07/08/2026
Why Do Elephants Wallow in Mud? 🐘
Elephants cover their bodies with mud for good reasons.
Mud helps them stay cool under the hot African sun. It also protects their skin from insects and reduces sunburn.
After a mud bath, the mud dries and forms a thin layer on the skin.
This layer helps remove parasites and dead skin when it falls away. Young elephants also enjoy rolling in the mud while they play with the herd.
During a Tanzania safari, you can often see elephants visiting rivers, waterholes, and muddy pools.
Watching this natural behaviour is one of the highlights of a game drive in Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park.