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Highly needed Rain in Madikwe – Green Landscapes
The summer months from November to February/March are the rainy season in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa. Some highly needed rain arrived over the last few weeks and transformed the landscape from a dry Brown to a lush Green.
First Rain of the Season arrives in November 2016
South Africa experienced the worst drought in 10 years – rain was highly needed in all areas of the country. In Madikwe, the first rains of this season arrived in early November 2016.
Madikwe Landscape Comparison – Early November 2016 vs. early January 2017
The first rains in Madikwe had arrived short before my first visit to Rhulani Safari Lodge in early November 2016 – by then the landscapes were still dry and Brown – with a little bit of Green in between.
Now things are different. Just take a look at the photo comparison: Rhulani’s waterhole and surroundings in early November 2016 - versus early January 2017. I took the photos from the same spot with the same camera – just the landscape changed – the dry Brown was transformed to a lush Green.
Waterholes and Pans in Madikwe are filling up again
The waterholes and pans in Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa are filling up again – the water needs to last throughout the coming dry season from April/May-September/October.
Clouds and Rainbows
The rainy season offers some spectacular cloud formations and, if you are lucky, you can see a beautiful rainbow – together with some African wildlife.
Lightning and passing Thunderstorm
I was watching the lightning of a passing thunderstorm and listening to the sounds of the fading thunder. For about 30 minutes, I was standing at Rhulani’s pool area trying to get a shot of a lightning bolt – and finally succeeded (ok, it’s just a little lightning bolt, but better than nothing). I rewarded myself with a delicious Peppermint Crispy Cake.
On my way back to my accommodation, the always present Milkweed Locusts, that are normally hopping along my way, were hiding – but the Frogs were happy and having a ball.
Watch the short video: Evening atmosphere at Rhulani Safari Lodge during a passing thunderstorm.
Content: Dagmar Roscher
Photography: Riaan (Rainbow & Elephant) and Dagmar