About the Author

Robert Ball

Contributor

Robbie developed a passion for the African bush from many visits to his family’s small holding in a greater conservancy just outside Johannesburg. Living in the big city his whole life, he always found refuge in the outdoors and has grown to appreciate ...

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27 Comments

on The Smell of Rain

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Dave Mills
Senior Digital Ranger

Excellent blog, Robbie. “Petrichor” is a great word (as is the aroma), well worth knowing , but, alas, not many people here in the western United States seem to be familiar with it. So it’s sort of a “show off” word, too. I use it often, probably to show off.

Robert Ball
Contributor

Thank you, Dave. I’m glad you enjoyed the read!

William Paynter
Master Tracker

Robert, well written explanation of the smell. I never forget the smell and now I know why, because humans always search for water. Thanks for teaching me something new.

Robert Ball
Contributor

You’re welcome, William. I’m glad you learnt something new!

Francesca Doria
Master Tracker

Beautifully written, I love the smell of rain, especially when it’s hot!

Denise Vouri
Guest contributor

Fantastic blog Robbie and thank you for the new word, petrichor, that I will use on my hikes after rain. There are so many wonderful smells whilst out in nature, not the least of which is new grass. Your blog brings up so many wonderful memories….

Robert Ball
Contributor

Thank you, Denise. I’m glad it created a bit of nostalgia!

Robert Ball
Contributor

Thank you, Francesca. Yes – don’t we all!

Irene Henkes
Digital Tracker

thank you, very interesting!

Robert Ball
Contributor

You’re welcome, Irene!

Suzanne Gibson
Master Tracker

I know just what you mean, Robert – but let’s also not forget the wonderful aroma of a hot chocolate and Amarula on the morning game drive, and the gin in the evening…..

Robert Ball
Contributor

Both the aroma… And the taste!

Dries Marais
Digital Ranger

Robert, this must be one of the most informative and interesting blogposts I have read here. Very well done, thank you.

Robert Ball
Contributor

You’re welcome, Dries. I’m glad you enjoyed it and learnt something new!

Christa Blessing
Master Tracker

Yes, the smell of rain, or rather water hitting the earth, is wonderful, especially if it comes at the end of a hot day or even a very long hot and dusty period. It is so refreshening . A great article and wonderful photos.

Robert Ball
Contributor

Refreshing (and relieving) indeed!

Johanna Browne
Senior Digital Ranger

Always love these postings of yours. So deliciously edifying!

Robert Ball
Contributor

That’s great to hear Johanna, I’m glad you enjoyed this one!

Victoria Auchincloss
Master Tracker

We have visited Londolozi usually in early to mid January and we don’t usually have downpours. And probably we don’t notice the effect of the rain on everything! Next time we come I will make an effort to pay more attention. Thank you. Victoria

Robert Ball
Contributor

That’s something to surely look forward to!

Marcia Parker
Digital Tracker

Fun and interesting read! Like the smell of cut grass, the smell of geosmin is capable of bringing back some happy childhood memories. Summer days of stifling heat and humidity were all movement felt impossible. And with that crack of a thunderstorm…running out to greet the rain! Thanks!

Robert Ball
Contributor

You’re welcome, Marcia. It too brings back happy childhood memories for me!

Valmai Vorster
Master Tracker

Robert your description of the smell of rain is incredible, the word Petrichor is not used often. I love the smell of rain and know it brings relief to all, animals, people and our bush.

Cally Staniland
Master Tracker

Petrichor ! what an interesting word and what a super interesting blog Robert. It certainly brings back wonderful memories of growing up in the Lowveld..a smell that cleansed you from the inside out… but of course there was always that huge electrical storm first with massive lightning which would have us jumping out of the pool or bath as fast as we could go 😁.

Robert Ball
Contributor

I’m glad it brought back some happy memories for you Cally. Growing up in Johannesburg I too would be quick to get out the pool!

Barbara Wallace
Senior Digital Ranger

I had no idea that you can smell rain coming. How wonderful! Thanks Robert.

Robert Ball
Contributor

You’re welcome, Barbara. I’m glad you learnt something new!

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