Those who have read my posts from last year will have picked up that I have an affinity for Africa, particularly the Southern African countries like South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. In fact, I shall be returning again to South Africa in a few months time with my friend Geraint for a most epic safari (feel free to hit the link & check out his blog!). But today’s A-Z Challenge post is taking us back to Botswana, specifically to the north-eastern section of the country and a safari lodge called Elephant Sands. I was fortunate enough to spend one night there in 2013 and it was, in a word, memorable.
We arrived at Elephant Sands around the middle of the day, bouncing down the dirt tracks of this 16000 hectare private conservancy. Arriving at the lodge, there’s a main building which houses reception, the dining room & bar, swimming pool and a large sunken fire pit. Directly in front of us is a substantial waterhole, and already there is a herd of elephants meandering around it’s limited resources. Surrounding the waterhole, and back behind the main building, is the accommodation. Spacious huts with a blend of earthen and canvas walls, thatched roofs, and a somewhat open shower area. Or for those so inclined there’s a campsite if you prefer tents. After settling into my hut, I opt to sit by the bar and watch the herd. As I sip my Amarula, a large elephant makes his way towards me and stands, staring, from only metres away. At that point in my African travels, this was the closest I’d been to one of these magnificent beasts.
The herd hanging around the waterholeAlmost reaching right up to the swimming pool & fire pit!Who’s watching who?Moving to our dining room later that evening, the herd still milling around, we are told that the elephants have become unsettled and broken some waterpipes connected to the huts on the opposite side from mine. Apparently the large water tanker that arrived to refill the waterhole has a broken pump and the elephants are getting restless as they sense the liquid nearby. Just as the dessert of Malva Pudding (my favourite!) is being served up, a commotion erupts behind me. One of the large bulls is going after the water tanker! The staff at the lodge quickly rally their vehicles and with bright lights and revving engines they gently coax the bull to back away from the tanker. Moving from the dining area, I take some time to reflect around the fire pit. It’s situated lower than the rest of the main building and has a signpost a few metres from me saying “Do Not Cross”. As I watch, an elephant steps his front feet into the fire pit, wraps his trunk around the sign and rips it off!
Sitting in the fire pit. The sign has just been torn down, leaving a lone white post!Thinking I’ve already been spoiled for wildlife, I retire to my hut for the night. Torch and water bottle on the bedside, I settle down. Some time during the night, I’m awoken by a tapping and scrapping sound. Out of the blue, the canvas by my bedside moves and the water bottles fly across the room. The loud scratching sound is right above my head and I’ve just realised it must be the herd! Scratching their bulk against my thatched roof! Come morning, I venture outside and see my entire hut is surrounded by the large, mottled-looking prints from elephant feet. I think it would be fair to say that this one night at Elephant Sands is one to remember for a lifetime.
Thanks, Marquessa. It’s an amazing continent, I could talk about it all day (and often do!). Ger & I have a pretty incredible safari coming up in August, so stay tuned for a lot more Africa posts after that! š
Thanks, Radhika! The Masai Mara would be amazing. I would love to see both Tanzania & Kenya, maybe Rwanda too. It’s a such big world out there though – the mind & body are willing but finding the time & money is always a challenge š
Wow! Absolutely wonderful! I find this really fascinating. I really liked your pictures. Safari camps must have been an awesome experience. As I read your post I quickly headed to google to look at more pictures of Elephant sand and I am in love with this destination!
Wish you a wonderful time in your upcoming adventure. š
Cheers!
Thanks so much, Karnika. I’m so glad you enjoyed it & have had a look at Elephants Sands online. It’s an incredible place, I hope you get to visit it one day. And thank you, I’m sure the upcoming safari will be amazing š
It was an amazing experience, Ann. But you’re right, once those water bottles went flying I didn’t move a muscle! Well, I might have scooted down in the bed a bit to get my head away from the walls! š
Have you tried touching an elephant trunk? Looking forward to your South Africa trip and your other travels for inspiration! I began exploring Beijing and nearby provinces last year and planning to go to Europe soon.
I have actually, Andy! Not with the big African elephant though but I got up close & hands on with the smaller Asian elephant at a conservation centre in Lampang (Thailand). I’ll be looking forward to reading about your adventures in China.
I think elephant trunks are really creepy because they just move and move! Thanks, there are more to come for sure. This China travel bug has gotten me mad for exploring!
