In Namibia’s Etosha National Park, elephants emerge as ghostly figures, their skin coated in a white sheen of clay and calcite sand.
These striking creatures, known as the “great white ghosts” of the savannah, achieve their spectral appearance by bathing in the region’s distinctive mud and water to escape the scorching heat.
As the mud dries, a pale residue of calcite and clay remains on their leathery skin, giving them their hauntingly unique look.
The spectacle was captured last September by Felix Reinders, a 30-year-old industrial engineer from South Africa, who visited the Nebrownii waterhole in the park.
“The big Etosha elephant bulls arrive from every direction and spend their afternoons bathing, almost like a social gathering at a bar,” Reinders explained. “They stand close together or spray water at one another, enjoying the moment.”
The name “Etosha” translates to “great white place,” referencing the vast salt pan that forms the park’s centerpiece.
This arid environment drives elephants to seek out water sources where they can wallow, splash, and coat themselves in mud to cool off under the relentless sun.
When the mud dries, their white-caked skin solidifies their reputation as Etosha’s ghostly giants. “Some elephants even sleep by the waterhole,” Reinders added.
“But the peace isn’t always uninterrupted. A local black rhino occasionally approaches for a drink, though the elephant bulls aren’t fond of this uninvited guest at their bar.”
This fascinating interaction between wildlife and the stark landscape highlights the resilience and adaptability of Namibia’s iconic elephants.
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