Those of you who have been following the blog posts over the last while may have seen my two-part ‘bucket list sightings of Londolozi‘ post where I highlighted some of the more memorable sightings one can have here. On that list, one that I mentioned was viewing a herd of elephant at Finfoot Crossing and, rather ironically, just a few days after I wrote the post, I was lucky enough to experience it first hand!
All feelings of disappointment after not finding the leopard disappeared once we arrived at the river and were met with a herd of over 40 elephants illuminated in beautiful golden light.
On this afternoon we were treated to a spectacular display of warm afternoon sunlight breaking through a blanket of low-lying, dark, ominous clouds. These dramatic skies are what we usually expect in summer as thunderstorms roll in over the horizon in the late afternoon. It’s amazing what effect light can have on the mood and overall atmosphere of an experience. We had been tracking a leopard that was seen earlier that day but were coming up with little luck. As the golden light broke through the dark clouds we decided we needed to enjoy this moment down by the river. We had seen a large herd of elephants moving in the direction of Finfoot Crossing earlier on and tracker Euce and I made the decision to give up the search for the leopard and see if the herd had reached the river, as it had the potential to be a breath-taking scene.
The combination of the dark, moody clouds with the warm, golden light elevated the sighting and created an awesome atmosphere. The sunlight was also reflecting off the water onto the elephant; as can be seen by the double shadow on the animal’s body.
Our hopes and predictions paid off. Before we even reached the riverbed itself we bumped into a few of the trailing members of the elephant herd we had seen earlier, slowly ambling down towards the water’s edge. We continued through the riverine thicket and after passing under the large mahogany tree, drove out onto the sandy ‘beach’ that hugs the southern bank of the river. There, the bulk of the herd were spread out over an area bigger than a football field. Some were wading in the shallow water, occasionally enjoying a drink while others had their trunks deep inside the phragmites thickets, feeding on their long stems and green leaves.
A female elephant carefully makes her way down the sandy embankment. Just a moment later, the loose sand gave way…
Keeping it as casual as ever, she fell onto her backside and down into the water.
One of the highlights of the sighting was a young female approaching a small sandy embankment, trying to reach the water. Elephants, as you can imagine, are not the most supple creatures and steep down hills are not the easiest features of the landscape for them to negotiate. Their heavy bodies often throw them off balance if they’re able to stay on all fours and so to combat this, they usually slide down on their backsides. However, this time, the loose sand posed a different threat and fell away from beneath the elephants feet before she could prepare herself for it. She casually slide down the bank in a gradual but uncontrolled fashion until her front feet were in the water. I’m not sure if elephants feel embarrassment but we got the feeling that she would be blushing a bit had she had the cheeks to do so!
Looking further downstream in the river from the crossing point, the bulk of the herd were spread out in the short reeds. A well-known rocky outcrop in the background added some flavour to the horizon.
As the herd slowly began to wander off away from the river and into the thickets we rolled further forward into the water and watched as the last of the elephant were still feeding. Just as they ventured out of sight, so the light began to fade and the moment was over. We certainly got more than what we bargained for on this afternoon and decided to head up one of the nearby crests and enjoy an evening drink to see out the rest of the day.
Such fantastic lighting Chris for this elephant herd at Finfoot crossing. Dark clouds with the sun shining through is magical. Sometimes not what you’re seeking turns out to be a 10+ sighting.
You’re right, Denise. You just never know what will be around the next corner!
Ah -dignity , something ellies usually have in profusion
Chi’s, What a beautiful experience in more ways than one! The images are dramatic and the “entertainment” was over-the-top! Thanks!
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Chris, a wonderful story of the elephants told in pictures. A little humor about the young female entering the water so typical of animals as they go about their daily lives. Thanks!
Thanks William. Yes, that young female kept us quite entertained!
Beautiful ominous clouds, gorgeous golden light and a great low angle made that a terrific photographic opportunity and you nailed it … great images!
Thank you, Bob and Lucie! A bit of luck being in the right place at the right time. Glad you enjoyed the photos.
Beautiful photos Chris, lovely contrast of the golden light and dark clouds. Have really enjoyed both your bucket lists and these too, thank you .
Thank you Jane. Happy to see that you’ve been following my recent posts, I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Ellie ‘sitting’ is one of my fave photos ever! She might have slipped but she looks posed in the shot!
Hi Chris, an afternoon well spent watching the elephants drinking water, eating and even sliding on their backsides into the water. That must of been fun to see her sliding down into the water. They enjoy water so much, reminds me of children playing in water. Fantastic foto’s and the light and clouds makes it even more spectacular.
Thank you Valmai. They kept us entertained for ages; it was a fantastic sighting.
Beautiful photos!
Really lovely photos in the golden light!
Chris: Great to read your blog this morning. The photos are spectacular! Our hearts are still at Londolozi after a great week with you and Euce. Sam and Mary Jane
Thank you Mary Jane and Sam! Great to hear from you again. Hopefully we see you two back here sooner rather than later. Keep well.
Along with leopards in golden morning light this is one of the best view and pictures set. How nice the female that slid downwards she made me smile
Great, lovely, funny, beautiful are your pictures of elephants, Chris.
Hope for more
Thank you, Christa. I hope you are well.
Fantastic series of photos! Elephant looks like it’s posing for you on the slide!
What a back drop of colour, with the most exquisite soft light for your afternoon with the Eli’s. Magical Chris. Thanks for sharing one of your bucket lists with us ! 🙏🏻❤️
A really nice blog Chris and the pics are excellent. Love the dark clouds with the golden sun on the ellies. I would have liked to be there to see that ellie sliding down on her rear end. I have to admit that the elephants are my favourite – especially the younuns – they are so adorable and amusing. Thanks for sharing with us.
Really lovely pics and article thank you Chris. Love watching ellies but, being a cautious soul, rather from further away than too close! Wendy M
Me again, I am afraid. Have you guys had your first good Spring rains yet? We have had a marvellous beginning to Summer with a really good rain over a couple of days in here Randburg. Wendy
Hi Chris, fantastic light for your shots.
Do you remember the male ostrich that was seen near, the old railroad in August? Was it ever seen again, I haven’t seen any mentions of ostrich and wonder if it became a meal or wandered elsewhere looking for a female.
Good to hear that you are all getting vaccinated at last.