One thing that keeps surprising me in the animal kingdom is the fact how elephants move without sound and sight. Not only do they blend in perfectly behind scrubs and bushes and are often seen last minute. A whole herd can appear out of nowhere and you wouldn’t hear a single thing. Elephant feet have a buffer zone to minimize the impact of their colossal weight. They are also confined with sensitive nerves that can feel the slightest vibration from kilometers away. One reason why cars surprise elephants is because of minimal vibrations from the tires.

It was a cloudy and overcast kinda morning here at Majete Shire. The air was fresher than yesterday as I had a jumper on when I got up. No colours for early morning photography and with cooler temperatures, the animals may not be as active in the morning. No need to rush as I had my coffee and breakfast with fellow baboons, who roam the fields, unoccupied tents, and cars if left open. The neighbors who informed me about the lion king yesterday were heading inland to a few waterholes and left early.

I covered the river loops first, maybe some elephants will take an early morning swim. I saw this Inala bull by the Shire River, acting rather skittish.

He was thirsty but he knew about the danger of drinking water as well.

One doesn’t know what’s in the water or what could creep up from behind.

The signs are ominous.

Vultures were enjoying leftovers.

The hippos were a bit more active this morning, now you see me, now you don’t. However, still no elephants.

I didn’t feel like driving around all day. I much rather sit in the hive and hide for a few hours and let the animals come to me.

I aimed for Nsepete Hyde, located on the dried river bed with the same name.

Camp chair? Check. Camera? Check. Coffee? Check. Condoms? Just cidding.

So I climbed the stairs and checked into the hut with a view over a small waterhole.

It was dead quiet. Zimba’s turbocharger must have scared the animals off as I arrived.

Waterbucks were the first to emerge.

Their fur looked immaculate in cloudy skies.

Pumba and his monkey friends came next.

There is always time for some monkey business.

Meanwhile, the tame appearing Inala antelope joined in to quench their early morning thirst.

And even Africa’s biggest and shyest antelope, the Eland, gathered in large numbers.

Eland Antelope are extremely good jumpers. I have seen large herds jumping over streets before.

This was a perfect scenario to capture these elegant grazers. It was a happy herbivore happening.

But where are the elephants? Are there any in this park? I have seen elephant droppings here and there, but…?

Plan B will be another drive around the countryside, but firstly, how about another cup of coffee. All thanks to Theodore, the wandering flask. I went downstairs to the nearby car park and refilled my cup with café pronto. There was no wind and no sound of anything at all as I gazed upon the huge baobab trees.

Up the stairs, I went again. And would you believe it? I couldn’t.

A herd of seven elephants was in and around the pool.

In between were two youngsters, who happily joined the muddy waters.

I didn’t hear a single sound. No cracking bushes, no footsteps, no trumpet, and no growling.

There they are. Elephantastic.

I didn’t know where to aim OM-D for. The playground extends to the adults, showering in murky waters.

The calfs were always close together and best friends, smiling over liquid gold.

The overcast skies opted for perfect lighting conditions, which is not too harsh. Even for monochrome photography.

As quickly and quietly as the herd appeared, as quick and quiet they disappeared. It was unusual for both youngsters to follow the same elephant mother. But happy they are as they trotted off.

Apart from this young bull. He knows that soon enough, he must wander his own path. But not today.

He eventually followed the track east towards the Shire River. Good riddance and yes.

There are elephants in Africa, there are elephants at Majete. I was happy as Larry as I sipped on my cold coffee.

Maybe I should get down and poor another cuppa. Who knows who else may show up.