There was a time, not so long ago, when the fate of Africa’s elephants hung in the balance. Across the continent, their numbers were dwindling. Mainly a result of habitat loss and human conflict. Looking back, it serves as a great reminder of how even the most iconic species are vulnerable. Even to this day, elephant populations throughout some parts of Africa are gone forever.
But here in the Greater Kruger region, their story has taken a different turn.
Elephant populations in this part of South Africa are thriving. On a daily basis, we find ourselves immersed in their presence. Sometimes a lone bull emerging quietly from the tree line, other times a family herd moving in a stately procession to the banks of the Sand River. Their return, in such healthy numbers, is one of conservation’s quiet triumphs.
More than just a symbol of wilderness, elephants are a keystone species. Their movements shape the very landscape they roam. A single elephant can fell a tree, open up grasslands, or dig for water in a dry riverbed; actions that create life and opportunity for countless other animals. In their wake, ecosystems are reshaped, seasons shift, and the rhythm of the bush is carried forward.
However, beyond their ecological importance, elephants are simply magnificent. Gentle, intelligent, and social, they offer us profound moments of connection and awe. Whether it’s a calf playfully splashing at a waterhole or an old matriarch gently leading her family, their presence never fails to move us.
We are unbelievably fortunate to share this space with them. To spend our days walking ancient elephant paths, and to photograph them in the most magical place.
So, in celebration of World Elephant Day, here are a few favourite photographs. A small tribute to the giants who so generously share their world with us.
Elephants around water are some of the best subjets to photograph. Here a herd sprays themselves with water, stunning afternoon golden light, the perfect way to close out an afternoon game drive.
The tip of an elephant’s trunk is truly a marvel.
This was an awesome sighting, watching the elephants moving along the banks of the Sand River, drinking, cooling off and then slowly ambling along to feed on some of the dense riparian vegetation lining the banks of the river.
For an animal that has few worries in this world, it is fascinating how worked up elephants get when there are wild dogs around. Here, a large adult shoos away a pack of wild dogs, causing them to scatter.
The detail, beauty and curiosity in the amber eye of an elephant, simply is stunning.
All lined up to drink, this was a recent photo of a herd coming down to a large waterhole for a drink. I love this black and white edit.
Late afternoon light glowing around this elephant and the soft bokeh of the dry grass in the background makes this image one of my favourites.
Young elephants are extremely playful, and often we see young bulls engaging in a play fight like this. Tusks locked together and trunks intertwined.
A stunning set of thick tusks.
After my comment earlier about elephants and wild dogs, this image doesn’t necessarily paint that picture. However, the elephant did initially chase the wild dogs before settling in for a drink.
A classic Londolozi favourite, elephants crossing the Sand River.
Ears fanned out, young elephants such as this one are so entertaining, how they act all confident and brave, charging up to the vehicle before their confidence dwindles and they run back to their mother for safety.
Probably one of the best animals to photograph, simply because of the multiple different aspects of an elephant that present so much detail.
Still figuring out how its trunk works, I love watching young ones like this raise their trunk up to help investigate what the vehicle is and all the new smells it is probably picking up through its trunk.
As influential as elephants are on the landscape, they always seem to be at peace.
I love elephants when in Africa I saw the gentleness with the babies and total protection by the mothers the one who I had enormous respect for was the matriarch who protected All the mothers and babies and went ahead of the mothers and babies checking the depths of the river they were going to cross and watching her go into the river in several places until she found the right part of the river where the babies could cross without drowning it was beautiful and amazing to watch I have great respect for All the big cats but the elephant is so amazing and extremely intelligent I just love them
Hi Matt, Happy World Elephant day! The pictures above are incredibly touching. I particularly love calves of course, who would ever resist to their sweet look and attitude? None the less, bulls are superb, in no other place you can see such huge males with long and carved tasks. Like the male lions seen yesterday, that sport such gorgeous manes, grown up in years… elsewhere they are not allowed to grow, to develop, to mate. They become a trophy. This saddens me so much! I’m also glad to see rhino with full intact horns, so that they can fight and defend themselves. Why nature (animals, trees) are to be mutilated and humiliated, just for an insane greed, all natural cycle gets damaged? Well, here nature thrives. The majestic Bull can be reasonably on the edge, with his superb slow walk and calm, bothered by “small” chattering and fast-moving wild dogs!
If animals were included in the Great Wonders of the World, elephants would surely rank highly on the list. I just love them.
Elephants are the most wonderful creatures of Africa. They are the ones who move me the most. To see such a giant, to quietly talk to them, to admire their herds social competence and care for their calves – in one word: wonderful creatures who should never ever get extinct because of human stupidity.
Places like Londolozi or countries like Botswana are to be admired because of their care for these gentle giants.
I love the photos, especially the one of the youngster approaching a car so bravely and the one of the giant shooing away wild dogs.
Hi Matt, the gentle giants are amazing animals, loved by all. There way of communication with each other is marvelous. They carry themselves with such confidence and peace at the same time. There calves are one of the cutest, splashing and playing the water, boisterous charging the Land Rovers just to turn around and run back to Mom. Happy Elephant day to all ele’s, big and small.
There is nothing quite as awe-inspiring as being surrounded by elephants. The low rumbles, their quiet munching, calf antics and curious trunks make for a relaxing, fascinating safari experience!
Always my fave 🙂
Wow, Wow, Wow on a fantastic post Matt! Spending time with elephants is magical no matter what they’re doing, but they are especially fun to watch when little ones are present. Thank you for including so many amazing photos with your blog!
I LOVE Animals!. My Favorite Animal Is The Elephant!. 😁😁😁💕💖💕💖💕💖