What a story, Kim! Fun to share after the facts, but a little intimidating in the midst of the action, I’m sure. I still haven’t experienced a safari or being in the presence of African wildlife. One day… Enjoy your upcoming trip to Africa!
The adrenalin was definitely pumping at the time, Liesbet. But I was well aware that getting out of bed and grabbing a torch to have a look would’ve been a bad idea! I hope you get to experience an African safari one day. It is an awesome feeling to be so close to these magnificent wild animals, but the peace and tranquility of the bush is just as amazing. I can’t wait to return!
That sounds like quite an experience, wow! It’s not every say a whole elephant herd surrounds you! Btw not sure if you’ve seen Geraint Isitt’s blog yet, he is also somewhat of an Africa fanatic and wrote about elephants too š https://geraintisitt.com/2017/04/06/how-to-bath-an-elephant/
Thanks, Miss Andi! It was mind blowing to be honest. I’ll certainly never forget it. And yes, I’ve seen Geraint’s post. He and I have been good friends for a few years, we did a safari together in 2015 and are heading off on another safari together in August this year. Between the two of us you’ll be swamped with African posts!! š
Great post! I’m a bit biased in favor of elephants. š See so many of them at one time during our Chobe River Boat Safari (post on foodtraveltour.com) was awesome. There are some on the road between Nata and Kasane, too. But, not as up close and personal as your experience. Magnificent is perfect. A bit scary at night but the lodge would surely not place guests at risk so just the right excitement. š Your photographs are amazing!
Thanks so much, Anne! I think your bias is totally understandable š Chobe is wonderful for wildlife as well, so different to some of the other safaris too. I will definitely check out your story.
My pleasure. I’m going to have to go back to your older posts later. I had enjoyed the ones I’ve read so far and I’d like more. š I feel you about Dubai but yes, I’ll have to go there on purpose not as a stop or stay for at least a 3 days on the way to Asia. As you said, can’t be to Europe… but maybe. š I want to see Switzerland in snow. Thank you so much, Kim.
I just had a quick look back through your blog … I think I’m going to really enjoy catching up with all those amazing travel posts! I find snow a bit fascinating too – I think when you live in a city that never gets snow, it sparks your child-like sense of curiosity š Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Anne!
Feels like kindred spirits… š Thank you. Yeah, Australia and South Africa. We’re almost the same country, too. š We won’t talk about rugby. You have a wonderful weekend, too. š¤
Absolutely pleased about our paths crossing for sure. š We might just plan to take a trip down under one day, too. We are so far from each other yet South Africans keep running away to you. Lol!
Haha! There are a few South Africans here, yep! Would be great to have you visit Australia. I’ve only done a couple of posts about home but there’s a few more coming up this month!
Australia is huge so I guess it involves a lot of local traveling. Same with South Africa… fortunately, we, South Africans, seem to love driving. It’s actually such a beautiful country and I feel sad when I think of the bad things and/or experiences that ‘chase’ people out of the country.
I’m looking forward to the posts.
Hugs xxx
Well that’s one of the more memorable trip reports I’ve ever read. Really interesting. Have fun on the next one.
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Thanks so much. It was an experience not easily forgotten. And I’m sure the next visit will bring plenty of surprises too.
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As i started reading, you made me think of Geraint and then you said you were friends!š I’m loving the Africa posts!š
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Thanks, Marquessa. It’s an amazing continent, I could talk about it all day (and often do!). Ger & I have a pretty incredible safari coming up in August, so stay tuned for a lot more Africa posts after that! š
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Love this! Beautiful pictures! šš
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Thanks so much, Jenny. Elephants are so photogenic … All that character!
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I agree. Beautiful animals, I love elephants!
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I’ve never had any lodge sightings like this. Truly epic. Bring on August.
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Absolutely epic! It was one of the greatest wildlife encounters I’ve had to date. Makes me smile every time. Bring on August indeed š
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Like you said , memorable is the word. Great pics too Kim!! I have the Masai Mara on my bucket list. But don’t know when I’ll be able to make it.
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Thanks, Radhika! The Masai Mara would be amazing. I would love to see both Tanzania & Kenya, maybe Rwanda too. It’s a such big world out there though – the mind & body are willing but finding the time & money is always a challenge š
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Wow! Absolutely wonderful! I find this really fascinating. I really liked your pictures. Safari camps must have been an awesome experience. As I read your post I quickly headed to google to look at more pictures of Elephant sand and I am in love with this destination!
Wish you a wonderful time in your upcoming adventure. š
Cheers!
