We often get asked which is the best season to visit Londolozi and we all have our answers based on our own preferences. Each season has its pros and cons. Some people prefer the cold winter mornings with a hot-chocolate-Amarula-coffee in hand, while others prefer the sound of the Sand River rushing past bringing the bird and frog calls of summer with it. Personally, I don’t have a favourite season, I love different aspects of each season. In summer, there are a few changes in animal behaviour I look forward to watching.
A bull elephant reaching for the top branch of a Marula tree. The Marula fruits are starting to fruit all around us so soon the elephants won’t be reaching for juicy branches but instead shaking the tree to encourage the fruits to drop to the ground.
Elephants! Elephants! Elephants!
Elephants by a waterhole or near the Sand River are always amusing in summer. They need to drink on a daily basis, but with the heat of summer around, they will take any opportunity to use the water to help cool themselves down. Watching them suck water into their trunks to spray behind their ears or scooping up a pile of mud to throw on their backs is always great fun. Occasionally I’m lucky enough to watch them fully immerse themselves in the water and swim or roll around in the water playfully climbing on top of each other.
Two young elephant calves drinking at a waterhole. The calf on the right was still struggling to draw up water in its trunk and was getting a bit frustrated moving around until it got its first gulp of water.
Here you see that elephant calf moving around the waterhole.
A small breeding herd slowly makes it’s way away from a pan after having played and drunk by the water’s edge.
Elephants are amazing in that they are always doing something. If they’re not around water, they will be seen roaming through the open crests, enjoying the marula fruit or any other lush vegetation and grass available. Watching the younger elephants follow suit or mimic the older ones is also a favourite.
Summer Birding
Another special event is the return of migratory birds in summer. Many of which enter their breeding season upon their return. The breeding season means that birds will undergo some form of mating display in order to attract and secure a mate. This is done either through a brightly coloured plumage, dancing display, melodious call, or through their architectural abilities to build a nest. On one particular road, in the southern section of Londolozi, a few Red-Headed Weavers have been in the process of building their nests in a buffalo thorn tree that overhangs the road.
The male Red-Headed Weaver in the process of building a nest in the hopes of attracting a female.
This is an intricate process whereby the males will fly off in search of their building materials. The Red-headed Weaver’s collect mostly twigs and the midribs of larger leaves. The leaves are then stripped off and he begins to build a ring, then adds the chamber, with a ceiling of leaves. He then builds a vertical entrance tunnel. It takes almost a week to complete such an intricately woven nest which is very impressive. I am so fond of watching the birds build nests and the splash of coloured feathers everywhere.
What the nest looked like when we first saw it.
The abundance of birdlife, and birdsong in the summer makes the bush come alive. Whether it be a party of birds, or eagles and swallows feeding on the winged alates (reproductive flying termites) – I truly find it hard not to look into the sky without my binoculars ticking off numerous birds from the list with excitement.
Lush Green Landscapes
Lastly, I love how the bush transforms into a lush green landscape with a dark green backdrop in most scenes. The transformation of the bushveld, from dull browns of winter to multi-coloured greens of summer absolutely amazes me. Summer is like a painter’s palette with every possible shade and hue of green. I love the contrast of the animal’s skin against the green surroundings, it makes photos a lot more vibrant.
The Birmingham Male lion’s mane stands out against the green landscape making it look superior.
The inflorescences of the grass in full bloom swaying in the wind, makes them look like twinkling Christmas lights on a Christmas tree as the golden light of the setting sun illuminates them.
Hidden behind the glowing grass.
Summer is full of many magical moments and scenes. With the warmth and moisture that summer brings, the bush transforms into a haven of life and excitement. It’s during this time that the colours are stunning, the animals are healthy and the birdsong rings out aloud where ever you are. This time of year truly fills me with happiness. What is your favourite time of year to visit us? I would love to know in the comments section below…
Summer is great for the migratory birds that you don’t otherwise get to see, and the scenery. Game viewing gets obscured by all the vegetation, though. Plus most animals get pretty lazy in the heat of the day so you better get up early if you’re going to see much action! I’d prefer visiting the greater Kruger in winter, when the animals are more active and easier to see …
Beautiful pictures Jess, thanks.
Hi Jess I thought of a title for this blog edition: Elephant Reflections and Blooming Birds. Elephants make look anything wiser and deeper. I love the Birmingham male picture and the lioness in the grass and golden lights. I’d visit rather when there are more blooming flowers with insects but also baby animals. Of course I would love to see leopards, lions cheetah and, who knows, a serval, a honey badger, an otter…
It sound that your favorite season is the summer, Jess. A very nice blog.
I think I like the months March and April in South Africa best. The worst thunderstorms (which I hate) are over. Everything is still lush and green, the animals look healthy and well fed and there is still enough water for everyone. For me, the winter months are too cold, especially the mornings. There is so much cold weather in my country that I enjoy a warmer climate in the holidays.
Hi Jess, I can see why you love summer with the beautiful lush green grass and the the birds coming back from migratory. Summertime is just a wonderful time, with the rain Making everything grow so quickly and the rivers are flowing again. I too love the elephants, they always have so much fun in the water, just like kids playing in the water. I’m sure Londolozi is so beautiful and lush after the rain we had.
I don’t think we have ever been at Londolozi in the summer, we have done Christmas with o e are of grandchildren and another we were there in February with the other set. We have loved them all, but I have to agree coffee with amarila is a treat! Victoria
Lovely pictures and great stories Jess! I especially loved seeing and hearing about how the Red-headed Weavers build their nests!
Hello Jess,
What a good article about the summer in Londolozi you have written! I feel your happiness about summertime! Me and my husband visited Londolozi in september. I thougt it was beautiful but I understand that summer is of course filled as you say of different beautiful colours! It must be wonderful to sit and watch birds of different kinds and all the new born… Thank you for sharing!
Forgot to say beautiful pictures!
Jess summer is certainly one of my favorite times to be in the bushveld for all the reasons you have mentioned. However as I live thousands of miles away now, I would be equally happy to be there at any time of the year !! Enjoy the last of the glorious summer and all those beautiful birds before they head north again 🙏🏻💕
Nice blog Josh and the pics are great. Nice to see some birds also.
Super blog
👍👍👍 Nice article Jess