Originally posted by Jorgario How close where you ? Apparently elephants are very gentle but sometimes they get angry. It will be funny to touch this wrinkled skin.
The close-up was taken from an open vehicle. I would guess 6-8 metres. I general they ignore vehicles and as long as they come to you, rather than you driving right up to them, you can get very close. On foot you need to be more careful. In general you can safely get very close to lone old bulls. They don't mind you much at all most times of year. But you do not approach a breeding herd. Mothers can be quick tempered and young bulls a bit unpredictable. Again, if they know you are there and still approach peacefully you just sit tight and let them pass.
Their skin is very tough but can feel sort of rubbery. They also have sparse but bristly hairs that add roughness to the feel. (No, I have not touched elephants in the wild!)
Originally posted by barondla Cool images! Being so close to such a huge animal, knocking things over, is scary. My hands would have been shaking so bad, doubt there would be any sharp photos. Well done!
This series makes me feel like I was there.
Thanks for sharing,
barondla
Thanks
It is indeed an intense experience. I have been close to elephants before so was confident in what to do. Besides, I was with my daughter-in-law (who was a safari first-timer) so I had to act like all was cool
But yeah, your heart does get some excercise!