BOOK EXCERPT: The Great Elephant Crossing: Did elephant herds once rumble through the Karoo plains?

Julienne du Toit and Chris Marais traced an ancient elephant passage across the Karoo, revealing vanished herds imprinted on the landscape. The duo's quest began with a dream of finding a special ironstone hill on Springbok Oog farm, where a mother elephant and her baby were etched. The hill was near Carel Kruger's grave, a convicted money forger who was trampled to death by an elephant in 1791.

The friends first heard about the elephant etching in a 2005 book, and became obsessed with finding it. They searched for 20 years, with John Allen Biggs of Vrede sharing stories of elephant traces in the Karoo. The friends also encountered Adri Smit, who promoted the dryland, and provided pictures of Kruger's grave. With sketchy directions, the trio headed northeast from Carnarvon on the R386, looking for the grave and the mythical elephant.

Upon reaching Springbok Oog, they were greeted by Karel Kemp, the farm's owner. Karel welcomed them to the property, which was known for its Dorper sheep, quiver trees, and dark dolerite boulders. He shared the story of how Charl and his father had planned to create a lodge for interested visitors, but Covid-19 stalled the plans. Dr David Morris and Dr Janette Deacon were regular visitors to the farm, and Deacon spent months mapping the etchings.