The troublesome elephant flipped the script on what should have been a tranquil river cruise.
When the tour boat drifted too close, the elephant did the unthinkable.
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The Chobe River is a natural border between Namibia and Botswana in southern Africa. It’s a special river with scenic views and a diverse ecosystem.
Elephants are part of this diversity, as Su-an was about to discover!
Elephant Wades Into Water
Su-an explained how they had been spoiled with an invitation to visit the beautiful Kasane area in Northern Botswana in celebration of her mother-in-law’s 60th birthday.
The river cruise was organised as part of this memorable trip, and what better river to cruise down than the vast and majestic Chobe River.
Su-an said, “We were drifting on the river, looking out for wildlife, when we came across a bunch of boats circling around an elephant wading in the river.”
One elephant in particular was having a lot of fun in the river, but its presence soon became unsettling as it began moving dangerously close to their boat.
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Su-an explained how the boat slowed down and its engine was shut off so that it wouldn’t disturb the magnificent creature.
Strong River Current Pulls Boat Towards Elephant
The Chobe River was in full flood at the time. The abundant waters meant that the currents were strong, pushing the boat closer to the elephant.
Things were now starting to get up close: “We could hear the elephant plucking, chewing, and breathing,” Su-an recalled. “We were cautious but in awe of this magnificent animal in front of us.”
This was when the elephant started to charge!
Su-an’s mother-in-law was given a birthday gift to remember! The elephant bull came closer and closer to the boat, and the tourists were frightened.
Su-an said it was a good thing that the guide had known to switch the boat’s engine off. This was possibly their saving grace, as the rumbling engine would have upset the elephant even more.
However, the occupants of the boat lived to see another day. “The elephant pushed our boat away and we drifted off,” said Su-an. All were in absolute disbelief at what had just happened.
Before they boarded the boat, Su-an’s guide had told the guests to “Stay in the boat, whatever happens.” Su-an could only laugh now at the advice. “Whatever” had happened, but they had all made it out, with just wet clothes and a greater reverence for life and nature.
“Our visit to Kasane left us with renewed respect for animals and a deeper passion for creation,” she said. “It was an honour to experience the abundance of life and the cleanliness of a country that welcomes tourists with open arms, because they are proud of their land and they know how much tourism means for their economy.”
Su-an Marais is a radio and TV presenter at GROOTfm 90.5 and Die Groot Ontbyt. The sighting definitely had given her more than her fair share of exhilarating news for her shows.