During the dry season in the savanna, the only reliable place to find water is at a water hole. Thus, it can be a very busy place. Basically, a water hole is a pool or a depression in the ground in which water can collect. Animals visit a water hole frequently, especially elephants which have to drink about 200 litres of water a day. Oftentimes an animal leaves a water hole dirtier than ever. They try to cover themselves in the mud because it cools them down and it may also help them to get rid of nasty insects that usually infect the animal’s skin.

Sometimes larger animals are accompanied by small birds to a water hole. These birds hope to find insects on the animal’s skin. As well as insect control, such birds may also clean up any wounds the host animal may have. Thus, both host animals and birds are happy. In general, birds can often be seen wading in water holes, looking for fish and frogs.