Unexpected Visitors: 60 Elephants Transform South African Resort into Their Watering Hole

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In an unexpected twist, patrons at Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were treated to an incredible sight as a herd of 60 elephants made a beeline for the resort’s private swimming pool.

The luxury resort, known for its exclusivity, became an impromptu watering hole for these majestic animals, offering a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle for the astonished guests.

Guests got more than they had paid for when a herd of 60 elephants appeared out of the wild to drink from a private swimming pool. Source: Daily Mail

The elephants paraded out of the neighboring bushland, and three at a time, they quenched their thirst from the pool.

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Resort rangers and guests witnessed this captivating scene firsthand, with the remarkable event being captured by resident guide Mark Lautenbach.

The pool is part of The Homestead, a resort on the exclusive Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Source: Daily Mail

With an eight-year tenure at the resort, Lautenbach, 30, who had the mind to document this extraordinary occurrence on March 3, explained the events.

According to him, the elephants initially gathered at a nearby waterhole. However, the water supply quickly dwindled as more herds arrived, leaving them with just mud.

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Rather than seek water elsewhere, the elephants found a novel solution: they turned to the lodge’s swimming pool.

Although there is thick woodland surrounding the waterhole, several herds emerged to go to a nearby waterhole – which was all mud. Source: Daily Mail

By the time Lautenbach arrived on the scene, over 60 elephants were congregated around the lodge, taking turns to drink from the pool and transforming the once pristine waters into a muddy soup.

An average day, an elephant can consume up to 100 liters of water, Lautenbach highlighted. With over 60 elephants in attendance, it’s estimated that more than 6,000 liters of water were consumed during their visit.

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The elephant convention, which included drinking, wallowing, and socializing, lasted about three hours before they retreated into the bush.

Source: Daily Mail
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The elephants had initially arrived to use a nearby waterhole but soon turned their attention to the lodge and its sprawling pool. Source: Daily Mail

According to Lautenbach, the aftermath resembled a post-full moon beach party in Thailand, with scattered elephant dung and the remnants of muddy water in the pool, evidence of their visit.

Indeed, it was an unexpected yet unforgettable experience for the Phinda Private Game Reserve patrons.

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This unexpected wildlife interaction underscores the resort’s proximity to nature, providing guests with an experience they’ll not soon forget.

Elephants can drink up to 100 liters of water a day on average, and it’s estimated that these herds drank about 6,000 liters in one sitting. Source: Daily Mail
The herd spent over three hours drinking, wallowing, and socializing around the lodge before disappearing back into the bush. Source: Daily Mail
Experienced guide Mark Lautenbach who has worked on the reserve for eight years, was on hand to photograph the amazing sight. Source: Daily Mail
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