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Thanks so much, Karnika. I’m so glad you enjoyed it & have had a look at Elephants Sands online. It’s an incredible place, I hope you get to visit it one day. And thank you, I’m sure the upcoming safari will be amazing š
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What magnificent creatures!!!
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They are pretty spectacular, Carolyn!! And to be so close is a great experience.
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Wow, that is a very close elephant encounter! What a terrific experience, although I admit the nighttime visit would have made me a little nervous.
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It was an amazing experience, Ann. But you’re right, once those water bottles went flying I didn’t move a muscle! Well, I might have scooted down in the bed a bit to get my head away from the walls! š
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Have you tried touching an elephant trunk? Looking forward to your South Africa trip and your other travels for inspiration! I began exploring Beijing and nearby provinces last year and planning to go to Europe soon.
Name: Andy
Blog: coolkidandy.wordpress.com
#AtoZChallenge theme: Chinese Adventure
Topic for E: Explore Beijing ThroughĀ Photos
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I have actually, Andy! Not with the big African elephant though but I got up close & hands on with the smaller Asian elephant at a conservation centre in Lampang (Thailand). I’ll be looking forward to reading about your adventures in China.
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I think elephant trunks are really creepy because they just move and move! Thanks, there are more to come for sure. This China travel bug has gotten me mad for exploring!
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What a story, Kim! Fun to share after the facts, but a little intimidating in the midst of the action, I’m sure. I still haven’t experienced a safari or being in the presence of African wildlife. One day… Enjoy your upcoming trip to Africa!
Liesbet @ Roaming About ā A Life Less Ordinary
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The adrenalin was definitely pumping at the time, Liesbet. But I was well aware that getting out of bed and grabbing a torch to have a look would’ve been a bad idea! I hope you get to experience an African safari one day. It is an awesome feeling to be so close to these magnificent wild animals, but the peace and tranquility of the bush is just as amazing. I can’t wait to return!
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That sounds like quite an experience, wow! It’s not every say a whole elephant herd surrounds you! Btw not sure if you’ve seen Geraint Isitt’s blog yet, he is also somewhat of an Africa fanatic and wrote about elephants too š https://geraintisitt.com/2017/04/06/how-to-bath-an-elephant/
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Thanks, Miss Andi! It was mind blowing to be honest. I’ll certainly never forget it. And yes, I’ve seen Geraint’s post. He and I have been good friends for a few years, we did a safari together in 2015 and are heading off on another safari together in August this year. Between the two of us you’ll be swamped with African posts!! š
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Great post! I’m a bit biased in favor of elephants. š See so many of them at one time during our Chobe River Boat Safari (post on foodtraveltour.com) was awesome. There are some on the road between Nata and Kasane, too. But, not as up close and personal as your experience. Magnificent is perfect. A bit scary at night but the lodge would surely not place guests at risk so just the right excitement. š Your photographs are amazing!
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Thanks so much, Anne! I think your bias is totally understandable š Chobe is wonderful for wildlife as well, so different to some of the other safaris too. I will definitely check out your story.
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My pleasure. I’m going to have to go back to your older posts later. I had enjoyed the ones I’ve read so far and I’d like more. š I feel you about Dubai but yes, I’ll have to go there on purpose not as a stop or stay for at least a 3 days on the way to Asia. As you said, can’t be to Europe… but maybe. š I want to see Switzerland in snow. Thank you so much, Kim.
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I just had a quick look back through your blog … I think I’m going to really enjoy catching up with all those amazing travel posts! I find snow a bit fascinating too – I think when you live in a city that never gets snow, it sparks your child-like sense of curiosity š Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Anne!
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Feels like kindred spirits… š Thank you. Yeah, Australia and South Africa. We’re almost the same country, too. š We won’t talk about rugby. You have a wonderful weekend, too. š¤
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Haha! I completely agree! So glad we’ve crossed paths š
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Absolutely pleased about our paths crossing for sure. š We might just plan to take a trip down under one day, too. We are so far from each other yet South Africans keep running away to you. Lol!
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Haha! There are a few South Africans here, yep! Would be great to have you visit Australia. I’ve only done a couple of posts about home but there’s a few more coming up this month!
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Australia is huge so I guess it involves a lot of local traveling. Same with South Africa… fortunately, we, South Africans, seem to love driving. It’s actually such a beautiful country and I feel sad when I think of the bad things and/or experiences that ‘chase’ people out of the country.
I’m looking forward to the posts.
Hugs xxx
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Sounds majestic!
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It sure was!
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