The Summer solstice in the African bushveld is a magical time of year that brings people from all over the world to experience the beauty of the landscape at Londolozi. The 21st of December, the southern hemisphere’s summer solstice, marks the longest day of the year and is a time for celebration and reflection.
The African bushveld is a diverse and stunning landscape, with a unique combination of rolling open grasslands, dense forests, and spectacular rocky outcrops. During the summer solstice, the sun appears highest in the sky and its rays strike Earth at a more direct angle, revealing all of its beauty, making it a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a chance to reconnect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the African wilderness.
Step off the vehicle and experience a deeper connection with nature on foot
During the middle of summer, the bushveld is alive with the sounds of the birdsong, the smell of wildflowers, towering cumulus clouds, refreshing thunderstorms and the abundance of incredible wildlife.
There is a myriad of things to look forward to in summer here at Londolozi, from the tiny impala lambs and wildebeest calves to the excitable warthog piglets and dangly baby giraffes. The flashes of colour with all the birds in the breeding plumages, the hive of activity of the weavers frantically building their nests, the bubbling of piles of elephant dung as the dung beetles roll their balls, to the butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers and chameleons. The activity and excitement are palpable.
Two of the Ntsevu sub-adults rear up onto their back legs in a playful wrestling showdown.
The morning game drives at the crack of dawn crescendo with a delicious coffee stop under the shade of a marula tree, before the welcome back to camp for a delectable breakfast and then a long day by the pool. A gin and tonic or two or maybe squeeze in a visit to the Healing House to help the time pass by through the heat of the day. This is a time to relax, unwind and rejuvenate with the nice long days and ample amount of time to really settle in.
Just as you start to think about what else you can get up to for the day, its time to meet for the afternoon game drive. Often the best place to start on these warm afternoons is a nearby waterhole or the Sand River in the hopes of finding a large herd of elephants, buffalos or rhinos cooling off in the water or mud. Before meandering your way further afield in the search of a predator more likely to only get active after sunset. Taking in the stunning landscapes, pausing for the beautiful sunsets, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere, the perfect place to just sit back and soak up the serenity.
What better way to celebrate this glorious day than to be here at Londolozi?
Sean Zeederberg
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