How to not get Killed by an Elephant in the Kruger National Park

Ok, ok we’re only kidding- kind of. 

I think some tourists hear the word ‘park’ and they think the animals are similar to zoo animals. The Kruger park is not a zoo, it is a preserved nature reserve giving wild animals the freedom to act as nature intended (emphasis on the wild). Yes, the park is managed to a certain extent- it has to be, but the animals are free to roam and do as they wish. We are in their territory, not the other way around. 

The only place outside of the camps where people are allowed to exit their vehicles are at places where it clearly states you can, such as picnic sites which are unfenced.It is not unheard of for a leopard to stroll through a picnic site where visitors are having their lunch on a rented skottel braai. Otherwise visitors must stay in their vehicle at all times for their own safety. 

Although visitors running into trouble with animals outside the camp is uncommon it does happen and when it does, it is usually encountering elephants. Most of the time, elephants will gently stroll by cars and as long as you give them some distance to cross the road at their own leisure you will not have a problem. The problem is when distance is not given. Elephants are temperamental and if you do not respect their wishes they will let you know. We have often had to reverse our car a significant distance when a moody elephant (usually a bull in musth) wants to show who is boss. When an elephant approaches a car and flaps it ears, this is a warning to back off. They can also show frustration by trumpeting while flapping its ears at the car or shaking its head. The most dramatic threat it will give you is a ‘mock charge’ where it will rush the car, before stopping suddenly, ears spread and trumpeting loudly. However once they see you are not a threat and are backing off they will leave you alone.  This is not to make you panic when you encounter an elephant but for you to be aware that although they have a ‘gentle giant’ reputation, they can be very temperamental and don’t take kindly to people who do not give them distance.

Musth: periodic condition in male elephants characterized by aggressive behavior and accompanied by a large rise in reproductive hormones.