There is so much to look forward to when exploring the lush bushveld during a summer visit to The Outpost or Pel’s Post, in the far north of Kruger National Park. Accompanied by our expert field guides, you’ll encounter colourful migratory birds, plenty of newborn life and even African elephants emerging from the greenery. Take a look below at what the summer looks like for us and why we absolutely love it.
AN EXPLOSION OF GREENERY
After the first rains of the season up here in the far north of the Kruger, the bush transforms quickly. Almost overnight, the grass sprouts, flowers bloom and previously bare trees have brand new leaves. The fever tree forest looks especially lush during this time of year and we love surprising our guests with brunch in this magical setting.
A CHANGING LANDSCAPE
At this time of year, we also see our alluvial floodplains and pans grow, bringing a host of new life to the area – including migratory birds, a medley of frog species and even catfish. The mighty Limpopo river, separating South Africa from Mozambique and Zimbabwe is flowing too. What a magnificent sight it is to behold when it is in flood, stretching over a kilometre wide and reminding us of one of our favourite quotes:
Then Kolokolo Bird said, with a mournful cry, ‘Go to the banks of the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees, and find out.’
– Rudyard Kipling.
BOOMING BIRDLIFE
The summer rains and flourishing vegetation also lead to an abundance of new life. We’re especially loving the unique and beautiful array of birds arriving in the area – such as the famous Narina Trogon and colourful Southern Carmine Bee-eater, as pictured below. Other summer specials include Thick-billed Cuckoos, Olive-Tree Warblers, Grey-headed Kingfishers, Green Sandpipers, Dwarf Bitterns and more.
Photograph by Bernard Dupont.
BREATHTAKING THUNDERSTORMS
At the height of summer, when the days are hot and humid, we are often rewarded with spectacular thunderstorms that light up the sky and never cease to amaze. The humidity and calm before the storm, the smell in the air, the colour of the sky and, finally, the echoing thunderous sounds are an incredible thing to experience.
Photograph by Melissa Delport.