The Thrill of Tracking Desert Elephants
Imagine starting your day at the break of dawn, leaving the comfort of Onduli Ridge, nestled among the iconic granite boulders of Damaraland, and venturing into the vast, untamed wilderness. The mission? To track the elusive desert-adapted elephants of Namibia, who roam freely across this arid and challenging landscape.
Setting Out: A Journey into the Unknown
Your guide navigates the Huab Riverbed, shifting gears to 4x4 mode as the sand deepens and the terrain grows unpredictable. Signs of elephant activity—fresh tracks and dung—hint at their presence, but their exact location remains a mystery. The thrill of the unknown drives you forward, binoculars in hand, scanning the horizon for the telltale movement of these gentle giants.
As the journey unfolds, a signature coffee stop offers a brief respite. The raw beauty of Namibia’s arid landscape reminds you of the privilege of this adventure. Sipping coffee in the open desert, you feel the anticipation building—each clue, each track brings you closer to your goal.
The Search Intensifies: Hot on the Trail
Fresh tracks lead your vehicle out of the riverbed and into rugged terrain. The guide shares insights on identifying elephant activity, deepening your understanding of their behavior. Yet, as the distance from the lodge grows, so does the uncertainty of success.
Just as doubts creep in, the unexpected happens: the herd appears on the very path you’d traveled earlier. The excitement is palpable, cameras click furiously, and smiles are all around.
The Encounter: Witnessing Desert Elephants
Observing a herd of desert-adapted elephants in their natural habitat is nothing short of magical. Through your binoculars, every detail comes to life: the wrinkles on their skin, the dexterity of their trunks, the sheer presence of these incredible creatures.
Your guide shares stories of their resilience—how they navigate the harsh environment, finding food and water in seemingly impossible conditions.
A Bittersweet Farewell
After spending time with the herd, it’s time to head back to the lodge. Your guide points out that the elephants had been cleverly camouflaged earlier, nestled among scraggly trees. It’s a humbling reminder of nature’s unpredictability.
Back at Onduli Ridge, the allure of a cold swim and a gin and tonic awaits, but the memory of the search and encounter lingers. The experience of almost missing them, only to have them appear unexpectedly, makes this your most unforgettable safari adventure
About the author:
Jason Nott
Jason Nott, born in Namibia, comes from a well-known family of “nature conservators” who have been involved in development issues in Namibia for decades. One of his greatest influences as a child was his godfather, Flip Stander, who now runs the Desert Lion Conservation Foundation. After graduating in Travel and Tourism Management, he started managing a remote game lodge in Namibia. During that time, he developed excellent relationships with local communities in the country’s northwest. Today, he and his guests are welcome to visit these fascinating communities. “One of my greatest pleasures is sharing the wonders of the country I love with visitors,” he says, “and guiding is my tool for doing this.” Jason has a passion for wildlife and its protection, and a strong belief that this is best achieved through the development of communities. He is a phenomenally knowledgeable birder, wildlife expert, and wonderful traveling companion. In addition to being a guide, he also helps run the Conservation Travel Foundation , which is involved in funding humanitarian and conservation initiatives around the country.
