Boswell a unique Elephant bull

Boswell is one of the reasons why I wanted to go to Mana Pools National Park. I had seen pictures of this magnificent Elephant standing on its hind legs and that was something I wanted to witness myself.

Therefore, I went on an eight days recon trip in July 2014. I had the luck to meet Boswell on a couple of occasions that time. He was mostly relaxed, but showed temper once in awhile. Particularly towards the younger bulls that followed him.

Boswell had company on all occasions except the last one. That time we found him alone just by the Zambezi river. I made this short video of him then in which you can see his collar. I have no opinion about him being collared as long as it doesn’t mean they need to sedate him each year. That will surely stress him and probably make him more suspicious towards people.

Video: Meet Boswell

As you see Boswell is totally relaxed and unbothered by us being close to him. He didn’t rise on his hind legs on this occasion, but I have both video and photo evidence of him doing it a couple of days earlier.

It was such a treat to follow Boswell with a small entourage of a mother with a calf together and two more elephants, both young bulls I think. Boswell was a little annoyed by one of the younger bulls and made it clear that he didn’t liked the company.

Video: Boswell with entourage

We had the pleasure to follow this elephant party for more than 90 minutes. We did it all on foot. It does sound dangerous, but rest assured the guides in Mana Pools National Park are extremely competent. I don’t think anyone of us felt at risk at any time. It is difficult to become a fully qualified Zim Pro walking guide. I think you need at least five years’ experience to become one. This result in some of the most skilled safari guides that you will find on the African continent.

If you are a keen photographer and would like to experience something unique. Something raw and discover how it is to explore Africa on foot, the proper way. Then join me next year on my trip to Mana Pools National Park as I plan to be back in September.