In 1898 there were no elephant left in the old Sabie Game Reserve. Small numbers migrated between Shingwedzi and Mozambique. Around 1912, Stevenson-Hamilton reported a resident herd of about 25 elephants along the Shingwedzi River. However, large numbers of elephants entered the Kruger Park from Mozambique before the completion of the elephant-proof fence in 1976.

They browse and graze on many different plant species. Bark of trees, fruit, roots and herbs are also consumed. It is estimated that they consumed an average of 200 kg of food per day, feeding close on 18 hours out of 24 per day. Large bulls drink up to 350 litres of water at a time. They can dig holes in sandy riverbeds up to 1,8 m deep.

They are able to walk extremely quietly through the bush due to the thick padding covering the soles of their feet. This prevents them slipping and deadens the sound of twigs trampled underfoot.

It is difficult to tell the sexes apart because the testicles of the males are situated internally, and the females' genitals are quite often not visible. However, the head of the bull is more rounded and the female is smaller, as are her tusks compared to those of an adult bull.

The longest tusk measured is 3,384 m (shot in East Africa) and the record mass is 102,3 kg. The tusks are used for defense, digging up roots and stripping bark from trees.

At about 60 years of age, only a fragment of the last molar tooth remains in each half of the jaws. At this stage, chewing becomes progressively more ineffective and starvation is the animal's fate.

Elephants do not tolerate other animals at a waterhole. A number of zebras and other game have been killed by them. They lash the animal with their trunks, breaking its back. Even lions will flee "with their tails between their legs" when elephant arrive at the waterhole.

The gestation period usually lasts for about 22 months. The cow has two teats situated between the front legs. The calf suckles with its mouth while the trunk is bent over backwards or to the side. Calves are very well protected against predators, and the only real enemy of the elephant is man.

Come and see them in real life with L&J Tours! For more information, contact Judy at : lj-tours@iafrica.com