“The question is, are we happy to suppose that our grandchildren may never be able to see an elephant except in a picture book?”
Sir David Attenborough
I don’t think there is anything more calming than sitting with elephants out on the open plain. It’s a chance to put the camera down and listen to them kick at grass roots to loosen them, pull the grass up with their trunks and gently munch their food. You can hear low grumbles as they communicate to each other, and the occasional tummy rumble too. If you’re lucky, swallows are circling around them, taking easy pickings of bugs that are disturbed from the grass. The herd will interact, whether it’s a baby trying to control its trunk and feed from mum, or other members greeting each other.
I often feel a little overwhelmed with elephants, trying to reflect their size or the bond between them in a photo. Hopefully some of the photos below do them justice.
Solitude. We found a herd of elephants down by the marsh at first light. Most of them stayed close together but one decided to get some peace and quiet at the start of the day. It was beautiful watching her as the sun rose, lighting up the morning mist.
Stormy Skies. It was one of those afternoons where the clouds continued to build, the wind picked up and the sky got darker and darker. My guide James spotted a lone bull elephant, and we had a few minutes of him posing in the sun in front of the dark, foreboding sky before the storms came. We then had the drama of an amazing lightening display as we drove back to camp.
Feeling Shy. A newborn desert adapted elephant stays protected by mum. Taken in Namibia.
Sunburst. Sometimes at sunrise, the sky is clear of clouds and the colour never really develops. It was definitely the case on this morning, when we found a herd of elephant crossing the open plain. It is a far more compelling image in black and white.
Mini Me. The newborn stuck close to mum at all times for safety, as well as using her as shelter from the sun. Taken in Namibia.
Moving On.
Window To The World. When you're hanging out of a vehicle trying to get as low as possible to the ground....
Land of Plenty. A male bull surrounded by food and access to water after crossing the desert. Taken in Namibia.
Inquisitive. Baby elephants know to stay close to mum. She is a source of food, protects her from predators, and provides much needed shade from the sun. But that doesn't stop them being inquisitive, including about the strange thing hanging out of the vehicle!
They Might Be Giants. Two of my favourite things about the Mara, those big, big skies and elephants. I long to be back.
Ball Of Fire. An elephant crossing the plain at sunrise. Great positioning by my guide!
Gimme Shelter. Desert adapted elephants tend to migrate from one waterhole to another, following traditional routes. This male had passed through the desert to this area with shelter from the sun, food and access to water. Taken in Namibia.
On A Mission. This young elephant was taking an interest in a hyena and went to have a closer inspection.
The Journey. Elephants traverse a wide range of land in search of food, water and socialisation and they can often be seen on the move, led by the matriarch. It is increasingly difficult for them to travel along their traditional corridors due to an increase in fencing, infrastructure development and human population. This in turn is sadly resulting in increased conflict with humans. Conservancies in the Masai Mara provide some respite but conflict occurs on the boundaries with human settlement.
Wise, Old Eye. A desert adapted elephant in Namibia.
Follow The Leader. A herd of elephant on the move at dusk.
Perspective. There was just a little difference in size between mum and her newborn! Taken in Namibia.
Calm. A lone elephant at dawn in the misty marsh.
Big Foot, Little Foot. A newborn desert adapted elephant in the Kaokoveld area of Namibia. Desert elephants have adapted to the harsh conditions in this region, needing far less water and have longer legs and bigger feet than elephants in other areas of Africa.
A Dustland Fairytale. A bull elephant using dust to cool down. Taken in Namibia.
Night Walker. A lone bull elephant crossing the plain at dusk. This image makes me think of their ancestors, the mammoth.
Feeling Shy. A newborn desert adapted elephant getting comfort from mum. Taken in Namibia.
Come Together. An elephant herd in the blue hour.
Vertically Challenged. This newborn desert adapted elephant made hard work of the bank with her little legs. Taken in Namibia.
Training Wheels. This newborn stumbling trying to get up the bank. She was just a few days old and still a bit wobbly! Taken in Namibia.