Vast, open grasslands stretched to the horizon, the golden glow of tall yellow grass swaying gently in the breeze. The sun hangs low in a blue sky mosaicked with clouds, casting warm light across the landscape. It’s the perfect evening. Now, imagine this scene coming alive with around 100 elephants grazing peacefully and swallows dancing around them like living confetti.
This isn’t a typical sight, not even for me. I was so excited that I was basically jumping in my seat! I remember at one point having to remind the guests to remain seated and still, to just enjoy the moment, before realizing I needed to tell myself the same thing as I was bouncing with excitement. To witness so many elephants gathered in one area—these majestic creatures all feeding in the same space—was absolutely jaw-dropping. It appeared that two or three different herds had converged, drawn to the lush, green grass blanketing the plains. And, naturally, a few elephant bulls trailed behind, keeping their distance while remaining keenly aware of the spectacle unfolding.
As we observed this magnificent gathering, we noticed something fascinating. A few of the bulls were in musth, a state marked by elevated testosterone levels that make them more aggressive and driven to mate. A behaviour we were fortunate enough to witness up close. Even more intriguing was the presence of a female in oestrus, signalling her readiness to mate. The pheromones she was releasing would have been irresistible to the bulls, and the dynamic tension between them was palpable in the air.
Elephant
Two elephant bulls fighting over the female elephants.
During this gathering, we also observed mothers with their calves. One particularly curious little one wandered close to our vehicle, offering us a perfect glimpse into the gentle interaction between mother and young. The calf seemed intrigued by our presence, but as it ventured too close, the mother intervened. With a graceful sweep of her trunk, she gently guided her calf away, demonstrating the boundaries of safety. This is how young elephants learn the rules of survival—their mothers serve as vigilant guardians, protecting them from potential dangers, including the strange allure of our vehicle.
What stood out the most, though, was the way these magnificent creatures interacted with one another. The bonds between the elephants were evident in every move and every gesture. The elephants’ social dynamics were a beautiful thing to witness—how they moved together as a family, how they communicated with each other using subtle rumbling sounds and movements, and how they cared for their young. The different matriarchs of the three herds would rumble communicating to her herd that would move towards her in different directions eventually separating the large group.
It was a truly unforgettable experience. The guests in my vehicle had initially confessed their favourite animals were lions. But after spending time with these elephants, witnessing their complex behaviour and the deep, almost tangible connection between herd members, their perspective transformed completely. Their favourite animal was no longer the lion—it was now, undoubtedly, the elephant.
Elephant
Guests enjoyed the beautiful scene.
That afternoon, we had originally set out in search of predators, but instead, we remained with the elephants for hours, transfixed. We were completely immersed in what unfolded before us—a spectacular display of nature’s beauty and complexity. It wasn’t just the imposing size or the grandeur of these creatures that left us in awe, but their quiet strength, their familial bonds, and the elegant grace with which they moved across the landscape.
This is the true magic of the wilderness—when you surrender yourself to the present moment, the animals lead you to experiences far beyond your expectations. Sometimes, the journey is far more rewarding than the destination.
This must have been such an amazing sighting, Jess, like one from two hundred years ago when hundreds and thousands of elephants still roamed the African bush and savanna. I wish I had been there.
Elephants are such wonderful animals with such complex social behavior. I just love them.
Amazing! The elephants were my favorite, too. They are incredible creatures.
Thank you for sharing this scene with us, Jess!
Who doesn’t love elephants and would need to see them, to watch them in awe and relax, expanding their senses? I would have felt irresistibly attracted by the trunk of that super cute calf… it’s good that it’s mum kept it away. They must beware humans in general to their safety, they migrate for so long… I don’t really know what animal I have as favourite, there isn’t just one. Small cats are a topic I’m very interested in , they are not studied enough and the world has been loosing them. Like many other small animals. From the majesty of elephants, hippo, whales to the wonderful world of the invisible… or almost. Lions are majestic animals too, maybe if they had spent a time with a large pride with cubs they would have enjoyed it as well. I love the effect of the clouds, like elephants reflection in the sky….
Avuxeni. Be still my heart. What a fantastic sighting. Elephants have long been my favorite. I would have been happy watching them for hours. They capture my heart on each visit to Londolozi …”where my heart rests’
Nothing better than the ellies!
Hi Jess, I am sure you enjoyed every minute of watching these amazing animals grazing and walking along as they graze. Having so many elephants around you, can only be an experience one won’t forget easily.
Majestic is an appropriate adjective for elephants and especially if there are a large number of them of mixed ages. When in the presence of elephants, I tend to feel much calmer, caught up in the quietness of their movements and gentleness towards one another. Humans can and should take note of this behavior as it would truly benefit mankind. On my last afternoon there recently, we encountered a small family herd and followed them to a water hole where we sat for awhile, watching a quite new calf testing the water with mom close by its side, waving its trunk like flag. Meanwhile on the other side and older youngster was busy enjoying a mudslide – there isn’t a film better than watching elephants interact and then the silent call was given and they all moved off into the bush…..mesmerizing!
I just love being amongst a breeding herd of ellies, it makes me feel calm just thinking about it. To see a herd of this size must have been truly amazing, thank you Jess for sharing this experience.
I bet the collective energy was akin to an elephant vortex–how magical!