To follow on from a previous blog of mine, I thought we’d reminisce on my images for the month of February over my years at Londolozi. Given the intense rainfall across the Greater Kruger Area at the start of 2026, it’s incredible to compare the transformation of landscapes in the images below, while also considering the differences in rain that had fallen to date over the last 5 years.
“Nature is predictably unpredictable.”
February 2026
Total rainfall in February 2026 (to date) is 9.6mm.
Total seasonal rainfall by February 2026 is 801.6mm.
We began this month exploring the reserve with such intrigue following a downpour of over 400mm of rain in just 10 days in the middle of January. We went days, if not weeks, exploring certain parts of the reserve and driving certain roads. So when February arrived, bringing the sunshine, we welcomed it with open arms as we had watched the reserve completely transform and come to life following the rains.
With a bit more rain still expected before the end of the season, we are on track to have a VERY successful rainfall period for 2026 in the Lowveld!
After almost 6 weeks of not being able to cross the Sand River, given the high water levels, we waited in anticipation for the levels to drop and to reveal a new landscape surrounding the Causeway. We have new sand banks and an openness on the northern side of the causeway that looks amazing! (in my opinion). It’s extraordinary to see the power of water and how it can change the landscape so quickly.
February 2025
Total rainfall for February 2025 was 195mm.
(Total seasonal rainfall at the beginning of February 2025 was 178mm vs. 373mm at the end of February 2025.)
How incredible is the comparison of this image taken a year before the image above! Total transformation! It is incredible to see the power of water and how a year of the river rising and dropping again can completely transform its path.
Last year, February, we experienced a substantial amount of rain in February too. Not quite like this year, but almost 30% of our seasonal total came down in the month and we had many wet game drives. But, alas, even in the rain, there is magic! And this particular sighting of hippos fighting was from one of those rainy game drives.
February 2024
Total rainfall for February 2024 was 15.4mm.
(Total seasonal rainfall at the beginning of February 2024 was 434.6mm vs. 450mm at the end of February 2024.)
How different the grass looks at the airstrip back in 2024 in comparison to this year! And the seasonal totals above explain why! I like the composition of this moment, I managed to capture of an alert herd of impala and zebra watching as the Senegal Bush Male leopard patrolled past them on the road.
With grasses still short in many areas and off-roading less risky, Ross Cheshire and I were driving a group one afternoon in February 2024 and were lucky to spend an entire afternoon with the wild dogs.
February 2023
Total rainfall for February 2023 was 358mm.
(Total seasonal rainfall at the beginning of February 2023 was 263mm vs. 621mm at the end of February 2023.)
The Three Rivers Female perfectly framed as she walked across a small branch amongst the bushes. I remember this month in 2023 as my first real wet season as a guide. And by looking back on the numbers, I understand why… 2023’s rains ensured an incredibly lush summer season! I remember the pink pouch moved MANY times in February 2023.
Forced into early independence at 11 months. Despite her small size, she's proven resilient, currently raising a cub in SE Londolozi.
Lush green landscapes frame the scene as we found the Styx Pride lying up full-bellied on the northern end of the airstrip finishing up a zebra kill, surrounded by more than 20 hyena. The vibrant summer colours from all the rain create such interesting layers of contrast, and following the enormous amount of rainfall that arrived in February 2023, I remember the bush completely budding with life in the weeks to follow.
February 2022
Total rainfall for February 2022 was 13.4mm.
(Total seasonal rainfall at the beginning of February 2022 was 385.2mm vs. 398.6mm at the end of February 2022.)
Back at the start of 2022, I had not picked up a camera yet, so my content was very limited. Fresh out of starting at Londolozi, I remember we were fortunate at the start of 2022, as we did not seem to have the great downpour system of rain that we saw in 2023 and at the start of this year, so it made our introduction to Londolozi a little less wet.
Pulling this data and reminiscing over my few years here for this blog reminded me just how unpredictable, and ever changing, nature is.
With every season, there are new dynamics contributing to the vibrancy and sense of life buzzing all around us. Sometimes it’s the smell of rain, or the crisp, fresh and shiny glow to the air following a big storm. And in winter it’s totally different.
But we embrace each season as it comes, and as the above highlights, when each season comes back around, it brings something new too… “predictably unpredictable“.
It is really amazing how the amount of rainfall changes the landscape of Londolozi.
Luckily there weren’t any droughts in the last years.
I remember that in 2022 there was so much rain in April that the railway from Durban to Johannesburg was damaged and they couldn’t get enough kerosine there for all the planes. So ours had to land in Windhoek to refuel there so that it could fly back to Zurich.
Reflecting back and comparing different seasons over the years can bring such nostalgia. I hope you continue this series, Kate!
Hi Kate, the rainfall this season has changed the bush tremendously to the better lush greenery. For the winter months coming, this will hold the bush in good stead. Forsure Kate the season’s change radically and with so much rain on Londolozi and not being able to get around in the Land Rovers makes it very difficult. I am sure the famous pink pouch was passed around between the Rangers.
It’s fascinating to read how much the rain levels have varied over the past 5 years. Your photos taken during the month of February over the years, do represent how the vegetation and water levels are affected by the amount of rain that has fallen – 2023 and 2026 exhibiting a lushness not visible in 2024….. now that over 800mm has fallen, my thought process goes to will this insure that some of the seasonal pans will have water available well into the winter months.
Hello Kate,
Thank you for an interesting article! Water is importent but I do understand it can be quite a challenge to cross the Sand River! But I think all animals are very happy!!
Beautiful photos!! Specially the second with the crocodile and the beautiful bird!! Fantastic photo!!