Summer arrives not quietly, but generously. When it rains, it pours. In the African bush, this couldn’t be more true. The wild exhales, the parched earth welcoming this abundance of water in grateful gulps. Life blossoms. Everything grows.
This is the water that the land will need to sustain it through the dry season to follow.
The smell of petrichor permeates the air. Dust settles. Wild sage and flowers bloom bringing pockets of unique smells and bursts of bright colour as you drive through the landscape. As the skies darken, the greens deepen. Green season quickly turns emerald.
Immersed in a sea of green at Nambu Camp
The land hums with new life.
Rivers swell and carve their way through the bush. Small waterholes form and animals need not venture far to quench their thirst. The animals respond immediately to the abundance. Their coats glisten and elephants appear with new calves in tow.
New life is everywhere. Cubs follow the tails of their mothers, pouncing on one another to practice their hunting skills. Wobbly legs and awkward landings abound as we witness the new beginnings of life in the African wilderness.
New life at Nyala Safari Lodge
The buzz of cicadas. And the crack of thunder as lighting streaks across the savannah.
The wild feels vibrantly alive.
Sightings feel earned. In summer you need to search, notice and discover.
Nothing is meek in the wild.
Dramatic summertime skies
Taking it all in
Stop the vehicle. Pause. And let the bush continue its conversation.
Sound is an incredibly vivid part of the safari experience.
The whooping calls of hyena that send goosebumps through our bodies. The deep, guttural bellow of lions calling on the hunt, sounds that reverberate for miles and miles.
The mournful bushveld call of the emerald spotted wood-dove. Or the iconic cry of the African fish eagle as it swoops down to catch something shimmering in the water below.
The sounds of the wild are a language all of their own. The alarm call of a francolin signalling a predator or snake nearby. The bark of an impala warning of impending danger. Sounds can tell us what’s is happening in the wilderness all around, if only we pause long enough to pay attention.
A close call. Spine-tingling moment captured by guest at Nambu Camp
“Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived.” – Helen Keller.
The smell of the earth after the rains. The faint musk of an animal nearby. Woodsmoke as it drifts through from the boma. The aroma of freshly-brewed coffee aiding the eyes in easing open for early morning wake up calls.
It is said that smells triggers our memories more than any other sense. It can transport us straight back to our childhood or moments that will stick with us forever. A safari is full of unforgettable moments and distinct scents that take you straight back to that moment of an elephant slowly ambling past you or the electric sensation in the air before the storm was about to hit.
Storms roll in, scents deepen, calls linger in the heat. When you allow yourself to move more slowly, to listen and breathe, smell and feel, the bush reveals itself in a multitude of layers.
The smell of freshly-brewed coffee on the fire at Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails
How to pack for a summer safari
Think breathable, unfussy & ready for summer sun, water, and a whole lot of wonder.
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Light, loose clothing
Natural fabrics and relaxed fits will keep you cool when the sun is doing its thing. -
Swimming trunks or costume
Midday heat calls for slow lunches and long hours by the pool. -
Sandals or Birkenstock-style shoes
Easy on, easy off, perfect for shlumpfing around camp between game drives. -
Bug repellent
Evenings bring stars and the occasional mosquito. -
A book and/or journal
For siestas, sightings, and thoughts that only seem to arrive in the expanse of the bush. -
Wide-brimmed hat
A chin tie helps keep it from taking flight during game drives. -
Sunglasses
Both zebra and the light can be dazzling. -
SPF sunscreen
High factor, applied often. The African sun is something else. -
Poncho or lightweight rain jacket
Summer showers are brief and refreshing, and while most lodges provide these, it’s handy to have your own.
Africa on Foot – walking through the vibrant wild amidst the storms
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