ELEPHANT ENCOUNTER - KENYA   

By: Liz Pond

Posted:  February 26, 2026

Photo 1:  Getty Images   Photo 2:  With our amazing guide Kudia

Elephant Encounter - Safari in Aberdare National Park, Kenya, Africa 

Kudia, our experienced guide, held his finger to his lips in a shhhhh gesture and ever so quietly warned us not to make a move or any noise. Although he barely shifted in his seat, you could see his eyes widen, with large, round pupils reflecting a controlled fear. We all froze, realizing the seriousness of the situation.  Angry elephants of a lesser size can flip a safari van like ours. We had startled this enormous creature as we came around the turn to find him right in the middle of the road. We veered off the dirt path to avoid hitting him and found ourselves stuck in the mud from the recent rain. The dry sunbaked earth of the savanna takes a little time to soak up the rain, much like the desert in Arizona, causing pooling and flooding before it's absorbed into the thirsty ground. I remember a strong, earthy aroma following the rain. Until now, we were all in good spirits as we had seen giraffes, zebras, rhinos, hippopotamuses, lions, cheetahs, and so much more. This was our last stop. We heard on the radio that there were several elephants in this part of the Aberdare National Park, and we were coming to check it out.

Now this giant elephant stood before us, flapping his ears angrily and staring us down with an intensity that made the hairs on my hot, dry neck stand at attention for this massive beast. We all slowly crouched down and looked away while Kudia tried in vain to do a slow reverse with the jeep. I felt the rocking motion forward and backward, digging us further into the mud and clearly pissing off what appeared to be a male elephant. Kudia switched off the engine and again signaled for us to be still and quiet.  Everyone obeyed as it was clear our lives were on the line.

The wild, undulating elephant's ears began to slow down, and his hulk-like folds started to turn slightly away from us, following his impressively large trunk of at least six feet. I unconsciously held my breath and slowly let the air out of my lungs. My heart was still pounding, and my fingers gripped the safety bar, which would be of very little help if this elephant decided we were unwelcome intruders. I looked at my seat belt and debated how much it might protect me if the vehicle were turned upside down. The elephant’s trunk was now inches from the front glass of our van. His huge tusks towered above. I was so close that I could see a crack or imperfection in one of his tusks and wondered what kind of previous altercation had done this damage. His head was a car length higher than our safari vehicle's roof. From where I was seated, I could see his massive foot and the dry, cracked, rubbery skin that was covered with savanna dust and mud. We were sitting ducks, but because we all followed Kudia’s direction, this elephant was shifting away from us. I was hopeful.

That was until one tourist made a super stupid move that almost got us killed. It was that guy who had to get the picture. No matter how dangerous, and no matter what we had been warned not to do. This guy put us all at risk with his addiction to capturing the perfect shot. As the mammoth creature was turning away, this ridiculous tourist stood up in the van abruptly. He pointed a massive lens at the elephant and started shooting pictures with a noisy camera that whined and clicked, irritating the elephant just like the back and forth of the engine had earlier.

The elephant's reaction was terrifying. I sat trapped in our metal safari box, paralyzed with fear. The giant elephant trumpeted, shooting a violent blast of air out of his trunk. It was so loud that my ears were ringing from the noise. Then he stomped his foot, and I could see mud and dust spray into the air! His ears, the size of blankets, flapped wildly in our direction. I could smell a rank musky barnyard odor as his snout seemed to blow warm bits of dust and mucus on the front glass of the van. I avoided the elephant's eyes, which were daring us to defy him. Mr. Cameraman shrank down in his seat as we all did, bracing ourselves for a slow and painful death. This elephant could turn our safari van into a crushed tin can. 

My heart was pounding when I felt a lunge. At first, I thought it was the elephant, then I realized it was our guide Kudia popping the safari van in reverse with a force he had not used previously. It worked! We were out of the mud. This was followed by some skillful backwards driving before reaching the fork in the road, where he spun the car around to drive forward. The elephant had lunged forward at our sudden departure, and you could feel the vibration of the thundering steps he made toward us as we skidded away to create distance. 

