In an unexpected twist, patrons at Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were treated to an incredible sight as a herd of 60 elephants made a beeline for the resort’s private swimming pool.
The luxury resort, known for its exclusivity, became an impromptu watering hole for these majestic animals, offering a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle for the astonished guests.
The elephants paraded out of the neighboring bushland, and three at a time, they quenched their thirst from the pool.
Resort rangers and guests witnessed this captivating scene firsthand, with the remarkable event being captured by resident guide Mark Lautenbach.
With an eight-year tenure at the resort, Lautenbach, 30, who had the mind to document this extraordinary occurrence on March 3, explained the events.
According to him, the elephants initially gathered at a nearby waterhole. However, the water supply quickly dwindled as more herds arrived, leaving them with just mud.
Rather than seek water elsewhere, the elephants found a novel solution: they turned to the lodge’s swimming pool.
By the time Lautenbach arrived on the scene, over 60 elephants were congregated around the lodge, taking turns to drink from the pool and transforming the once pristine waters into a muddy soup.
An average day, an elephant can consume up to 100 liters of water, Lautenbach highlighted. With over 60 elephants in attendance, it’s estimated that more than 6,000 liters of water were consumed during their visit.
The elephant convention, which included drinking, wallowing, and socializing, lasted about three hours before they retreated into the bush.
According to Lautenbach, the aftermath resembled a post-full moon beach party in Thailand, with scattered elephant dung and the remnants of muddy water in the pool, evidence of their visit.
Indeed, it was an unexpected yet unforgettable experience for the Phinda Private Game Reserve patrons.
This unexpected wildlife interaction underscores the resort’s proximity to nature, providing guests with an experience they’ll not soon forget.
