Perched atop the towering Chilojo Cliffs in Gonarezhou, Adam had initially set out to capture the cliffs themselves at sunset. But as the golden light faded, his eye caught a quieter, more intimate scene below—a lone bull elephant crossing the winding curves of the Runde River. The rest of the herd had already disappeared, leaving behind this final, fleeting moment.
Reaching the edge in time was a challenge—he ran through the thicket, camera in hand, to frame the shot before the last traces of light were gone. The result is Runde Crossing, a striking composition that highlights the elephant’s form in perfect contrast against the darkened landscape, with the soft glow of the sunset reflecting off the water below.
This photograph was only possible because of a special after-hours permit from park management, allowing Adam to stay at the cliffs past sunset. The journey back to camp would be in complete darkness, requiring a river crossing of his own—one last parallel to the scene he had just captured.
Minimalist yet powerful, Runde Crossing is a study in solitude, strength, and the untamed beauty of Africa. The black-and-white tones add a layer of sophistication, making it a timeless addition to any space.