Normally you try to avoid driving up too close to the animals, as not to disturb their natural behaviour, but that of course doesn't stop them from approaching you to investigate. When these gigantic creatures stop just a metre or two from your vehicle usually one can hear the entire group of guests taking a deep breath... and hold it.
This female elephant has no problem at all closing in on you to have a good look. This time around she stood there contemplating us for a while, until she finally was convinced by our ranger, to walk away. Speaking calmly to elephants may have the effect that they realize that you're not of any threat to them and then go about their own business again.
Another day we had the fortune of bumping into a female rhino with her calf walking along the road. As they went into the bush we continued on the road ahead. Of course, the huge lady changed her mind and decided that the road was the best mode of travelling after all. As she has no road sense, she just cut in front of us... not even signalling before doing so! A close encounter that probably even startled her.
I was amazed by her climbing skills, as she came up the dam wall onto the road again! Standing three metres above a rhino, on a steep bank, is apparently not a safe spot! Her calf struggled a bit before also making it and then quickly running in front of her, true white rhino style.
Crocodiles ususally head for water as soon as you get close enough for decent photos. But this fellow was probably soaking up the last warmth of the afternoon from the sandy track and so had no intention to budge, not even a little.
This caused a bit of a traffic jam with three vehicles getting stuck on the dam wall, enjoying his company for a while, before having to turn around the same way as we came.
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