Sumatra is home to a critically endangered subspecies of Asian elephant, with fewer than 2,400 individuals remaining in the wild. They survive in fragmented lowland rainforests, heavily impacted by palm oil plantations. Way Kambas, in the south, is the main site, with around 300 wild elephants and an active conservation centre. Further north, Tesso Nilo still shelters small wild groups. Access is challenging and tourism is limited, but visiting helps support key conservation efforts. Best time to visit: dry season, from May to September.
