Thirsty elephants in Hwange

Nov 19, 2013

It is common knowledge that the world famous Zimbabwe Presidential Elephants and other wildlife frequently visit the pans (waterholes) on the Gwango estate.  They come here searching for water, and we can tell you first-hand that there is nothing more thrilling than seeing and hearing a herd of elephant spashing around at the pan (they get quite playful and noisy).

Unfortunately water is relatively scarce in our area, so naturally the need to increase water access has become a pressing priority.  A fully grown elephant drinks over 200 litres of water per day, that's a heck of a lot of water - especially with hundreds of magnificent pachyderms to sustain.  

Rain water will not be a reliable source of replenishment, especially during the dry winter months.  Thankfully we are learning a lot from the local parks authorities.  We have also met a knowledgeable ecologist and several conservationists in the area who have been very helpful to us.  We'll continue to share posts about how we will bring more water to Hwange for all of the thirsty wildlife.