Do you know the correct collective noun for a ‘group’ of elephants?
If you do, then please stay and enjoy this ‘safari’ with Travel & Things…
And if you don’t know, or are uncertain, then you are welcome to stay so that you can find out.
Aside from the correct plural, there are certain elements (or elephants) that are required for a successful/memorable outing…
C.O.F.F.E.E…proper coffee, none of the plastic rubbish that is often passed of as the real deal.
Those that REALLY enjoy their coffee can tell the difference and the drive will not start well.
Snacks are extremely important.
Nowadays there has to be catering for vegans, vegetarians, those who are gluten intolerant and those who are allergic to anything from nuts to anything with seeds
After years of trial and error, I have discovered that I am gluten intolerant intolerant and I am allergic to stupidity!
And then there also has to be food for the marginalized carnivores.
Forget us at your peril…
You also have to be with a like-minded group of people, who share your passion for both nature and wildlife.
There is nothing quite like the excitement of seeing a breeding herd of elephants arriving at a waterhole.
No matter how large or small the group, they often arrive and leave in silence.
But sometimes, they are in a playful mood and then the noises that they emit can be heard from a distance away.
It was the youngsters that made this herd so interesting.
Especially the very small ones that were uncertain of how their trunks were supposed to operate.
“Follow my example” mom seems to be communicating with her baby.
Perhaps it was the taste of the rocks that attracted the attention of this young elephant?
Or perhaps it was just trying to try out new tastes and smells?
“Hurry along now”…
As the one group was leaving, a second one arrived. There were protocols to be followed in order for both groups to feel seen and respected.
Time to head off to find something to eat.
Having left the waterhole we found another small group of bulls that were wandering along a game path, eating as they went.
It is only when you get up close that you realize just how huge a pachyderm actually is.
Yet, treat it with respect and it will return the favour and you will be able to relax and enjoy your interaction with it.
How do you photograph an elephant? One piece at a time.
Usually, it is the ubiquitous butt-shot that presents itself, however in this case it was the business end that attracted my attention.
No matter what mammals you are looking at, there will always be one guest who wants to stop and photograph birds!
In this case, a trio of Magpie Shrikes attracted the attention of someone in the vehicle.
And who am I to pass up an opportunity to take pictures?
And there has to be either a sunrise or a sunset to end the adventure.
It is moments like this that turn experiences into memories.
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