Kayaking With Elephants
Adventure and family fun intertwine in an unforgettable, soul-stirring experience—kayaking with elephants, an exclusive activity offered only to guests of Ekorian’s Mugie Camp. Imagine gliding silently across the still waters of Mugie’s dam, your paddle slicing gently through the surface, when suddenly, a distant rustle on the shoreline draws your gaze. Emerging from the acacia thickets, a herd of elephants ambles down to the water’s edge, their sheer size and quiet grace leaving you breathless.
As you drift closer—always at a respectful distance—you become part of a rare and intimate moment. The elephants wade in slowly, their trunks curling and plunging into the cool water, splashing and drinking in equal measure. Calves playfully jostle each other while older matriarchs keep watch, occasionally sending a spray of water skyward in a shimmering arc.
There is a quiet reverence in the air, broken only by the gentle lapping of water and the deep rumble of elephant calls. You feel the warmth of the sun on your back, the scent of wild sage in the breeze, and the profound stillness of being immersed in the rhythms of nature. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience—raw, real, and deeply moving—that only Ekorian’s guests are privileged to enjoy.
Navigating around the island, we reach the southern end of the dam, where a dust cloud signals the presence of more elephants. Our trusty guide, George, skillfully directs us downwind of the herd, ensuring we approach quietly. We anchor ourselves to a nearby tree, its branches jutting out over the water, and settle in to observe.
Before us, the herd approaches the water’s edge, their long trunks dipping below the surface to fill with refreshing water before curling back to their mouths. The scene is mesmerizing as the elephants shower themselves, turning their grey, wrinkled skin to a warm brown beneath the spray.
Calves, brimming with youthful exuberance, push their way to the front, eager to cool off. They tumble and splash, their playful antics a delightful sight. Mothers stand by, ready to assist as their little ones grapple with the water, holding onto their tails for balance. The air fills with joyous splashes and playful nudges as the calves learn the joys of swimming under the watchful eyes of their protective herd.
Once their thirst is quenched and their dusty backs rinsed, the elephants gradually make their way out of the water, leaving behind a cloud of dust as they head back into the bush, two spirited youngsters lingering to play until the last moment.
With hearts full of wonder, we paddle back to the main island, where the bull elephant swims alongside us, his trunk raised above the water like a snorkel as he navigates back to shore. Once ashore, we pull our kayaks up and climb onto the island, where we set up a delightful picnic in the shade. Reliving the magic of our encounter over delicious meat pies, we share smiles and stories, cherishing the incredible experience of kayaking with elephants at Mugie.
