In the Footsteps of Giants

When coming on safari to Southern Africa, seeing wild elephants in their natural environment is often on the top of visitors’ “to-do” lists. During a stay at Tuningi Safari Lodge, guests enjoy twice daily game drives traversing over 75 000 hectares of untouched wilderness in search of the plentiful pachyderms who call the reserve home. Take a look at some of most recent elephant photography captured by Head Ranger, Gavin Tonkinson below.

Madikwe Game Reserve is located in the North-West Province of South Africa, near the Botswana border. It is approximately a 4-hour drive from Johannesburg, making it accessible for both local and international visitors. The reserve was established in 1991 on land that was previously used for farming. Today it boasts a healthy and growing population of elephants (as well as lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species), making it a prime location for wildlife and elephant photography in particular.

A model for successful wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, Madikwe operates on a partnership model involving the government, private sector, and local communities. This ensures that conservation efforts are not only for visitors to enjoy, but also benefit the local economy and provide employment opportunities.

For the best elephant photography experience in Madikwe Game Reserve aim for the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) for optimal lighting. The golden hours, which occur during the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset, are the optimal times for photographing elephants. During these periods, the light is soft, warm, and diffused, reducing harsh shadows and providing a pleasing glow to the landscape and the animals.

As a happy coincidence, elephants are often more active in the early morning, engaging in feeding and social behaviors. The cool morning air and the rising sun provide excellent lighting conditions. The evening light casts long shadows and a warm, golden hue over the landscape and elephants might be seen moving towards water holes or engaging in social interactions.

By timing your photography sessions with these guidelines in mind, you’ll maximize your chances of capturing stunning images of elephants in Madikwe.

Elephants are highly social animals, living in matriarchal herds led by the oldest female. These herds consist of related females and their offspring, with males leaving the group upon reaching adolescence. Capturing interactions within the herd can reveal their complex social bonds an we recommend focusing on moments of greeting, nurturing, and protection, using a long lens to maintain a respectful distance while achieving intimate shots.

During feeding and drinking activities, our guides will position you near water holes or feeding grounds at dawn or dusk to take advantage of soft lighting. Elephants often move in single file; use a fast shutter speed to capture these moments clearly, and try panning shots to convey motion.

Playful behaviors, especially among calves, offer unique photographic opportunities—watch for scenes of young elephants chasing each other, splashing in water, or mimicking adults, often resulting in heartwarming and dynamic images.

Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the best destinations in South Africa to visit if photographing elephants on safari interests you. Situated at the heart of the reserve, Tuningi Safari Lodge enjoys unparalleled access to all corners of Madikwe offering the best opportunities for spotting wildlife on game drive.

We invite you to come and experience it for yourself by contacting our friendly reservations team for bookings and enquiries. We look forward to welcoming you.