The anticipation of winter is now a distant memory that has faded and been replaced by the season itself. All that we had hoped for and so much more was experienced and captured by guests, guides and trackers. Cold misty mornings and the colour filled sunsets, soft golden light and aloe flowers to name but a few.
In the ‘Winter Is’ series we touched on a few things that we consider make the cooler months a season of plenty, not so much for the animals, but for us as the onlookers. It is not yet over and as the temperature slowly starts to rise we find ourselves a part of the change of season in the bush, something that not many get the chance to witness first hand. The seasons are more often than not only ever experienced over a short stay, where only a window of that season is seen. We are privileged to feel the changes as they take place and see the first of the summer birds return back after a long journey, these things now stir a new sense of anticipation, the anticipation of summer and the first rains.
Shapes that fade away. Simon Smit
Shapes cut out by mountains in the distance. Rich Laburn
A Mhungeni female surrounded by sunlit grass stalks. Mike Sutherland
Dust kicked up further illuminates a breathtaking scene. Mark Nisbet
The different layers lead into the soft colours of a winters dawn. Simon Smit
Colour that is so closely associated with the aloes is almost dominated by the striking beauty of the Scarlet-chested sunbird. Simon Smit
One of the Majingilane coalition with droplets in his mane and a green background, something we will soon see again. Simon Smit
Puddles formed by the upcoming rains will again fill the bush with opportunities like this one, hopefully… Simon Smit
Big blue sky and green grass will reclaim the landscape. Simon Smit
Leopards and other predators will use long grass as cover once it grows tall enough to conceal them. Simon Smit
The green flush and the water are on their way, when exactly is hard to say but we will be waiting and we will share with you their arrival. Not to wish away the winter which has shown us much but to appreciate the end of what has been an incredible dry season.
Written by Simon Smit
Photographed by Simon Smit, Mark Nisbet, Mike Sutherland, Rich Laburn
Beautiful images, Can’t wait for summer. The new babies arrive, all the lovely birds, beautiful flowers.
Beautiful & yes, we all look forward to the warmer weather, but when I look at your pictures taken in all seasons they each have something special to offer! Thank you for sharing
Each season is full of such beauty at Londolozi. You are so fortunate to be there to experience each one Simon! I love all the photographs, especially the Majingilane and the Elephants!
Winter was magical, looking forward to what summer has in store for us! Thanks Simon, beautiful images.
So beautiful