Ghost Elephants

Set in the remote, forested highlands of Angola, this documentary follows Dr. Steve Boyes and a group of expert Namibian trackers as they search for a mysterious herd of elephants. These animals, often called ghost elephants, are regarded by some as legends preserved through ancestral memory and ritual. As the expedition progresses across the vast plateau, the search evolves into a meditation on whether these elusive creatures are better left undiscovered to preserve their status as myths.

The film was written and directed by Werner Herzog, who also provides the narration. This project marks the 21st film in his career, following Theater of Thought and preceding Bucking Fastard. The production was a collaboration between companies from Angola, Namibia, and the United States, including National Geographic Documentary Films. The cast features Steve Boyes, environmental anthropologist Kerllen Costa, and trackers Xui, Xui Dawid, and Kobus.

Since its release on February 27, 2026, the film has maintained a positive reception from viewers, earning a rating of 7.6/10 on TMDB based on 64 votes.