Kui Buri National Park

Kui Buri protects around 970 square kilometres of the Tenasserim range and holds a wild elephant population of roughly 300, along with gaur - the largest wild cattle in the world - and a small tiger presence. The reason sightings here are reliable is a deliberate intervention: through the 1980s and 90s, pineapple plantations expanded into elephant range and the resulting crop raiding brought serious conflict, with elephants killed. A royal initiative bought back plantation land, converted it to grassland with water sources, and gave the elephants somewhere to feed away from farms. Afternoon safaris in open trucks with park guides run out to viewpoints over that grassland from around three o'clock, and elephants are seen on the large majority of trips, usually at some distance. Gaur are seen less often. It is not a zoo and nothing is guaranteed; guides keep vehicles back, and approaching wild elephants is dangerous.

The landscape

• The wild elephants - a population around 300, seen on most afternoon trips.
• The restored grassland - former pineapple plantation converted back to habitat.
• The gaur - wild cattle, seen less reliably than the elephants.
• The guided truck safari - the only way in, leaving from mid-afternoon.

When to go

November to February for the weather; afternoon trips from about three o'clock are when the animals come out to feed. Book at the park office on arrival - trips are on a first-come basis.

Good to know

Sightings are likely but not guaranteed, and usually at distance - bring binoculars. Guided truck only; you cannot drive yourself. Wild elephants are dangerous and guides will keep you well back. Afternoon trips only.

Nearby

Khao Sam Roi Yot is east; Prachuap Khiri Khan town and Ao Manao are south.

Key facts