A palpable sense of anticipation has been in the air these last few weeks as the first low rumble of distant thunder and the darkening clouds on the horizon finally signalled the long-awaited return of the summer rains. It’s a moment of celebration for both the land and its inhabitants, as the rains usher in a season of rejuvenation, rebirth, and vibrant beauty.

The first summer rains announced themselves with the roar of thunder not long ago

For months, the Lowveld has endured the merciless grasp of a dry and dusty winter. The Sand River that once flowed with vigour has dwindled to a narrow stream, and the earth has become parched and cracked despite the deluge at the beginning of the year that raised our water tables to an all-time high. The land has yearned for the soothing touch of rain, and now, as if ­answering a collective prayer, the heavens opened up, and the first drops began to fall.

Petrichor, the scent of rain, is unlike any other. It’s an earthy, intoxicating aroma that awakens the senses and stirs the soul. As the first drops kiss the thirsty ground, the earth responds with an eager sigh of relief. The parched soil drinks in the moisture, and in what feels like a matter of moments, transforms from a somewhat drab dustbowl into a lush, emerald paradise. It’s a miraculous metamorphosis that never ceases to amaze.

An African Jacana makes its way across a parched pan, both seeming to be eagerly awaiting the first summer rains.

The Lowveld, with its unique blend of savannahs, woodlands, and bushveld, springs to life with the arrival of the summer rains. The grasslands, once brown and lifeless, burst forth in a riot of greens and yellows. Trees that had shed their leaves in self-preservation now don vibrant coats of green, their branches reaching eagerly for the nourishing rain. Wildflowers, long dormant, push their way through the rejuvenated earth, adorning the landscape with a tapestry of colours.

Scenes like these are what we look forward to in the coming months.

For the wildlife of the Lowveld, the return of the rains is nothing short of a miracle. Animals that have endured months of scarcity and hardship now have access to a bounty of fresh vegetation and water. The plains come alive with the sights and sounds of nature’s great awakening. Herds of antelope graze on the succulent grasses, while elephants, with their playful splashes, revel in the newfound waterholes. Predators too, are drawn to this veritable banquet, and the drama of the food chain unfolds in all its raw and untamed glory.

A leopard shakes off the rain during a night stalk.

But it’s not just the flora and fauna that celebrate the summer rains. The people of the Lowveld also rejoice in this annual blessing. For us, the rains represent not only a source of life but also a cultural and spiritual connection to the land. We have always had a deep-rooted relationship with the land around us and watching the rebirth of our surroundings is a reminder of how carefully balanced the ecosystem around us is.

With summer upon us, and after a few rain clouds showering the reserve, we’ve started spotting these little creatures as they come out of hiding

The summer rains also bring a brief respite from the heat that will soon characterize this region during the summer season. As the rains continue to fall, they will replenish the Sand River, the heart and soul of the Sabi Sands, ensuring a steady supply of water for the biota of this land throughout the year. The once-barren landscape is transformed into a haven for birdlife, and the Lowveld becomes a paradise for birdwatchers who flock to the region to witness the spectacular avian diversity that flourishes in the wake of the rains. We all watch eagerly for each returning migrant, especially that singular bird of summer, the Woodland Kingfisher.

The return of the summer rains to the Lowveld is a reminder of the delicate balance that exists in nature. It’s a testament to the resilience of life in the face of adversity and a celebration of the interconnectedness of all living things. In a world that often seems divided and uncertain, the arrival of the rains in the Lowveld serves as a reminder of the enduring cycles of nature and the hope that springs eternal.

A firm favourite of the summer landscape feeds on a “shongololo” or millipede, a creature who has been hiding underground these last few months.

So, as we stand on the threshold of another summer in the Lowveld, let us welcome back the rains with open hearts and arms. Let us revel in the beauty and abundance that they bring, and let us be inspired by the profound lessons that nature imparts. In the Lowveld, the return of the summer rains is not just a meteorological event; it’s a spiritual celebration of life itself.