Namibia's remarkable highland elephants

While Namibia's desert-adapted elephants have earned international recognition for surviving in the ephemeral river systems of the Hoanib, Huab and Ugab, Morgan says this second population has received far less attention. ‘These elusive highland elephants have mastered an equally demanding landscape, climbing rocky slopes and mountain passes to reach favourite food plants growing among cliffs and ridges.’

Their movements across this vast wilderness are often difficult to observe, making encounters especially rewarding for both researchers and travellers. ‘Sightings are never guaranteed. The elephants are spread across a vast wilderness and often visit waterholes under cover of darkness, sharing livestock watering points with local communities before disappearing into the mountains by dawn,’ says Morgan.

Yet even when the animals themselves remain hidden, signs of their presence are unmistakable.

‘Their presence is written across the landscape – in fresh tracks, broken branches and dung perched improbably high above valley floors, evidence of journeys that challenge our assumptions about where elephants can go.’

For scientists working in the region, every field expedition offers new insights into the remarkable adaptability of these animals. ‘Long hikes through spectacular scenery frequently reveal browsed Commiphora trees and African star-chestnuts growing on steep slopes, confirming that these giants willingly scale terrain that would test even experienced hikers,’ says Morgan.

The story is not only about elephants, but also about the people who have shared the landscape with them for generations.

According to Morgan, ‘Community game guards, many with decades of experience walking these landscapes, possess an extraordinary understanding of elephant movements. Their observations, combined with modern satellite tracking, have revealed hidden travel corridors linking valleys, villages and feeding grounds. Together, traditional knowledge and cutting-edge science are helping conservationists understand how elephants navigate this remarkable landscape while identifying ways to reduce conflict with people.’

Many questions remain about these animals and their future: How have these elephants become such capable climbers? How will climate change and changing water availability shape their future? Could they connect with both Etosha's elephants and the famous desert herds farther west?

‘Each new discovery deepens appreciation for this extraordinary population and reminds us that even in a country celebrated for its wildlife, nature still holds surprises,’ says Morgan.