The sound of those wild flailing elephant ears as he leaned forward to mock chase us will be forever imprinted in my memory. They were whipping like the wind in a way I did not know was possible. The sound was a “slap, slap, slap” like an awning in a hurricane wind. As we pulled away, I saw another elephant in the distance. I remember hearing it also trumpet. After about 5 massive thundering steps, the elephant stopped following our jeep. We did not stick around to see if he changed his mind because African elephants can run 25 miles an hour. I randomly wondered to myself as we drove away about the other elephant. Was that other elephant in the distance telling the elephant we encountered not to bother with us? Or was it egging him on like a fraternity brother? Thank goodness it was not a mother and calf in the road, as things would have ended very differently.  What if Kudia was not successful with the reverse out of the mud? What if the elephant decided to chase us or attack? Truthfully, these situations are rare.

We later learned elephants are known to mock-charge to intimidate or assess a threat. (1) Because this elephant’s ears were fanned wide, and he was trumpeting, this indicates he was most likely trying to warn us to back off. In a real charge, the elephant’s ears are pinned back against a lowered head. The trunk curls inward, and there is no time for trumpeting or posturing. Even the stomping and kicking up dust could be a mock charge. If the elephant wanted to charge, it would be direct, fast, and unhesitating.  ( 1 ) Needless to say, this author would most likely not be here to share the story if the impressive display from a five-ton elephant was anything but a mock charge. We are incredibly lucky the tourist with the camera didn't agitate the elephant past the point of no return.

Visiting Kenya was one of the most amazing trips I have ever taken, and I have been to over 100 countries. Kenya was bursting with life, color, and experience in a way that touches your soul. Kenya is burnt orange sunsets with one lone sleepy acacia tree. It's an immersive experience with local tribes and good people. But mostly Kenya is wildlife, and we are the visitors. Kenya is not a zoo. I had so many amazing, safe encounters with elephants on this trip. Keep in mind, my dangerous encounter was not the elephant’s fault. Kenya is the elephant's home, and we surprised him on the road. We wandered into his territory. Elephants have been my favorite animal for as long as I can remember. This encounter was scary, but I still have a strong love and respect for these majestic creatures and will share more in next month's blog submission on Kenya’s famous lodge called The Ark.
 

Photo 1: At the Maasai Village; Photo 2 and 3: Picture of and with Maasai women 

Travel tip: Your guide knows best, so please do not ignore safety protocols. Take a reputable tour from an established company like the one that ASU OLLI is offering. During the trip If the guide keeps you at a safe distance from the animals, be grateful. Don’t encourage them with tips to get closer. Kenya is an amazing place, but try not to get so wrapped up in the perfect picture or video that you put yourself and others in danger. Turn off anything that can make noise when going on safari or any animal encounter. Flashes can also excite animals. Find time to experience the moment rather than document it. Remember that a Safari is not a zoo, and risky tourist behavior could come with a cost. Think before you selfie! 

Finally - go see this amazing place and share your adventures on the ASU OLLI blog spot!

“Today everything exists to end in a photograph” Susan Sontag, on being addicted to taking photographs.

REFERENCES: 

(1 ) wildsurvivors.org , Wild Survivors, Discover Elephant Behavior by Francesca Mahoney

About the Author:

Liz Pond has spent over 25 years leading sales teams across the globe with American Airlines, combining a successful career in travel with a lifelong passion for exploration. Having visited more than 100 countries, she brings a rare blend of industry expertise, cultural insight, and personal curiosity to everything she does. Today, Liz divides her time between global travel and her role as Director of Air, Car, and Rail for a prominent tour operator, where she focuses on creating thoughtful, seamless travel experiences. A strong advocate for accessibility, Liz believes travel should be inclusive and life-enhancing for everyone. 

Liz earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Urban Planning from UCLA, holds a Master’s degree / MFT from the University of Phoenix, and earned a Global Leadership Professional designation through the Wharton School of Management in partnership with the Darden School of Executive Education at the University of Virginia. Outside of her professional work, Liz is deeply committed to advocacy and service. She serves on the Board of Directors for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona, supporting initiatives that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential.

WE WELCOME YOUR FEEDBACK!  Please send your questions or comments on this article or the blog in general to: asuolliblog@gmail.com.