Back when I was working in South Luangwa, wildlife encounters were my daily spice – some were heart-melting, some gave me goosebumps of the romantic safari kind, and some … well, some nearly had me meeting my ancestors.

One fine morning, I was hustling through camp, happily minding my own business and speeding off to tick yet another task off my endless to-do list. (Yes, I was trotting. With purpose.)

Now, elephants were regulars in camp – browsing the ebony trees, living their best lives, completely blending in like 5-ton ninjas. Truly, for animals that size, they tiptoe with the grace of Tinkerbell on a cloud. Which is why you only discover you’re standing on top of them after your soul has already left your body.

And sure, in theory, you’re supposed to stand very still, breathe deeply, and back away slowly like a serene nature documentary presenter. But when you suddenly find yourself staring straight into an elephant’s enormous, all-knowing eyeball … let’s just say Usain Bolt would have been proud. Your legs take over, your brain resigns on the spot, and you’re suddenly sprinting a 100m obstacle course around trees you didn’t even know existed.

A thrilling reminder, indeed, that staff can’t very well drag a scout along to babysit us every minute while we zip around camp doing grown-up things.

Which is exactly why, when you arrive as my guest at any safari camp I represent, you receive a full, clear, slightly dramatic but extremely important safety briefing. Camps are in the wild – their home, not ours. Animals are majestic, magical … and wildly unpredictable. Luckily, there are highly trained staff to keep guests safe and calm – no Olympic sprints required.

The video I took was filmed mere seconds after I secured first place in the Great Elephant Dash!