A safari guide had a close encounter on foot with a wild African elephant in South Africa in this incredible video.

Steve Baillie is a highly trained and qualified Nature guide with over 24 years guiding experience with African wildlife, and when he encountered this African bull elephant in the Balule game reserve near Hiedspruit, he kept calm and let it acknowledge him before moving on.

Baillie commented: "Elephant are intelligent, curious animals, and in this case the young bull was more curious and wanted to get a closer look at the people that were sitting near some bushes."

However Baillie also acknowledged that the encounter was incredibly dangerous: "It is really important to remember that [I am] a highly trained and qualified field guide with over 24 years experience in the bush with wild animals.

"Such encounters can be dangerous and should not be attempted by idiots."

This video was filmed on December 5, 2018.

Steve Baillie is a highly trained and qualified Nature guide with over 24 years guiding experience with African wildlife . The video was filmed in the Grater Kruger area Limpopo South Africa . It shows how humans and wildlife can co-exist and the incredible connection that some people can have with intelligent animals like elephant.
Remember it has taken the guide many years and many encounters with “ potentially dangerous “ animals to have achieved this level of confidence and comfort with his environment.
Do not try this if you are not fully qualified and prepared for such an incredible, spiritual life changing experience.