'Hey, let go of my trunk!'

jhk, on September 13, said:

Part 5 of the journey through South Africa (and Swaziland).

In this part, we go from Addo Elephant National Park past the Garden Route, through the Little Karoo, to Swellendam.

Links to the first photos of the previous parts:

Part 1 - From Amsterdam to the Kruger NP

Part 2 - From the Kruger to the Drakensbergen

Part 3 - Through Swaziland to Zululand

Part 4 - From the St Lucia wetland to Addo NP

jhk, on September 13, said:

Addo Elephant National Parks is, of course, famous for its elephants. Elephants had been nearly hunted to extinction in the Eastern Cape, until a band of farmers decided to protect the last remaining ones of the region. Only 11 elephants remained at the time of the park's inception in 1931.

The area is very well suited to elephants, and they flourished. The current elephant population is around 450, on a relatively small area - although the Addo NP is fast expanding.

So although you come to Addo with the expectation to see elephants, you are filled with amazement when you actually see them. We saw many elephants in the park, but this herd was without doubt the most beautiful encounter we have had in South Africa.

A herd of about 40 elephant met near a waterhole, where they were drinking, playing, eating and socializing. We sat at this spot for over two hours, watching them - something I will never forget.

These two were mockfighting during almost the entire time.

jhk, on September 13, said:

For more information on the history of the Addo Elephant NP, see the excellent SANparks website.

Nicolas Mertens, on September 30, said:

It's a case of Kiss Me Kate. Great shot!