This is the dramatic moment an angry elephant charges a full boat of tourists as they observe him in deep waters.
As Su-An Marais took a tour down the flooded Chobe River in Botswana, the boat pulled up next to a huge mammal chomping down on reeds.
Pic from Latest Sightings/Caters News
While the elephant appeared to be completely relaxed, the vessel pulls up within touching distance until it spots the tourists.
Clearly unimpressed by the invasion of its personal space, the enormous animal heads straight for the bow and butts it with its stunted tusks.
After a couple of short, sharp strikes, the boat and its passengers quickly reverse and speed away from any danger.
Su-An said: “Although this is by far the closest I’ve ever been to an elephant, it seemed to be grazing quite peacefully.
“What could go wrong, I mean, an elephant can’t swim that fast in deep water, right?
“So, I decided to take a video, so I could record the plucking, chewing and breathing sounds to prove just how close we really were.
“Clearly it was too close for comfort.
“Luckily I was already recording, because the charge happened so fast that I wouldn’t have been able to get my camera out on time for the action.”
Pic from Latest Sightings/Caters News
Su-An says she learned three things from her close encounter with the annoyed elephant.
She said: “You have to be alert.
“One can see the anger in the elephant’s eyes just before charging.
“You should never underestimate the mobility of an elephant in the water.
“The river was in full flood, so the boats have excellent access during a safari, but so do the elephants.
“Adult elephants that are strong swimmers could easily immerse themselves completely under the water and suddenly surprise you when they resurface.
“Finally, give them some privacy.
“I realise the sounds and boats in close proximity must have irritated the elephant, because there were a few boats surrounding the elephant, but ours was by far the closest.”
