Encounter with a Giant

Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park is justly famous for the light effects that the sunlight filtering through the riverine forests produces. Depending on many factors, the forest can appear blue (as in this morning scene) or golden (later in the day). Mana is also one of the very few safari destinations where you are allowed to walk. This image was captured on foot by stepping into the path of a the giant bull elephant. The park's elephants are used to people on foot, and as long as a distance is maintained, bull elephants are indifferent to pedestrians. Not so the elephant cows because of their urge to protect their calves.