Have you ever had the privilege of having a memorable encounter with an elephant? Here’s a remarkable story about how the Duke of Pridelands, a famous tusker, shared a moment with EcoTraining’s bush guide Andries Kemp.
After an incredible game drive, Kemp and his students had just arrived back at Pridelands Camp when they heard a branch crack a few meters away and an enormous presence emerged from the bush.
“I’ve listened to the stories,” says Kemp, “but I couldn’t believe it until I saw it myself. I went ice cold and goosebumps covered my body as I stood and marveled at what was now walking straight in my direction. I caught eye with him. We were both so calm. I realized I was standing face to face with one of the reserve’s most famous tuskers — Ezulwini.
Ezulwini means “heaven” or “heaven sent” in Xhosa, a name that suits the gentle giant perfectly well. This majestic bull is in his prime and commonly seen moving with a few younger males. The other males do not dare put a foot into camp. Unlike Ezulwini, who knows he’s the boss of the bush. He is also known to side-eye people and pretend to eat while deciding whether he can trust you.
“This magnificent creature was sharing a magical moment with me. I have never seen such a massive tusker in real life, let alone had such a memorable encounter with one. The moment was oddly peaceful. I knew he meant no harm — that he was only passing through. Our intimate moment ended; he turned to the side and majestically strode off into the bush on the other side of the camp and disappeared back into the thicket.”
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