Every encounter is a thrill.  A joy. An honour. An adventure. -  Who else can float above a shimmering distant horizon, bringing a balance to the clash of endless sky and parched lands? Who else can travel in ghostly silence or choose to make the earth tremble at will - soothe the soul with gentle rumblings or instil absolute terror with a scream and trumpet blast?  There is only one being that can be so fiercely intimidating and absurdly timid at the same time – the African Elephant.

Zebra, Oryx, Giraffe and Springbok wait patiently as a group of Eles drink their fill under a sky that hints of early rains to come.

Little nomads kick up dust as they trudge on toward water.  Everyone has their place and role within the herd.

However hot and dusty the day, a little playful intent always lurks laced with a hint of mischief.

A little trunk-wrestling practice always comes in handy.  After a nice long drink energy levels and bravado seem to rise.

Trunk-wrestling can only get you so far, then you need to .....

A flap of the ears helps keep the blood cool.  The skin on the ears is paper-thin and covers a network of blood vessels performing a similar function to a car radiator.

Along with dolphins and a few primates, elephants are the only animals that can recognise themselves in a reflection.  When an elephant looks at you, even if you are in a vehicle, it is a knowing look – it knows who and what you are.

Elephants are big! They are even bigger when up close and personal. If left to approach you in their own time, they can be quite accommodating. Force yourself upon them and the mood will change...

The bustle continues to and from the water sources for as long as the rains hold off.  The landscape shaped and moulded by these giants in this dry land.