I was shopping in town today and on my way home I made short detour onto the Thanda Safari Savanna before returning to Thanda House.
I encountered this Elephant bull who patiently posed for a ‘below eye level ‘ sunset shot. I just had to open the door of my SUV and to lean down a bit to get the correct angle. Taken with my iPhone 😊
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In the Zulu language these two words represent grandfather and grandmother, but they also mean old and revered man and old and revered woman. When looking at Thanda Safari’s Elephants than these two individuals deserve these ‘titles’.
One of the two largest bulls around 50 years old and Thanda’s oldest Elephant lady approximately the same age. A few days ago I caught them together in one picture striding along with the herd.
Enjoy your day 😊
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This is the fifth video with music from the album ‘Under the Marula Tree’ by ROOT, a local band. It features some of my pictures and videos taken at Thanda Safari.
The music is composed to symbolize African nature icons (eg sunrises, Lions, Elephants, …). This very special album is available on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Deezer for streaming and download! https://root.hearnow.com/
All ROOT videos are available on their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMXQv3FdJsIERJHHKt0rX2w
Enjoy the March of the Elephants 😊
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Have a good evening 😊
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One feels rather small when a large Elephant focuses his attention on the open safari vehicle one is sitting in, even if it is only for a few seconds.
This is one of the oldest and largest bulls on Thanda Safari. We estimate his weight over 6 tons (=3 Land Rovers 😊).
PS: Today’s morning post bird was a White-backed Vulture
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Elephant mum and her calf crossing the road on Thanda Safari.
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Young Elephant bulls often violently shake their heads once they made up their mind to move out of the way. It may look intimidating but it is actually just a sign to announce their change of direction after they stood in front of a vehicle for a while.
This one did a particularly nice head shake 😊
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Let’s make this Elephant week with my fourth Ellie post.
Today this bull calmly crossed the road right in front of me. I love to be close to these impressive creatures. As he approached I backed up a bit and made space for him to cross without changing his direction. He gave me a ‘smell’ with his trunk and a good look before he crossed.
Have a good weekend!
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This picture was just too cute. I had to post it even if we are having a bit of an Elephant week 🐘
The picture was taken with my iPhone at the Thanda Safari Lodge.
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Askaris are a group of young Elephants found in the company of an old bull. As Bheki and I drove back in my SUV from Villa iZulu to Base Camp we encountered these Askaris crossing the road.
I had to back up a little to make space for the old bull coming from the side. It might sound and look threatening but these young bulls were busy with one another and had no interest in us and the old gentlemen just passed by without even looking our way. You can see that his arrival alone calms down the young bulls immediately.
Observe the low-rumble communication. A perfect Elephant encounter 🐘
PS: The mystery bird from yesterday’s evening post was a male Golden Breasted Bunting 🐦
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Christian Sperka Photography | Custom Luxury Tours 