Hanging out in the Hide

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Geo: -24.7867, 26.2903

This afternoon once I finished work Paul and I walked to the hide at Tree Lodge with a few cold drinks. At first it was quiet and then all of a sudden elephants appeared from the bush. A large female elephant walked right in front of us as we sat in the hide. It was a breeding herd that came to drink. There were many young elephants and it was so cute to watch the younger ones run down to the water.

Once they had drunk water, the older elephants got into the waterhole. Here they swam and played with each other in the water. I did feel a bit sorry for the fish that they disturbed. It was great to watch, as times I didn't know where to look, there was elephant activity going on all around the waterhole area. Just before it got dark, they walked away and we want back to the staff village.

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Photos

01 Walking Past
This elephant is just about to walk past us as we sit in the hide.

02 In the Water
This elephant is enjoying its time in the water.

03 Little Ones
Three young elephants quickly walking to the freshly pumped water.

04 Playing
Two sub adult elephants play fighting.

05 Racing
Another breeding herd racing down to the water.

06 Cooling Down
Three elephants cooling down in the waterhole.

07 Getting In
Two more elephants about to cool off in the water.

08 Drinking
Standing side-by-side drinking water.

09 Happy
The elephants are happy to be drinking and swimming on this warm summer's evening.

10 Splashing
Splashing water around with its trunk.

11 Locked
Two elephants locking tusks in the water.

12 Chasing
A younger elephant chasing an older elephant.

13 In the Water
An adult elephant in the water.

14 More Playing
More elephants playing in the water.

15 Five
Five elephants swimming in the water.

16 Getting In and Out
Some elephants getting ready to leave the water, while the others are about to enter.

17 Grey Heron
A Grey Heron watching the elephants disturb the peace at the waterhole.