Elephants on the ‘Elephants River’

The Olifants River translated from Afrikaans, means Elephants River. It is the Kruger National Park’s water courses, and flows through the South African province of Mpumalanga, through the famous Drakensberg Mountains, and into Mozambique where it enters the Indian Ocean at a village called Xai-Xai. Ezulwini River Lodge is in the prestigious position of having an uninterrupted view of this magnificent river, as it is located right on its banks. Unsurprisingly, elephants are drawn to its waters, and are known to celebrate in its cool contents – something Ezulwini guests have come to look forward to.

Baby elephant in the herd

Elephants on the riverbank

Elephants gathering on the Olifants River

Throughout winter and summer, the Olifants River courses at a significant volume through the Balule Reserve and plays host to a variety of water-loving species, other than the elephants. Hippo, crocodile, waterbuck, baboons, birds, buffalo, the list goes on. From the ideally placed viewing deck at River Lodge, beneath a canopy of trees, guests sit back and check off birds on their bird lists (if you didn’t have one when you arrived, you’re guaranteed to have one when you leave!), and observe the activity of the large mammals along the banks and in the water.

Game drives include routes along the Olifants River, which demonstrate the various areas of shallow sand banks, and the deeper waters loved by hippos. On a recent game drive, a breeding herd of elephants graced us with their presence and reminded us all why this great river is indeed called, Olifants River.

Tracker and the elephants

Breeding herd of elephants on the Olifants Riverbank

Elephant herd

Elephants enjoying the river

Ambling along the Olifants River