Wanet Elephant Camp prepping for tourism recovery

WANET Elephant Camp on the way to Yeywa Dam between Mandalay and PyinOoLwin is prepared for the time when the travel restriction is lifted. The camp will attract the visitors with the natural scenic beauty of the mountains and the superb facilities, said U Toe Aung, assistant manager of Wanet and Deedok elephant camps under Myanma Timber Enterprise.

The COVID-19 consequences shut down the camps temporarily. The camp is made ready for the visitors to enjoy the natural scenery with the best facility and services. When it is reopened, two routes (short trip and long trip) will be involved. The cost of elephant ride is set unchanged like the previous rate.

“The buildings are also prepared for the visitors’ accommodation, in line with the health guidelines for the COVID-19. The greening and landscaping projects are also prioritized. The banana plant farms are also expanded to ensure the adequate feed for the elephants. There are eight elephants at Wanet Elephant Camp. When the tourism restriction is eased, it will be reopened in accordance with the health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health,” he elaborated. Despite the closure of the camp, elephant lovers donated the feed through the digital payment. It costs K30,000-K50,000 for the elephants’ once feast. The visitors can observe the natural scenery by elephant ride when it is reopened. A short trip is estimated at K3,000 while the elephant ride for a long-distance costs K5,000.—Min Htet Aung (Mandalay Sub-printing House)/GNLM