How Africa News
While many people go on safaris with the hope of having some spectacular wildlife encounters, sightings can never be guaranteed and any encounter with the wilderness should be treated as a privilege in itself. However, if you’re lucky, nature may just treat you to something wonderful.
This is what recent guests at Rhino River Lodge discovered while out on a game drive within the Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Rhino River Lodge Ranger, Murray Harrison, shared a little more about the sighting:
“When we first noticed the elephants, they were on a hill in the distance. We made our way through the winding hills, stopping about 60 metres from the herd to get a better view. The elephants were very relaxed and going about their daily routine, when one of the elephants decided to approach the vehicle. I’m quite familiar with this particular elephant as she has very curious nature and will often approach the vehicle, touching and inspecting it with her agile trunk. This incredible interaction is always by her own choice and amazes me every time.
I do not in any way try push to get close up to animals as I have a great respect for wildlife, elephants in particular. I believe that this respect goes both ways, and in the case of this elephant, it is evident that she doesn’t see us as a threat, but rather as an object that she can be relaxed around. You can see this by how gentle she is with touching around the cruiser.
Elephants are known for their fantastic memories and I believe that her unobtrusive and nonthreatening experiences with vehicles in the past plays a large role in this elephant’s behaviour.”
