Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time safari-goer, there will always be several safari memories that stay with you, like experiencing an elephant calf and its herd in their natural habitat. That’s the beauty of the African bushveld.
Safaris are exhilarating. From the early morning wake up to excitedly heading out, the anticipation of what you may see is never dulled. One thing is for sure, there is nothing better than starting your day off out in the bush!
A herd of elephants and their calf
This elephant calf photo series was captured on an early morning safari. We left Eagles Crag Lodge and within an hour found a herd of elephants. The elephants were in the thicket, making the most of the succulent trees so we waited patiently hoping they would come out into the open. Our patience paid off after some time as they all moved into an area that we could view them. There were about 30 elephants in this herd that were enjoying their morning feed with one youngster that stole the show.
We sat and let the elephants come to us. The elephant calf was cautious initially towards the vehicle but after no time at all, he started showing off. He curiously watched us and would mock charge us whilst making himself look big by standing tall with his ears spread out. Yet still staying close to mom for protection.
He was playing with his trunk and pointing it in our direction to pick up on our scent. It was one of the most memorable sightings I’ve ever had the opportunity to witness. All the while he was still a bit clumsy in his actions although trying his hardest to look big and tough!
This sighting was an incredibly memorable one and will always be a fond safari memory at Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Read more about the Shamwari Elephants here.
In January 2016, on holiday in SA, I was at Shamwari with my son and daughter-in-law. The afternoon before we were due to leave our wonderful guide found a herd of elephants for us with a newborn baby – it had been born literally a matter of minutes before we arrived (its ears were still translucent)- We saw the mother concentrate on feeding herself whilst all the females of the herd formed a protective circle around the baby and when a male tried to approach they immediately chased it away.,
The following morning before we left Shamwari, our guidetook took us to find the herd. By then it had travelled some miles up a steepish bit of mountain, but the baby had managed to keep up and was still with its mother. We were all so relieved.
Truly magical and never to be forgotten!
Dear Sylvia, thank you for your lovely comment! It is wonderful to hear of your fond memories of Shamwari and we certainly hope to see you return one day.
Hello Again….your delightful photo series brought back memories of our stay at Eagles Crag a few years ago for my Wife’s 60th birthday. Our visit was truly a magical time in our lives and Shamwari made it so. We hope for a repeat visit in the not to distant future. Shamwari is the perfect holiday idyll.
Hi Christopher, thank you for sharing! It’s wonderful to hear of your fond memories of your stay at Shamwari. We certainly hope to see you return in future too!
In September we were in Shamwari. On our last afternoon game drive we came upon a large herd of elephants. My favourite memory of this wonderful happening is a mother elephant and her baby both with their eyes shut while the baby blissfully nursed, standing right in front of us in the sunshine. Absolutely beautiful, so moving I had tears in my eyes.
Hi Maggie, wow! Thank you for sharing your moving story with us. We are beyond pleased to hear of your wonderful memory of your visit to Shamwari.