A group of tourists at a luxury lodge in South Africa’s Kruger National Park recently witnessed an unforgettable sight when a herd of elephants stopped by for a drink—from the lodge’s swimming pool.
The visitors, who were enjoying a meal on the veranda at nThambo Tree Camp, were taken by surprise as the elephants, including both mothers and calves, began sipping water from the pool to cool off in the scorching 37°C heat.
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A thirsty bull elephant even made a sudden entrance, nudging a calf aside to claim a spot in the water.
One of the guests, Carolynne Higgins, shared her awe at the experience, saying, “Watching the herds drink from the pool was a powerful moment.
I realized Africa had found a place in my heart.” She added, “Seeing these gentle giants socializing so close to where humans were gathered felt like a rare connection between two worlds.”
The hambo camp, known for its tree-level accommodations, is set in an open area where large predators and other wildlife can freely roam.
The elephants were just a few meters away from the lodge’s wooden deck and sun loungers, offering guests an incredibly close encounter with the wildlife.
Brett Thomson from Sun Destinations, which manages the lodge, noted, “The bull pushing the calf aside shows a clear social hierarchy among the elephants.”
He pointed out a newborn calf that stretched over the pool’s edge, clumsily drinking with its trunk, while another herd could be seen approaching in the background.
With multiple elephant herds stopping by for a sip, the lodge’s maintenance crew spent the following days refilling the pool to keep up with their unexpected visitors.
Read more Elephant News.