Silent Footsteps: A Woman's Awakening Among the Elephants of Africa

by Sally Henderson

When an elephant saved Sally Henderson's life in Botswana, it was to change her irrevocably. A passion to conserve this majestic species was ignited, and in 1990 she left Australia to join an elephant research project in the wilds of Zimbabwe.

What follows is a remarkable journey into the world of Africa's elephants, and a deeply personal memoir of one woman's awakening and the choices she makes to follow her calling.

Sally paints a rare and unforgettable portrait of a herd and its matriarchs, and the perils they face in an unforgiving landscape further torn apart by civil strife. But it is the daily pleasures of being in their mighty presence that gives her story its countless wonders.

Beautifully written, Silent Footsteps is a love letter to the spirit of Africa and a jubilant portrayal of the lives of elephants.

Genres: Africa, Biography, Animals, Nonfiction

385 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Sally Henderson was born in Toowoomba, Australia. She studied at the University of Queensland while raising her two children. Sally's driving passion to help conserve endangered African wildlife was fulfilled in 1990 when she joined the elephant research project in Zimbabwe, which inspired her memoir Silent Footsteps. She has travelled extensively throughout Africa, studying many aspects of conservation and a diverse array of African cultures.

Sally lives on the Sunshine Coast, QLD, with her husband Jeremy.

Reviews

[Lisa Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely read about a woman who goes to live and work in Africa with the elephants. I learnt so much about elephants and other african animals.

[Kathleen Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silent Footsteps is one of those books that quietly grabs hold of your heart and doesn’t let go. It’s a true story about Sally Henderson’s time working with orphaned elephants in the African wilderness—and honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like it. It’s raw, emotional, and full of deep respect for these incredible animals.

What struck me most was how personal the story felt. Sally isn’t just observing from a distance—she’s right there in the thick of it, caring for elephants who have been through trauma, often as a result of poaching. You can feel how much she loves them, how deeply connected she becomes, and how much she learns from simply being around them.

The writing is straightforward but heartfelt, and it’s clear Sally isn’t trying to impress—she’s just sharing her truth. There’s something really grounding about that. Her reflections on grief, connection, and the intelligence of elephants are powerful without being preachy.

It’s not a fast read—it’s more of a slow, steady wander through the landscape of Africa and the emotional terrain of recovery—but that’s what makes it work. It’s thoughtful, moving, and quietly profound.

If you love animals, especially elephants, or you’re drawn to memoirs that reflect on healing, nature, and purpose, this is absolutely worth picking up. I rushed to read the next book Ivory Moon, which I will review shortly!

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

An experience in Botswana with an elephant she credits with saving her life was a turning point for Henderson. She developed a passion for preserving the species and, with husband Jer, moved to Zimbabwe to study elephant behavior. I love books like this and Henderson's gift for description makes this one of the better ones. In addition to learning about the elephants she observes, you learn a lot about the other animals of Africa (lions, for example). As much as I enjoyed this read (and the last chapters about driving across several African countries right after the cessation of conflict are gripping!), it made me cross "trip to Africa" off of my bucket list. It has long been my dream to go and while I know that physically I would not be able to make the trip now I still had my dreams. But the very clear picture of conditions in Africa, the dangers faced, and how tourists are viewed by the locals was enough for me to feel confident that it was probably a good thing I never went.

On the Amazon review of one reader, I chose NOT to read the epilog and leave things as they were when Sally and Jer left Zimbabwe and not read what is apparently a depressing tale of how things were when they returned several years later.

[Em · Rating 2 out of 5]

Learned some stuff about elephants but DNF

[Mary Monks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful non-fiction read.
It is set in a number of countries on the African continent as the author studied the habits of the many herds of elephants. It is delightful to read of them recognising her and her partner and allowing them to stay close by to observe their behaviours.
The book also details some very close personal encounters with some of the wilder animals found there.
Having spent a few weeks on the African continent, it was lovely to read of animals I had seen in the wild, but the stories of the elephants never failed to enchant.
It was a treat to read this book.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved it, elephants are more all time favourite animals.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gave an insight into the lives of elephants written beautifully.

[Annica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love reading about animals and living in the wild. Sally took me on an adventure and felt I knew the elephants first hand.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always enjoy reading stories that involve ones journey in life with animals- in this case beautiful elephants.

[Ngaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book.