PHOTOGRAPHING ELEPHANTS

Elephant at a Tsavo Waterhole with the wet trunk of a neighbor in its mouth

Undoubtedly one of the most photographed animals in Kenya has to be the mighty elephant. We seem to have a great connection with these gentle giants and no photographic safari is complete without a shot of elephants.

One of the most popular photographic points is at waterholes. During the dry season, a single waterhole can have over 100 elephants traverse through. Stationing yourself patiently at one of these points will reap great photo rewards. It will also save you a lot of time and fuel compared to the alternative of jumping from herd to herd across the park.

At these waterholes, the elephants come to life. They express more action, bonding and emotion, little ones wallow in the water, teens wrestle against each other, while adult elephants trumpet water over themselves to cool off as they relive their junior days.

When a herd moves in before drinking, they will lift their trunks up high to smell the air and acquaint themselves with your presence. Give them some time to acclimatize themselves as you remain silent. In a matter of minutes, you will be thoroughly entertained with their displays and will get some very interesting and amusing shots.

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