At the waterhole

An elephant mum and baby playing at a waterhole in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. Waterholes like this are especially popular during the dry season from May to November. During this time, there is no rain and as the grass and leaves turn brown and dry the animals need access to a stable water supply. In this wet area one pool of water was used for drinking, while another became a swimming pool. The elephants greatly enjoy bathing; splashing in the mud until they are as brown as the soil. After the bath comes a dusting of sand. When this elephant sunscreen is in place it is time to move on.

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