travelling-blogger

comments

A family of elephants cast incredible shadows across a dry floodplain as they journey to the refreshing waters of a nearby river.

The looming shadows of the group, led by the mother, are clearer than the animals themselves, who seem to blend into the sand below them.

As they approach the river, the herd venture across its many twists, turns and lagoons - enjoying the water as a relief from the African heat.

Reflective journey: A family of thirsty elephants cast incredible shadows as they make their way across a dry floodplain in Zambia

These amazing aerial photographs were taken by wildlife photographer Marc Mol who spotted the animals during an air safari on a return trip to Zambia.

Sitting in a microlight aircraft about 500 feet from the ground, the 56-year-old Australian followed the herd - with his camera tied securely around his neck.

Marc said: 'With John Coppinger from Remote Africa Safaris as my pilot, we took off early one morning to beautiful clear, crisp, sunny and still conditions.

'To our great fortune we found a small herd of elephants making their way across the Luangwa floodplain.

Hydrating: The elephants take in some much-needed water after reaching the river

I asked John to give me an opportunity that enabled us to be directly over the herd and we waited for the elephants to cast these shadows.

'For once in wildlife photography it all came together quite nicely and I was very excited when I reviewed the images I had captured.

'Nature's rich tapestry portrayed in shadows from the air was a breathtaking experience!

'You need a good steady hand, good light, fast shutter speed, and most important, an experienced pilot who knows how to position you correctly.'

Stunning photography: The elephants blend into the sand as their shadows take centre stage in the pictures taken during an air safari

Just by the park boundary, Marc also captured the extraordinary scene as villagers started grass burning to improve visibility over the plains.

Every year, lives are lost in encounters with large animals like elephants, buffalo and hippos which frequent the tracks used by villagers.

In an attempt to avoid the loss of life, locals burn grass to increase the chances of spotting the approaching animals.

Capturing the moment: Marc takes pictures from above as he travels by a glider

The piles of grass burning across the plains creates waves of misty smoke which seems to settle across the dips of the landscape.

Marc captured much African wildlife roaming the plains in the search for water - including a lone hippo swimming through cabbage weed in a secluded area of the park.

The photographer, who is based in Laufen, Switzerland, said: 'This was most likely a male that was ousted from the main pod by the local dominant male.

Crossing the flood plain: Elephants go on the hunt for water to cool off

Zambian delight: Group of elephants walk across the sand in pursuit of a river to drink some water

'These bachelors have it tough over the dry season as they struggle to survive in the ever decreasing water levels.

'I love these aerial images because it gives us a different perspective on viewing wildlife.

'From the air, they take on a lovely rich tapestry of colour, shadows and texture.'