Tracing the Ancient Footsteps of Elephants in the Karoo
By Editor • September 10, 2026 • 2 min read
In a remarkable journey through South Africa’s Karoo region, authors Julienne du Toit and Chris Marais have uncovered the remnants of an ancient elephant passage, revealing the historical presence of these majestic creatures in an area now known for its arid landscapes. Their exploration took them from the grave of ivory hunter Carel Kruger to the striking rock engravings at Springbok Oog, where a mother elephant and her calf are immortalized in stone.
Unveiling an Elephant's Legacy
For nearly two decades, du Toit and Marais have been captivated by the idea of finding the etched image of an elephant mother and her calf on a boulder in the Karoo. The journey began with a striking image in a book published in 2005, igniting a dream that spanned years. Their quest also led them to the bar of the Graaff-Reinet Club, where local stories of elephants in the area painted a vivid picture of the past.
A Journey to Carel Kruger’s Grave
The pair's adventure took a significant turn when they sought out the grave of Carel Kruger, a notorious ivory hunter who met his end at the hands—or rather, the feet—of a wounded elephant in 1791. After navigating the roads of the Karoo, they finally located the grave, a poignant reminder of the region’s wildlife history, marked by a large sandstone boulder inscribed with Kruger’s name and the year of his death.
Engravings of the Past
With the help of local farmer Karel Kemp, du Toit and Marais gained access to the rock engravings at Springbok Oog. There, they found not only the elephant etchings but also a rich tapestry of history connected to the |Xam people, who once roamed this terrain. Archaeologists Dr. David Morris and Dr. Janette Deacon emphasized the significance of these engravings, linking them to a time when elephants migrated through the region. Their expedition underscored the connection between the land and its history, showcasing the Karoo as a living gallery of memories etched in rock.
Source: www.dailymaverick.co.za
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