A casual swim in a South African hotel pool became a once in a lifetime experience for tourists when an unexpected guest joined them for their evening swim.
They say elephants never forget, and these travellers are unlikely to forget the moment when a herd of the majestic beasts took a drink from the pool in the Limpopo province.
The footage, captured by Mhondoro Lodge tour guide Ivan Ueckermann, shows the elephant taking big gulps and dipping its trunk underwater.
"I knew this was a great opportunity to witness them in their natural environment," Ueckermann said.
"We learn so much about these amazing creatures and their behaviour, how they react to one another, which ones dominate the pool keeping the others at bay."
The family described the experience as "amazing".
During dry season in South Africa, many rivers run dry and waterholes become empty, forcing elephants to resort to resorts for alternative water supplies.
Ueckermann said the pool contained salt water with no chemicals, so it was perfectly safe for the elephants to drink.
Elephant populations are increasing in South Africa, correlating to an increase in human interaction.
The family who were relaxing in the pool loved the experience, and given the opportunity, would pack their trunks and doing it again.
"It was just awesome to witness; they are super relaxed with human presence and come and go at their own will."
Caters.
