In Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve, South African photographer Greg Du Toit has captured stunning, eye-level photographs of elephants enjoying their watering hole.

Over three years, Du Toit submerged himself in these watering holes to document the majestic animals uniquely and intimately.

Du Toit’s close-range shots reveal elephants interacting as they roam freely across the African plains, caring for their young and moving as a herd. He aimed to capture the elephants’ size and gentle nature from an immersive perspective.

Du Toit shared, “It took me months of studying the waterhole and observing the elephants’ behavior until I finally took the plunge and climbed into the water.”

Using a wide-angle lens, Du Toit could shoot from just two yards away, providing an intimate glimpse at the elephants’ daily routines.

His photos include tender moments between mothers and calves, who rely on the herd’s guidance as they navigate their surroundings.

Du Toit described his experience as almost becoming part of the herd, saying, “I relished the opportunity to photograph the babies drinking and playing… By submerging myself in the elephants’ watering hole, I became a part of their world, allowing me to document their lives specially.”

Despite his expertise as a safari guide and photographer with over 20 years of experience, Du Toit acknowledged the risks of his approach, noting that such close interaction with wild elephants can be dangerous.

However, his dedication stems from a deeper purpose—inspiring love and respect for elephants and raising awareness about their conservation.

Elephants continue to face grave threats from poaching and habitat loss. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), African elephants have lost over half of their natural range since 1979, largely due to ivory hunting and trophy poaching, which has drastically reduced their population.

Elephants, once common throughout Africa and Asia, suffered severe losses in the 20th century, and despite stable populations in some areas, ongoing poaching and habitat encroachment remain pressing challenges.

Du Toit hopes his images foster greater awareness and support for elephant conservation. “I hope that this body of work will help create a greater love and appreciation for elephants and even arouse the collective human conscience so that these wonderfully intelligent and gentle giants will be around for future generations to see and enjoy,” he said.