He emerged slowly, his large, full tusk pressing across the bush.

“ndlopfu leyikulu” means “the great elephant” in Tsonga.

His presence was immediate. As we stood still, watching and waiting, his impressive form appeared ahead. He was aware of us from some distance away, but like a typical African elephant bull, he continued to stubbornly face a nearby marula tree, gently nudging and pressing against it in his own time. As we approached closer, he turned to face us, perhaps a little curious about our presence. His eye caught us watching him, and he paused, carefully studying us back. After a little hesitation, he dropped his trunk to explore the lower branches of a nearby bush. It was as if we had caught doing some naughty, as he feigned interest in the tree behind him - the focus of of interest only moments ago.

Eventually, he lifted a clump of fresh foliage beneath him and moved closer towards us. As he got within arms length, he suddenly turned, and like a ghostly ship ambled silently across to the other side of a track. He was what seemed to be a young tusker in the making, and his presence was impressive. The large left tusk and its half-broken partner on the right swung in rhythm to his swaying form as he slowly moved further and further away, back into the deeper recess of the bush he had come from. With his giant frame and silent gait, he eventually disappeared, leaving us quietly contemplating the beauty and rarity of the sight we had just encountered.

The Last Giants: Africa's Majestic Tuskers

These magnificent creatures, with lifespans of 60–70 years, are under severe threat due to ivory poaching. Among them, a special group stands out: the Big Tuskers, or 100 Pounders.

Sadly, only about 24 of these remarkable elephants remain today, with the Greater Kruger National Park being one of the few sanctuaries where they can still be seen. In total, between 50 and 100 elephants in Africa are known to have at least one tusk weighing 100 pounds or more. These majestic giants primarily wander the unfenced regions of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania, with a few still found in Southern Africa.

"Tuskers," as they are called, possess tusks weighing at least 45 kilograms (99 lbs). While only male elephants can be Super Tuskers, there are also Iconic Cows, female elephants with impressively large tusks, though not quite reaching the 100-pound mark.

Kruger National Park, with its elephant population estimated at around 17,000 in 2015, is a vital refuge for these tuskers. Out of this population, only 22 were classified as tuskers. Kruger remains a beacon of hope for those seeking to witness the splendor of these unique and magnificent animals. The name "Kruger" itself, originating from Tsonga, means "untidy," reflecting the wild and untamed nature of this extraordinary place.

Raw Africa Collection

Welcome to Africa - the wise, the restless, the life giving.

This soulful land of dreamers gives rise to the underbelly of a beautiful gentle beat that is only heard by those who listen for it. This photographic journey explores, profiles and captures what I hope is the heart and soul of Africa's true wilderness kingdom. From its deep bush to its dry savannah and desert, Africa remains a place where life is represented by timeless vistas that are distilled into moments to treasure.