As I stepped out of my house a couple of mornings ago I was quite excited to see that it had been raining during the night.
This is not a common occurrence during our dry winter months and it got me thinking about just how different the reserve is looking at the moment compared to a few years ago when we were in the midst of a severe drought. At the moment we are just shy of 600mm of rain for the season, and although that should be the norm for the region it has been a few years since we have actually reached that mark.
Everything is relative. Even though it was only about 5mm of rain that fell last night, to a Giant land snail that is life changing.
View from the of top of Ximpalapala koppie during the drought back in 2016. Notice the distinct lack of grass.
During this winter there is a lot more grass that can be found and even though it’s not as nutrient-rich as it would be during the summer it still is a source of food for many different animals.
As I crossed the still flowing Sand river I thought back to 2016 when the idea of a flowing river was all but a distant memory and there was not a blade of grass visible anywhere you looked. I watched the powerful video that was made to document the transformation that took place when the rains did eventually return and I was blown away by the difference.
It was an interesting yet sad time to explore this reserve during those harsh conditions. It was fascinating to watch how resilient and adaptable animals could be but it was obviously also tragic because there was a strong element of suffering due to the lack of water and food.
This photo was taken a few weeks ago in one of the many prominent pools that are still found along the Sand River that are capable of supporting a whole host of different animal species through the dryer winter months.
The Nhlanguleni female contemplates crossing one of the channels of water still present in the river.
The Mhangeni pride play around in the water still flowing in the river.
As I crossed the river I thought about how happy I was that the drought had eventually passed and how now it was normal to explore a reserve that didn’t look like a desert. The river is still flowing strongly even though we are well into winter, there is plenty of food around and animals look healthy.
With so much happening in the world right now and a lot of people experiencing such great hardship, stress and loss it was a simple reminder to be grateful of things that can sometimes be taken for granted.
Lovely blog James. I am always grateful when it rain. We were fortunate to get 22mm in June and Monday to Tuesday we had another 22mm in Whiteriver. I do not water my garden often as we still have water restrictions. The lawn is alreary looking greener today. I remember a few droughts that we’vevhad over the years in the Lowveld. The2016 one was quite bad. In Kruger, around Satara there was no grass. Just bare soil. Last year in Botswana they expereinced a very severe drought. Amazingly this year the Okavango flooded early and the Boteti river is full. I have read that we are experiencing a strong La Lina oscilation system that is cooling the oceans and good early spring rain is predicted. Nature is amazing and heal it self if we just give it a chance.
Rain, glorious rain providing life support for all
Nice article, but really good wild dog puppies
Hi James,
Thank you for this gracious reminder; so beautifully written and captured as photos.
Well said James !
Lovely blog and photos, James. I am so glad that you have already had some rain this winter and that there is no dreadful drought in Londolozi at the moment. It is so sad to see animals and people suffer when there is not enough water.
Magical. We moved to Cape Town from KZN 10 years ago, and still cannot get used to winter rains! But how wonderful when it is unexpected.
James, Great shots a good reminder that Mother Nature is still in charge!
James, I loved all the photos, especially the one of leopard🤗
Since our visits have all been in winter, we have seen firsthand the results of droughts. The current photos are strikingly different.
A great reminder to be grateful for seemly small gifts that have far greater impacts; in this case, sustaining the animals greatly in need of water!
Along with rain comes the smell of the earth that has been revived for a short time .. a time of cleanliness and new
It’s truly amazing to see the contrast between environmental life in South Africa, verses what is experienced in the U.S. – Absorbing the vivid description of how scarce the rain is and how it is appreciated by All, especially at Londolozi, brings tears of heart warming joy. The miracle of rain, sounds in feeling like an elixir awaking a vast sleeping wonderland upon being brought to life, to be given renewal and hope.
Your experience James, sinks in as feeling abundantly refreshing.
I love a rainy day in Africa, especially in the bush. The clouds are stunning, the vegetation is more vivid and wet animals, save for the big cats, seem happier. A good rain is always welcome.
Just a short note to thank you for application of appreciation. my we miss the bush! Barry
Thanks Barry!
Very interesting, James! What a difference between the “drought” picture and the current bush. Wendy M
Water is life. .. the Nina effect is bringing water all over. The Nino is the opposite – too hot and draught. I am glad you are experiencing such a nice winter! And animals are thriving.
Wonderful to hear that nature is getting a chance to reap the benefits of Covid in more ways than one! I remember many a year growing up in White River where we suffered terrible droughts. Now living in Malta we rely almost entirely on desalination for our water. We had very little rain this winter and the island is parched. A great read thanks James. Wishing you all well 🙏🏻💕
There have also been some impressive rains in Zululand the last two months.
Thank you