk touches, evidence of a social intelligence that rivals our own.

Photographic Gold

Amboseli is uniquely suited to low-angle, wide-frame photography. With dust rising off the plains, storm clouds curling over Kilimanjaro, and a Big Tusker slowly emerging from the mirage, it can feel like a dreamscape.

Photographing Big Tuskers requires patience, silence, and respect for their space. Switching off vehicles to minimize noise and waiting for the right moments can lead to extraordinary shots.

More Than Just Elephants

While the Big Tuskers may be the stars of this experience, the regions they roam are teeming with other wonders. From stunning landscapes and dramatic skies to sightings of lions, cheetahs, and even rare species like the striped hyena, every drive offers something unforgettable. Preserving elephants is not just about saving a single species, it’s about preserving the intricate web of life they help sustain.

An Exclusive, Purpose-Driven Safari

The Big Tusker Experience isn’t about chasing sightings, it’s about deeply connecting with the land and the people protecting these incredible creatures. It’s designed for travellers who want something more meaningful than a checklist safari, guests who want to contribute to conservation simply by showing up with curiosity and respect.

Guided by seasoned experts who understand the rhythms of Amboseli and its wildlife, you’ll explore far from the crowds, in landscapes that feel untouched and intimate. It’s a safari rooted in purpose, offering a deeper connection to Kenya’s elephants and the people who protect them.

Why It Matters

Protecting elephants is not just about saving a single species; it is about preserving the intricate web of life they help sustain. It is important to cherish and protect them for generations to come.

The Big Tusker experience is not only about seeing giants of the wild, it’s about understanding the complexity of their world, photographing them with intention, and supporting the guardians who ensure their survival. When you join us on safari, you are part of that story.

Let Mackay Africa design your safari to Amboseli and beyond, and stand in the presence of living legends.