Background: A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a collection of self-organizing mobile nodes creating an ad hoc network without fixed infrastructure. Routing is a major issue in mobile networks that may reduce network performance due to frequent network topology changes. Routing protocols are so important in dynamic multi-hop networks that many studies have focused on the routing problem in MANETs. Methods: In this research work, a proposed ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) with an elephant herding optimization (EHO) called AODVEHO is used as an optimal path selection method that creates a set of best paths between destination and source. Results: To validate the performance of proposed AODVEHO, AntHocNet, AODV, and designation sequence distance vector (DSDV). Various performance measures are considered to validate our proposed research work, such as packet delivery ratio (PDR), end-to-end delay (E2ED), and average energy consumption (AEC). Conclusion: Experimental results are indicated that the AODVEHO achieved a higher routing overhead (73 %), PDR (89.87 %), low E2ED rate (95.22 %), AEC (75.60 %), and dead nodes (75%) when compared to other routing schemes.