There are more than 30,000 elephants in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe so it’s not a matter of whether you’ll see a few elephants when you go game watching, but when.
We first saw this mother’s baby at the side of the road and stopped to take it’s photo when we heard the unmistakable sound of an elephant on our right. When I turned round, I noticed her ears were fully open — elephants use this technique to frighten other animals, and us. She was so close, I’m not sure how we didn’t see her first but glad I didn’t fumble the shot.
We were very lucky the day we watched as a herd approached a watering hole. The baby got there first and began drinking right away, totally oblivious to our presence.
Soon more came and they drank, played, squirted water on their backs, rolled around in the mud and had a good ole time.
We were very fortunate to catch this scene — several hundred cape buffalo near our camp. As we sat quietly watching the buffalo, we saw a herd of elephants approaching. From the corner of my eye, they looked like a dark shadow but the day was clear so I began looking more intently. Then I saw them. For animals that can weigh up to 7,000 lbs., they are astonishingly quiet and nimble on their feet. Soon, about three or four herds joined buffalos, zebras and impalas at the watering hole. It was a beautiful sight.
Towards the end of the day, we caught this elephant slowly making its way as if he’d had a hard day at work and was on his way home. I hoped that where ever ‘home’ was, it wasn’t too far away.
This is my submission to this week’s Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday series. Be sure to check out other photo and story entries on their website!
Great article 🙂
Wonderful photos! Great job getting that top pic of the mother elephant, too. It must have been such a cool experience.
I think elephants are very unique and interesting animals. I love seeing the babies around the water hole!
I love elephants and have seen them in the wild on several occasions.I never cease to get excited. Particularly love your sunset shot.
Hadn’t realized there were so many elephants in one national park in Zimbabwe.
Amazing shots! I especially love the ones of the elephants playing by the watering hole.
Thanks, Laurel. Yes, they’re so cute!
Thanks, Leigh. I’m amazed at how lovely they are. It’s great sitting and watching them, especially the way they care for their young.
Yes, they have quite a large population in Hwange.
They so are, Debbie. Very playful, very protective of their young and very intelligent.
It sure was and it turned out to be a great day for catching elephants doing normal things, like playing in the watering hole.
Thanks, Muza-chan!
My goodness, I would’ve been trying to run to somewhere and hide! But I know it would’ve looked utterly foolish. Can’t miss saying that nature sure is something and you were up close without being at the circus. In their own natural habitat. Nice photos.
Hahahaha, I nearly did. But it would have probably spooked her so best to stay as calm as possible.
After that experience, I doubt I’d want to see any animal in captivity. Glad you like the photos.
I always wondered about why elephants are grey, but those pictures near the water have answered that question. Cool shots!
Wow, these photos are amazing. You’re very fortunate to have gotten up close and personal with these majestic creatures.
What fantastic shots! That must have been a magical day. I’ve spent time with elephants in Thailand and would love to go to Africa to see them in the wild.
These are stunning photos and the highlight is that mom looking to protect her baby… all gorgeous! 😉
Absolutely beautiful photos. Must have been such a special experience. My 10-year-old now wants to go to Hwange. (Immediately, she says).
Thanks, Sophie. Yes, it was.
Hahaha, she’d love it.
That maternal instinct is so strong, even in animals.
Thanks, Elizabeth
It sure was a magical day. I’ve not seen those in Thailand, I hear they’re a bit smaller than the African ones. And seeing them in the wild is so much better.
Thanks, Cheryl. Sometimes when I look back on the photos, I can’t believe I got so close.
They truly are majestic.
Good point. Yes, they use the mud as protection from the sun.
I just love animals! Your pictures are great and I can’t wait to get my own close-up pictures of an elephant in the wild. This looks like so much fun.
I love how they survive as a family unit and that they appear playful with one another, too. The more photos and articles I read about Africa, the more I get excited to go there next year. I cannot wait to step foot on this continent. I especially love that refelction, sunset photo – simply beautiful!
When and where are you going? Wherever you go, it’ll be fun, I’m sure.
Yes, it’s amazing to see how protective they are of their young, just like we are.
Thanks, glad you like that photo. It’s one of my favorites.
You’d definitely love game watching then. It’s an amazing experience.
You know, that whole captivity thing, I don’t care for either. It’s one of the reasons I don’t like going to the zoo. Here, the animals look ill to me. It could be me over-dramatizing in my mind but I don’t like them caged up. This, coming from a person who not into animals like some people are. It just makes me a wee bit sad to see them caged to such limited space.
But yes, I can see that running would frighten them. Do elephants really smile? They look like they do.
Like you, I don’t like zoos either. I used to live within walking distance of one and would go very often, especially to look at the dolphins. One day, on my way out, I stopped at the lion’s lair — it really was an open space where theoretically, the animal was free to roam. But as I watched, I noticed that there was an invisible line he never crossed. It just broke my heart. Suddenly, I felt claustrophobic, like I was in the cage. I never went back to the zoo. I’m also not an animal person. But my friend who we went on this trip is, big time. After it was over, I had a whole new appreciation for animals. They are so intelligent, so nurturing, just like mothers anywhere.
Well you’ve experienced my trip of a lifetime! I’m dying to do this. I’m so glad you went on such a beautiful trip. What an experience!
-WW
Beautiful photos, Marcia! What a gift to have gotten so close to these magnificent animals.
Thanks, Nancy. I’d definitely love to see them again.
You should, Carla. It’s really a life-changing experience. I’d definitely go again.
That first photo is so impressive, with the frame filling elephant! The rest of the series is beautiful, too, and I’ve very much enjoyed reading your recounting of the experience.
Thanks, Andrew. I’m glad you did. I love recalling that experience.