You’re bumping along a dusty trail in the heart of the Kruger National Park, surrounded by the peaceful whispers of the African bush. Suddenly, your guide halts the vehicle, leans out, and gazes intently at a barely-there footprint in the soil. Within seconds, they smile and say, “Elephant, about 15 minutes ahead.”
And just like that, your exciting adventure to track one of nature’s most magnificent creatures begins.
But how do they do it?
Tracking elephants, rhinos, and other large wildlife in the Kruger isn’t just about luck. It’s a skill honed over years of experience, a mix of instinct, deep knowledge of the environment, and a connection with the animals themselves.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at some of the incredible techniques Kruger guides use to find the giants of Kruger on your next safari.
Reading the Land
Tracking wildlife in the Kruger is like reading a story written on the landscape.
The bush is full of clues, but only if you know where to look. Expert guides have mastered the art of identifying animal footprints, or “spoor,” which serve as a road map to the elephants and rhinos roaming the park.
Elephants, for instance, leave distinct, round footprints that can be over a foot wide. But it’s not just about the size of the print; guides can tell you how recently the elephant passed based on the depth of the imprint, the condition of the edges, and even the temperature of the soil.
A freshly pressed footprint signals that the elephant is close, while faded, dust-filled marks might suggest they’ve moved on.
Rhinos, on the other hand, leave prints with three clear toes, resembling large arrowheads. While elephants tend to travel in herds, rhinos are more solitary, and their tracks often lead deep into thickets.
The Sound of the Wild
While visual signs like tracks are necessary, tracking wildlife in the Kruger also involves tuning into the soundtrack of the bush.
Animals communicate in subtle ways, and the keen ears of Kruger guides are trained to pick up on these cues.
Birds are especially important when tracking.
Certain species, like oxpeckers, often ride on the backs of rhinos, feeding on ticks. Their presence, along with their distinct call, can lead guides straight to a nearby rhino. Other birds, like drongos and starlings, will raise the alarm when a large animal is on the move, helping pinpoint the location of elephants or other creatures.
Even the wind direction plays a role.
By positioning themselves downwind, guides ensure that elephants and rhinos don’t catch their scent, allowing guests to experience these magnificent creatures up close without disturbing them.
Signs of an Elephant’s Feast
When it comes to tracking elephants, another great clue lies in their feeding habits.
Elephants are notorious for their massive appetites, consuming up to 300 pounds of vegetation per day. They leave behind broken branches, stripped bark, and piles of dung (which, yes, guides can also interpret!). Freshly broken trees and still-warm dung are clear signs that a herd is nearby.
Elephants also have a habit of leaving behind “mud wallows” after they cool off in waterholes or muddy patches. These spots serve as markers for where the herd may be headed next, helping guides predict their movements across the vast park.
The Role of Instinct and Experience
There’s something truly magical about a safari guide’s ability to predict animal behaviour.
After years of tracking wildlife in the Kruger, many guides develop an almost instinctual connection with the animals. They’ve observed elephants moving methodically through the bush, and they’ve learned the territorial habits of rhinos. It’s this deep, intimate knowledge that allows them to make educated guesses about where the giants will appear next.
For instance, elephants often follow well-worn migration routes as they search for water and food. Guides familiar with these patterns can anticipate where a herd might be heading, giving guests the best chance of a close encounter.
Ready to Track the Giants?
Join us on a Kruger Park safari and see firsthand how guides go about tracking the Kruger’s many animals. It’s an experience that will leave you in awe of both the wildlife and the expert guides who bring you closer to Africa’s most iconic creatures!
