The Shwesettaw Mann Creek Elephant Camp, located near the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda in Minbu (Sagu) Township, Minbu District, Magway Region, will be open in conjunction with the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival, according to camp management.
Situated within the Padauk-Pyawbwe Forest Reserve near the pagoda, this camp aims to attract both local and international tourists, showcasing the natural beauty of forests, streams, and lush green scenery. Operated by the Myanmar Timber Enterprise in Minbu under the Elephant Conservation-Based Tourism (ECBT) initiative, it also promotes eco-friendly economic practices.
This year, the Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival will be held from 2 February to 17 April 2025, lasting 75 days (from the 5th waxing of Tabodwe to the 1st waxing of Myanmar New Year).
Camp management stated, “Currently, the camp is open continuously, providing all travel services for visitors. We are making arrangements with temporary bridges, lodgings, and decorations to allow visitors to enjoy short elephant rides, admire the natural scenery, and relax by bathing with elephants in Mann Creek. As part of the camp’s upgrade, we have constructed a new elephant show stage within Mann Creek this year. There will also be special entertainment events featuring gentle baby elephants. Two new VIP lodges have been built, and the access road to the camp has been upgraded to a 1,900-foot concrete road for smoother travel”.
The elephant camp operates from 7 am to 6 pm daily. Visitors can stay overnight at the camp’s lodging facilities, which house a total of 13 elephants, including five males and eight females.
Entrance fees are set at K1,000 for local visitors and K10,000 for foreign visitors. Short elephant rides cost K5,000 for locals and K10,000 for foreigners. Accommodation includes four VIP lodges and 11 bungalows, with rental rates of K70,000 per night for VIP lodges and K40,000 per night for bungalows. Visitors can also purchase food to feed the elephants at the elephant buffet.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Myanmar Timber Enterprise, and Elephant Conservation-Based Tourism currently operate 22 elephant camps nationwide, including the Shwesettaw Mann Creek Elephant Camp.
Maung Maung (Minbu)/KZL
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