Every year on 12 August, the world comes together to celebrate one of nature’s most iconic and beloved animals, the elephant. Here at Bushveld Terrace Safari Hotel, Lodge & Spa, we feel incredibly lucky to encounter these magnificent creatures on a regular basis while out exploring The Kruger National Park. Whether it’s a lone bull strolling confidently down the road or a playful herd splashing in a waterhole, each sighting is unforgettable.
These beautiful animals play a vital role in keeping the bush healthy. Known as “ecosystem engineers,” they help shape the environment in ways few other species can. By knocking down trees, creating pathways through thick vegetation, digging for water in dry riverbeds, and spreading seeds in their dung, they support countless other animals and plants. Without elephants, the landscape would look very different, and many species would struggle to survive.
Here are some fun facts about elephants:
Powerful trunks: An elephant’s trunk contains over 40,000 muscles, making it strong enough to push over a tree yet gentle enough to pick up a single blade of grass.
Cool ears: Those big ears aren’t just for listening. They work like built-in fans, helping elephants regulate their body temperature in the African heat. The large network of veins in their ears allows heat to escape more easily, keeping them cool.
Social animals: Elephants live in close-knit family groups and have deep emotional bonds. They’re known to comfort one another and even mourn their dead.
A shape of the ear: The African elephant’s ear is shaped a lot like the African continent itself, while the Asian elephant’s ear is smaller and shaped more like the Indian subcontinent. A perfect way to tell the two species apart!
Asian elephant
So, the next time you’re planning to explore The Kruger National Park and experience the magic of seeing these beautiful animals up close, be sure to consider Bushveld Terrace Safari Hotel, Lodge & Spa. Happy World Elephant Day from all of us at Bushveld Terrace!
