elephants, Kruger National Park

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I cannot really say that there is enormous danger here, but sure in a place with such wild life you should be aware of the danger.
In general Elephant is the only real danger animal to you even if you are inside your car, so give respect and keep a safe distance from them. They also often cross the roads and they do not look right and left, they just go, so be careful when you drive.

Every year when I come to the Kruger Park I see motorists driving to close to elephants. Be aware since if 5 tons are running towards you - you need an escape route. I normally keep my exit to the rear free and my car in reverse, because if the elephant should chase - I want to be quickly gone!

The KNP elephants, although glorious creatures, are not known for their charm or manners! They become quite aggressive quite easily if they feel frightened or threatened in any way, especially VERY NB if their young are close by.

If an elephant starts flapping its ears and faces you, get out of there as quickly as possible. This means they want to charge you, and this is very dangerous.

I have only had this happen to me once… we were in a grey minibus, and we think the lone, young male elephant thought we were another elephant or something, because we were charged for no reason whatsoever! We left very quickly, leaving a lot of dust in our wake!

So just be aware please.

Aren't they sweet! Well, yes they are, but you must respect them too! If you make an elephant angry you could end up with 3 or 4 tonnes of muscle running at you at 30-40 kmh, try getting out of that one in reverse with a caravan attached!!

Basically stay clear of all males on heat (on must)! You can see they are on must from the liquid running from their eyes (pure hormone)! Also their 'extra leg' will look ****ing massive!! Avoid a male on must at all costs!

We came accross a 'normal' elephant in the middle of the road in the Kruger, even then you should not try to pass them as they can get angry.. you have to wait until they get away from the road side! This can cause a traffic jam Kruger style!!

Having travelled for many years through the Kruger, my best advice for driving in areas with wild animals is respect them! People don't realise that elephants are potentially very dangerous animals and have in the past caused major damage to visitors vehicles. Give them plenty room and if they start to walk towards you, move away. You may see professional guides getting really close but they are aware of the dangers and know how to avoid accidents so please don't try imitate them. If you find yourself in a situation which is dangerous, get out of the area as soon as you can. Your vehicle should be able to travel faster than a charging elephant.
Other animals to be aware of are baboons, close windows when they are around cause they do sometimes jump in the car looking for food. Lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo are usually no problem but do be aware of them whilst in your vehicle. Especially when there are baby animals with them.

This photo depicts the skull of a huge bull elephant who once ruled the area surrounding Oliphants Game Camp! The skull is mounted at the correct anatomical height above ground, so you get the correct impression of who is going to win if you go toe-to-toe! The Oliphants Camp had an interesting area where you could view various old photos of their past history. Among them was a shot of the crumpled remains of a car in which a tourist had been killed when an irate elephant stomped its roof in. The rules in Kruger are quite simple, just drive around and stay in your car to enjoy whatever it is that you come across. Once you step out, the rules all change! I almost crossed that line once in Kenya, with a Black Rhino in Amboseli Game Park!

HERE THERE IS AN ANGRY BULL ELEPHANT I AM AFRAID THAT THERE ISNT MUCH ANYBODY CAN DO IF THERE IS AN ANGRY BULL ELEPHANT ON YOUR TAIL, AS I DONT THINK THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN STOP IT COMING .............

Malaria is present in SA, you should take precautions with anti malarial tablets, wear long sleeve shirts and use body spray repellent to keep the mosquitos away. There is more of a risk in the wet season as few mosquitos in dry season!