23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Mother and Child

We were driving through Akagera National Park when we came across this mother elephant and her child walking down the middle of the road. We turned off the vehicle and waited patiently as they sauntered slowly into the nearby trees. I was hoping to encounter one of these gentle giants but didn't dream it would be so close!

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Camera: NIKON D780
Copyright: © Jenny Modesitt