The Summer solstice in the African bushveld is a magical time of year that brings people from all over the world to experience the beauty of the landscape at Londolozi. The 21st of December, the southern hemisphere’s summer solstice, marks the longest day of the year and is a time for celebration and reflection.
The African bushveld is a diverse and stunning landscape, with a unique combination of rolling open grasslands, dense forests, and spectacular rocky outcrops. During the summer solstice, the sun appears highest in the sky and its rays strike Earth at a more direct angle, revealing all of its beauty, making it a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a chance to reconnect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the African wilderness.
Step off the vehicle and experience a deeper connection with nature on foot
During the middle of summer, the bushveld is alive with the sounds of the birdsong, the smell of wildflowers, towering cumulus clouds, refreshing thunderstorms and the abundance of incredible wildlife.
There is a myriad of things to look forward to in summer here at Londolozi, from the tiny impala lambs and wildebeest calves to the excitable warthog piglets and dangly baby giraffes. The flashes of colour with all the birds in the breeding plumages, the hive of activity of the weavers frantically building their nests, the bubbling of piles of elephant dung as the dung beetles roll their balls, to the butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers and chameleons. The activity and excitement are palpable.
Two of the Ntsevu sub-adults rear up onto their back legs in a playful wrestling showdown.
The morning game drives at the crack of dawn crescendo with a delicious coffee stop under the shade of a marula tree, before the welcome back to camp for a delectable breakfast and then a long day by the pool. A gin and tonic or two or maybe squeeze in a visit to the Healing House to help the time pass by through the heat of the day. This is a time to relax, unwind and rejuvenate with the nice long days and ample amount of time to really settle in.
Just as you start to think about what else you can get up to for the day, its time to meet for the afternoon game drive. Often the best place to start on these warm afternoons is a nearby waterhole or the Sand River in the hopes of finding a large herd of elephants, buffalos or rhinos cooling off in the water or mud. Before meandering your way further afield in the search of a predator more likely to only get active after sunset. Taking in the stunning landscapes, pausing for the beautiful sunsets, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere, the perfect place to just sit back and soak up the serenity.
What better way to celebrate this glorious day than to be here at Londolozi?
Your descriptive prose makes me wish I was there. Enjoy your summer solstice!
A lovely descriptive blog! Now the sun is on its way back!
Thank you so much, Gawie. Yes it is now heading back further north.
Special for everyone who enjoys the outside and wilderness on the 21st Dec, as it is the longest day. Hope you all had a super day filled with excitement and stunning views on this longest day.
We all most certainly did have a lovely day thank you.
What a lovely way to describe the summer solstice at Londolozi. Maybe I will make it one day to Londolozi at that time of the year.
Anyway the photo of these two Ntsevu lions by Chris is stunning!
Here in the dark winter of Europe we are looking much forward to our winter solstice because it means the the days will finally get a bit longer and in three months time a bit warmer too. Another reason to go to South Africa during our European winter months.
Enjoy your summer!!!
It is such a stunning time to be at Londolozi. We are now approaching our winter as you head towards your summer.
Beautiful summer solstice bog, thanks Sean.
Thank you so much, William.
Such a timely post Sean, especially as I’m enjoying the winter solstice here in California! I really love this time of year here, but your post has me dreaming of summer solstice at Londolozi!!
Thank you, Paul. The summer solstice is an amazing time to be here.
Yes, it’s glorious at summer solstice there. Here in Canada not so much – shortest day of the year ha ha. Well, every day gets longer from here on out so looking forward to that. I hope everyone there is enjoying the glory of the bush in Midsummer.
I guess, now that it is your shortest day it means that you are now on your way to summer.
Would love to visit for the solstice at some point! Count me in!