Waiting for the rains

Posted on Thu October 20, 2016.

After the worst drought in 112 years we hope and pray that the rains will be good this season.

The drought has now lasted 2 long years and the veldt is devastated. This is officially the worst drought in the area since records began way back in 1904. The rivers are at an all time low and the animals have been forced to stay close to the Crododile and Sabi Rivers in our area of Southern Kruger Park. Many buffalo and hippos have succumb to this harsh reality. The predators; lions, leopard, cheetah, wild dogs, hyenas etc. have been thriving with all the easy prey. 

Since the start of the rains in September we have only had a 16 - 18 millimeters, however our real rainy season only starts in December and goes through to the end of February so we hope that the Kruger and surrounding areas will get the much needed relief! 

The game viewing has been excellent as the bush is thin and the grass virtually non-existent. 

Further Reading

Snakes of South Africa - Puff Adder - Black Mamba - Boomslang - Vine Snake
Serpents of the Savannah: The Mystical Realm of Kruger’s Snakes Wed March 20, 2024

Kruger National Park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including a variety of snakes that embody the park's ecological richness. From the fast and venomous Black Mamba to the camouflage expert Vine Snake, and the non-venomous Cape Wolf Snake, these serpents showcase the adaptability and diversity of life in Kruger.

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Leopard, Zebra, Honey bee and Puff Adder
The Art of Camouflage: Nature's Masters of Disguise Thu February 29, 2024

Studying these camouflage artists offers more than survival tactics; it unveils the symbiotic web of life. Each evolutionary adjustment triggers cascading effects, shaping predator-prey interactions, reproductive strategies, and even ecosystem architectures. For visitors to wilderness areas like Needles Lodge, these beings underscore nature's inventive prowess and the critical need to conserve the ecosystems that nurture such diversity.

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Kruger National Park Geographical Journey
A Walk Through Time/ Geological Wonders of Kruger National Park Tue February 27, 2024

Exploring Kruger National Park is a journey through Earth's geological history, showcasing ancient rocks, life's evolution, and dramatic landscapes. The park's diverse geology, from three-billion-year-old bedrock to recent Quaternary formations, reveals the planet's dynamic past. Highlights include the Lebombo Monocline and rich fossil records. This narrative emphasizes the importance of conservation and the unique opportunity to connect with Earth's ancient past at Needles Lodge.

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