From the heart of Africa, where elephants move with ancient grace across open plains, a deep calling stirs within me — to write, to share my experiences, to reveal the beauty of the wild, and ultimately to help protect these majestic beings while standing alongside the communities whose lives are woven into the rhythms of nature.
The title “where elephant walk” is not just about individual elephants. It refers to the elephant as a species, symbolising the grandeur, wisdom, and timeless spirit of the animal. It’s a metaphor for something far greater than the creature itself — a deeper connection to the wild.
My name is Rita Margarita and I am a storyteller, journeyer, nature lover, and spiritual explorer.
For many years, my family and I lived a wildly unconventional life deep in the heart of Africa. It was a life full of beauty, chaos, and transformation — a life that challenged us in ways we never could have imagined.
We shared our days with elephants and buffalo herds passing through our garden. We had hippo keeping our lawn manicured and we once discovered a man-eating crocodile which had made its home in our water supply. Lizards and swarms of insects were regular houseguests, occasionally joined by a poisonous snake. We and our staff faced serious illnesses, premature births, and the terrifying reality of hospitals that simply didn’t function when we needed them most.
There were also burgalries — once our entire house was emptied of all electrical devices. My husband, refusing to give up, turned into a self-made detective and caught the thieves weeks later. Another time, an intruder came only for food — a moment that made us pause and see the human behind the fear. I had profound encounters with Voodoo practices — unsettling, bizarre, and utterly confusing experiences that took time to process and even longer to understand.
Through all of it — the danger, the fear, the beauty, and the mystery — we held on.
We survived, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. What carried us was a deep belief in resilience, in the power of a positive mindset, in meditation, prayer, and yes — in speaking to nature itself.
Looking back, I see so much grace. We were lucky in so many ways. We met the most incredible people, witnessed breathtaking beauty, and lived stories that most people wouldn’t believe — but every one of them is true.
I believe I was guided.
By what, or by whom? I can’t say for sure.
But I know there is a greater infinite intelligence.
If you’re drawn to raw, real-life stories of adventure, spiritual growth, and the wildness of nature — welcome. I’m glad you’re here.
In the tapestry of challenges faced by African elephants, the threads of ivory demand and shifts in land-use have woven a narrative of decline. At an alarming rate, tens of thousands of elephants fall victim to illegal poaching each year.
At the core of our existence lies a profound purpose. Guided by a deep passion for wildlife, sustainability, and conservation, I am devoted to showcasing the beauty of Africa’s untamed wilderness — to shine a light and inspire others, across all boundaries, to recognise that more passion, more love, and more dedication are the keys to preserving Africa’s true gems — its elephants and all its wildlife.
Equitable
Transparent
Robust
Aspiring
Forward-looking
Dependable
Impactful
Caring
Responsible
A heartfelt thank you to all the photographers whose images are featured on this site — especially to African Bush Camps, and to all the other wonderful photographers who understand nature so deeply that they can capture its very essence in their pictures.
