An elephant crosses a road at the Kruger National Park. Picture: Unsplash
Elephant sightings are quite common when visiting the Kruger National Park due to their abundance.
The park has rules and procedures in place to ensure the safety of visitors and prevent any unfortunate incidents during sightings.
However, for those enamoured with these majestic creatures seeking close encounters, safari tour operator and photographer, Curteis Roberts (@curt_is_wild), took to TikTok and shared his tips on how humans should behave during an encounter.
For some, Roberts’ advice might be seen as peculiar or eccentric, however, South Africa’s self-proclaimed Tarzan has captured amazing pictures of animal sightings on his adventures in the Kruger.
In his video titled ‘Patience not fear’, he shared his 4 essential tips on elephant sightings, which he swears by.
1. Don’t turn the car on.
2. Talk to them nicely.
3. Let them make the rules.
4. If they warn you, move.
@curt_is_wild Be gentle they feel it 🥺 #elephant #nature #wildlife ♬ original sound - Curt Is Wild
Though these tips may have worked for the tour operator, some netizens were not convinced and had this to say.
@rosalynhornsby said: “If an elephant is on musth that won’t do anything. They will charge so just give them their space. I don’t like getting close to elephants so rather give space.”
To which, Roberts replied: “True but if you turn your car on when you are close to an elephant on musth you'll be in even more trouble. I've been this close to 50+ bulls on musth with no problems ... talking and respect works.”
Another user, @noneocolonialism, said: “Until they don’t and trample you.”
Roberts added: “Elephants are not like that at all. They are very calm, gentle animals. If they hurt people it's because people hurt them or threatened them first.”