We rounded a bend in the road, and there he was, feeding on the leaves of the trees in the pouring African rain. He was immense, breathtaking in size, and his presence was all-encompassing.
Our guide had spoken to us at length about remaining respectful of the animals we might encounter, but I don’t think it was necessary. We were awe-struck, enveloped in this moment with this creature that could destroy our game truck if it so chose.
He ambled across the road, becoming more animated as he went, lifting his head and flapping his ears. It was then that our guide noticed he was in musth and advised us he would make his way down the hill toward us. And that he would begin to run as his bulk was propelled down the hill by gravity.
We backed down the hill, faced by this colossal monarch as he began rumbling toward us, slowly picking up speed as gravity took hold. I took one or two photos of him as he descended the hill, then I put my camera down and simply breathed in this moment that is now indelibly inked into my life.
Jennifer Farris Writer 