As winter slowly comes to an end, I always find myself looking forward to the changes that spring brings. I love the winter months for their clear mornings, cosy fires, and open landscapes, but there comes a time when I’m ready to leave the extra layers behind and welcome the warmth. The shift into spring is subtle at first, but it doesn’t take long before the signs are all around you: longer days, greener shoots pushing through, and a sense of life returning to the bush.
One of the first things I notice is how the light begins to change. The mornings and evenings stretch out a little more, giving us more time in that golden glow that makes being out in the bush so special. Whether you’re watching a leopard move through the grass or simply enjoying a quiet sunset, this time of year feels particularly rewarding.
Another part of spring I always look forward to is the return of the migratory birds. Their colours and calls bring so much energy back to the reserve. Some travel across continents to be here, and it’s incredible to think of the journeys they make. Woodland Kingfishers, with their sharp calls, are often the most noticeable arrivals.
One of the most notable returning migrants, the Woodland Kingfisher.
Many of these migrants will take advantage of the warmer weather and plentiful food to breed, filling the bush with their songs and displays. Their presence also makes game drives even more exciting, not only because of their beauty but because they are often the first to alert us to predators moving through the landscape.
A male giraffe feeding on a flowering knobthorn.
The trees also play their part in welcoming spring. Knob thorns brighten the landscape with their soft yellow flowers, while the weeping boer bean explodes in red; its nectar draws in countless birds and insects. Standing near one of these trees at this time of year is an experience in itself, the air alive with activity. The sausage tree, too, shows off with its large maroon flowers, pollinated by bats at night. Each of these trees adds its own colour and character, reminding me how quickly the bush can change from the khaki tones of winter to the vibrant colours of spring.
The flowers from a sausage tree add the first bits of colour to spring.
The animals seem to relish this shift as much as we do. The first flush of green grass and leaves brings relief to the herbivores, who make the most of the fresh growth after months of scarcity. Impala herds gather in open clearings to feed on the new shoots, while elephants move between riverbeds and woodlands, clearly enjoying the abundance of food. Their behaviour feels lighter, more energetic, almost as if they too sense the change in season. Predators are never far behind, taking advantage of the increased movements of prey species. Spring also brings the promise of the first rains, and with it the anticipation of calving season, when new life arrives in abundance.
Spring has always felt like the most exciting seasonal change to me. From the return of the birds to the blooming trees and the energy in the animals, it’s a reminder of how dynamic and beautiful this landscape is. While I’ll always have a soft spot for winter, there’s nothing quite like watching the bush transform and knowing that a whole new chapter of the year is just beginning.
Hi Patrick, I also have a soft spot for winter, because I love cold weather, even if it becomes difficult if not impossible to practise snorkeling, which is my favourite activity. The colours of the dried grass and sand and sun are fantastic at Londolozi in winter, but, as you say, those magnificent trees produce such wonderful flowers that bring extra colours and life, all connected to that phenomenon. I watched a documentary in three parts about sausage trees, knob-thorns and another tree I don’t remember the proper name now, that bursted into life with all animals following. Of course, the return of birds is an incredible joy as well, full of colours and noises. Beautiful blog edition!
This is precisely why I love spring and fall the most (besides the milder temperatures). The shoulder seasons offer the excitement of transition and the anticipation rejuvenates my spirit.
Wonderful photos, Patrick and a beautiful article about spring. Spring is also the time I love best here in Europa and for the same reasons. I can’t wait to see the first barn swallows return from Africa and start their breeding season here. And the morning chorus of all the other migratory birds who start defending their territories with their songs. Spring means lots of months of natural beauty and maybe even nice sunshine after cold and dark winter days.
Winter in Londolozi is different: the days are still warmish even though the nights may be cold.
In both hemispheres, the southern and the northern, spring keeps the promise of new beginnings
Hi Patrick, changes of session is something to enjoy and embrace. From the bare trees and brown grass to green shoots and leaves of trees and flowers on the trees brings so much joy to everyone. We are waiting for the rain which will transform the bush to lush of greenery for all the herbivores. Oh yes the migratory birds are also my favorite especially the European Rollers and Woodland Kingfisher. Once they arrive you know forsure summer is here in full force.
Reading your words about your joy in the return of spring, gives me pause, as living in the northern hemisphere we are still experiencing the intense heat of summer, whilst wishing for fall when the temperature drops. I can sense your excitement for the return of the migratory birds which do add colorful notes to the retreating browns of winter. The trees begin to sprout their leaves and the days do stretch longer. But, anytime to visit Londolozi is the best time!