We are holding our breaths for mid-November when the rain is expected to return. This dry season is taking a toll on the wilderness, but nature has incredible ways of adapting. Our dry season has been especially dry this year, due to natural cycles and weather patterns.

There is a 55% likelihood of a transition to La Niña between now and November, which rises to 60% from October to February, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said recently in its latest El Niño/La Niña update. The La Niña will hopefully bring the rain with it, the rain we so greatly need right now.

This drier vegetation has benefits, though, as the wildlife is much easier to spot. This has given our guests incredible game-viewing opportunities in the reserve and around the remaining water sources, such as the Klaserie River and the waterholes we have been filling with water.

It is never dull in the wild. There is always something keeping us on our toes, and we love this life, where a connection to and understanding of nature are vital and where our days and nights are fully entwined with animals, birds, and plants. It is fascinating to see how wildlife reacts to the changing weather conditions, with the predators thriving as they pick off the weaker animals affected by the drought conditions. This is all part of the life cycle and essential to the sustainability of biodiversity.

There is a beauty to the starkness, too, a reminder of the extremes of life and the harshness of nature that can be difficult to accept. One thing is for sure: when the rain starts, the animals will sing resounding tunes of gratitude, and the bush will start to shoot up bright green blades of grass that we have been missing. The elephants and rhinos will embrace the coolness of the water on their backs and the mud puddles that will form. We are ready to enjoy a front-row seat to the changes as they arrive.

We hope to share these views with you too.

Images by Julian Hahne