I slept somewhere in the Gramadulas in between the Maghadighadi and the Nxai salt pans. No noise pollution, no air pollution, and no human pollution. Pure bliss. A few herds of elephants were heard crossing the path while a male lion dominated his territory a few kilometers away. Wildlife camping.

I was on my way to the Nxai Salt Pans as I aimed for an early start. We all did. Temperatures are set to soar up into the high thirties/ forties again just like yesterday and the day before.

I remembered the road to the salt pans vividly, it kept me moving on my last visit. This tricky track led to the heart of the National Park which we mastered in true Zimba style. Vroom-vroommmmm. Love that car.

A large herd of giraffes wondered what kinda zebra could possibly pick up so much dust. The group was so immense that I had to climb onto Zimba’s roof to get the whole picture. ‘Seen any elephants of late, mate?’

It wasn’t long before the first giant gently stepped up and out from behind green bushes.

It still surprises me how elephants appear and disappear within the thicket.

We’ve reached the frying edge of this pan. Serenity as far as you can see.

Another lone bull crossed my path to the first waterhole.

Tired but happy, he joyed in a mud hole refilled from recent showers.

Although, the crater was a bit steep for weary legs.

His expressions reminded me of the ‘Junglebook Parade’ 6 years ago.

Dopy wasn’t most motivated than like this one bull is today. Nothing much had changed. Body features and resemblances were strikingly similar.

A band of brothers patiently awaited my arrival at the waterhole.

Once males mature and are too much of a handful, the matriarch expels the troublemakers from the group.. This is how clever female elephants are. In the animal world, it is usually the dominant male that disposes of riping males within the group.

In this case, the bachelor party had already started as I slowly moved forward towards the trunk stop. I realised early that this particular elephant community is extremely sensitive to noise, apart from their own.

There just is no business like shower business.

The theatre stage was set and with a little imagination, the characters transformed the play to a different kind.

The mud markings are an excellent way to differentiate between the members in the herd.

It makes it a whole lot easier to study actions and interactions. It was a happy gathering, a playful congregation.

Three younger ones built a tag team, shuffling in and around the waterhole.

More mature bulls looked on as spectators but kept law and order in play.

And then there were those, who really couldn’t care about much else.

Dopy, whom I met earlier, came over to quench his thirst.

Here he was standing by himself. He had no idea what the fuzz was all about. Or did he?

Been there, done that a long time ago. I found his character somewhat intriguing.

Fascinating as well were the facial expressions of these giants.

One can read their actions immediately as the trunk sets the exclamation mark!

Dopy had meanwhile mingled with the group, he was thirsty after all.

One member in particular shared his interest.

Meanwhile, at the edge, the party really started.

Time to celebrate.

Dopy even changed his masquerade and slipped into the clown disguise.

Well, it was late morning and the heat wasn’t funny anymore.

Even the boks had enough. It’s time to find some shade and check out my accommodation.