Sorry I didn't see this post. I've never hunted elephant before, but I have encountered them many time when tracking buffalo in Zimbabwe. The herds are very unpredictable and we always backed away before things had a chance to get hairy.

Wherever and whenever you go, make sure you are specific with your outfitter about what you expect to do. When it comes to Buffalo try not to hunt herds. You'll like all the hard work and excitement that goes into getting really close to a couple of old dugga boys.

And if you really want to hunt dangerous game, go somewhere like Zim, Mozambique, or Tanzania and hunt where there's no fences.