During a stay at Little Vundu to celebrate a special birthday, Janet and Carey were given a remarkable experience that they shared with us. What started as a normal guided walk turned into an extraordinary close-up encounter with a bull elephant named Tusker.
Several elephants in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools area, including Tusker and another bull elephant called Boswell, have become something of celebrities, as they have learnt to stand on their back legs to reach food high up on trees and bushes.
Janet and Carey’s guide, Mark, has a special connection with Tusker in particular, built over time through trust and understanding. Mark communicates with Tusker through low rumbles, a form of “talking” that the elephant responds to. Thanks to this bond, Mark was able to introduce them to Tusker, with safety always the top priority.
Janet and Carey stood just a couple of feet away as he fed from a tree above them. “It was incredible to watch,” Janet said. “He was so precise with his trunk, stripping bark and breaking branches using his feet, tusks and trunk. ”
What stood out to Janet most was how Tusker managed an injury to his front foot. He carefully tested the rough ground with his trunk before placing his foot down, like someone walking cautiously with an injured ankle. “He was so careful,” Janet explained, “It was clear he knew how to protect himself.”
Tusker also wore a radio collar, which tracks his movements and acts as a deterrent to poachers. Janet found it a sobering reminder of the dangers these elephants face. “It’s sad that something so peaceful needs such protection,” she added. It also highlights how precious encounters like this are, as these amazing animals are at constant risk.
For over an hour, Janet and Carey stood close to Tusker, watching him move and feed. The experience left a lasting impact on them.
“We’ll never forget it,” Carey said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and we’re so thankful to Mark and Tusker for giving us that opportunity. What was so great was that while aware of our presence we did not disturb, or interrupt his morning routine – he was feeding when we arrived and as we said our goodbyes.
Janet and Carey’s visit to Mana Pools was far more than a typical safari – it was a rare and special chance to connect with one of nature’s giants, something that will stay with them forever.
Visit the Expert Africa website for detailed information about Little Vundu, Mana Pools and Zimbabwe.
Inspired to visit and see Tusker and Boswell for yourself? Give us a call or enquire and one of our Zimbabwe experts will happily give you first-hand insight and advice on where and when to go and what to see.
