Gentle Giants

Short Video of the Affectionate Elephants “Gentle Giants” of Botswana

Did you know elephants can get sunburnt? I discovered this during a safari trip to Botswana this summer. The safari guides at my camp were at the top of their game – getting us very close to observe and photograph many animals including lions, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs and elephants. The elephants nicknamed “gentle giants” are extremely intelligent and empathetic, exhibiting their affection through stroking or caressing each other’s heads and backs with their trunks. They were one of my favorite Okavango Delta animals to observe and photograph. Elephants thrive in herds, where older matriarchs often join together with their offspring fostering close-knit, life-long relationships. In contrast, male elephants spend more time alone.

It was particularly mesmerizing to observe the families during their ritual mud bath. My guide explaining that African elephant's skin can get sunburnt and that’s why you will often see them spraying themselves with water or taking a mud bath to cool off. 

If you plan to experience a photo safari I definitely recommend at a minimum renting a 500mm or longer lens plus a 1.4x or 2x extender if you don’t own one.

I also recommend taking two camera bodies as the wilderness dust can be harmful if you’re changing lenses in the field. One of my two Sony A1 cameras housed a 600mm Sony lens, while on the other A1 held a 24-70mm or 100-400mm zoom depending on the location for the day.

I highly recommend bringing a beanbag for supporting the large lenses against the side of the safari vehicle. I brought this LensCoat LensSack Beanbag empty (to save on weight) and filled with beans once I arrive to the camp.

Another item I brought to protect my gear that was invaluable, was the African Kikoy (sarong-like skirt). I purchased the tightly-knit material on Amazon and cut it in two pieces.

I quickly threw this material over my camera and lens while carrying in my lap when the dust swirled or when our 4WD vehicle was moving. I found it extremely helpful to have my cameras close to me and easily accessible for the incredible wildlife around every turn.