Elephants Walking: My Oldest Elephant Print, ‘Amboseli Crossing’
Of all the animals I see in the wild, it would be fair to say that elephants are my favourite subjects to photograph.
Few species in the natural world are as mesmerising as elephants, and elephants walking in their family groups are wonderful to witness in the wild.
Their slow, deliberate movements, sheer presence and the fact that they travel in herds means that any elephant encounter is sure to take your breath away.
A timeless elephant image
In 2007, I photographed a large herd of elephants walking together and it remains one of my most satisfying elephant photographs.
Titled Amboseli Crossing, this photo of elephants continues to be one of my most sought-after prints too – even after almost two decades since it was captured.
It is the oldest picture I have taken that I have available as a print for sale today.
The story behind Amboseli Crossing – My favourite elephant photograph
This particular scene unfolded in Amboseli National Park in Kenya, a place renowned for its vast open plains and the presence of some of Africa’s most majestic elephant herds.
A herd of around twenty elephants was making its way to water in a single-file line – a common behaviour that helps them navigate the landscape efficiently while protecting their young.
However, their journey was interrupted —two lions stood ahead, blocking their path.
Instinctively, the elephants bunched together, forming a protective shield around the juveniles. Once the threat had passed, the herd seamlessly re-formed their line and continued toward their destination.
This moment of order, resilience, and unwavering unity is what really struck me in that moment, and is what I believe makes Amboseli Crossing such a striking elephant image.
I hope that this elephant photo evokes the power, grace, and unity of these remarkable creatures that were so evident to me that day in Amboseli.
Elephants in the Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara is home to one of Kenya’s most significant elephant populations. These elephants are part of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, which extends into Tanzania’s Serengeti.
Elephant population in the Maasai Mara
As of recent estimates, around 2,500 elephants roam the Maasai Mara. These elephants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem by shaping landscapes, dispersing seeds, and creating pathways used by other animals.
Conservation challenges
Despite their protected status, African elephants face several threats in the Maasai Mara and beyond, including poaching and climate change:
Poaching for Ivory - Although Kenya has strict anti-poaching laws, illegal poaching remains a threat in some areas.
Climate Change & Habitat Loss - Changes in rainfall patterns impact the availability of water and food sources, and human developments reduce the space available for elephants to roam freely.
Thankfully, in recent years Kenya has made significant progress in elephant conservation. Improved anti-poaching measures and community-driven conservation projects are helping to stabilise elephant populations.
Why do elephants walk in single file?
Elephants are highly intelligent, social animals that live in structured family groups.
They tend to walk in single file especially when travelling to and from water sources. This formation helps younger elephant calves stay close to their mothers and provides a clear, organised movement pattern for the group.
Matriarchal leadership
Elephant herds are matriarchal, meaning they are led by an experienced female who makes key decisions about movement, feeding, and safety.
Usually the oldest and most experienced female, the matriarch leads the group. The other adult females position themselves strategically around the younger elephants to offer protection.
The matriarch uses her knowledge of the environment, past experiences, and memory to guide the herd to seasonal water sources and areas rich in food.
Older female elephants play a critical role in teaching younger generations essential survival skills, including how to respond to threats.
Do male elephants stay in the herd?
Male elephants, known as bulls, typically leave the herd when they reach adolescence (around 12-15 years old). Then, they either live alone or form small bachelor groups, only returning to herds when mating opportunities arise.
African elephant photography by David Lloyd
Amboseli Crossing is a limited-edition fine art elephant print from my collection that would enhance any home or workspace.
As with all my wildlife prints, Amboseli Crossing is produced in a limited run to preserve their exclusivity – in this case, of 75 in each size, ranging from 60cm up to 120cm.
Find out more and view Amboseli Crossing and other African elephant prints in my Print Store.
Related: Seven reasons to invest in fine art wildlife prints
Witness elephants walking first-hand: Join an African photo safari
If Amboseli Crossing has inspired you, why not come and experience the magic of Africa in person? I am leading a Great Migration Photo Safari in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, this September.
It’s a chance to witness the majesty of elephants and all the wild animals that the Mara has to offer. September is also the best time to visit if you’d like to witness the annual migration, known as one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles on Earth.
Why join the Great Migration Photo Safari?
Every year, over two million animals—including 1.5 million wildebeest, 400,000 zebras, and 200,000 gazelles—embark on a journey between Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti. This migration offers unparalleled wildlife photography opportunities.
During this 7-day guided photo safari, we will focus on capturing elephants walking across the open plains, the drama of the Great Migration, the Maasai Mara’s iconic big cats including lions, cheetahs, and leopards, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
This safari is designed for photographers of all levels. Whether you're an experienced professional or simply passionate about capturing wildlife, I’ll be there to guide you, offering expert tuition on composition, lighting, storytelling and more.
Join me in the Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara is unlike any other place in Africa. With its high concentration of wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, it’s a dream destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate and immersive experience. If you’d like to witness elephants walking in their natural habitat, photograph the Great Migration, and refine your wildlife photography skills, join me in Kenya this September.
Find out more about the Great Migration Safari then contact me to enquire and book your place.
David
