The end of autumn is here, and this means we’re slowly making way for the wonders of winter. But what does this mean for our reserve and the incredible species who call it home? We chatted to our experienced guides who were only too happy to share their knowledge with us…
For starters, the end of May is a great seasonal change in the bush all round. The length of days is noticeably shorter and this has a large effect on animals, birds and more. It marks the beginning of the hibernation season for various creatures such as reptiles and frogs, with the last of the migratory birds having left for the northern hemisphere by now as food resources are scarcer than in the summer months. Reptiles in particular become far more active at the end of autumn as they expertly plan their feeds before the cold signals for them to go into hibernation. With enough food storage and fat increases to last them over the colder months, these species are able to withstand winter and its chill.
On the plant side of things, many plants have already seeded by now or are in preparing to drop their seed pods or disperse them by wind or other means. A lot of trees are going into a state of rest and as a result, many will withdraw their nutrients from their leaves. This ends up creating the various autumn colours we get to see at this time of the year, characterised by yellows, reds and browns. How do they happen? Simply by these trees retracting their chlorophyll from their leaves to store it in their bark and roots. With all the nutrients now being stored here, you’ll often see many antelope and animals like warthogs change their eating habits, choosing to eat the roots in search of the “good stuff.”
Where groundwater is concerned, the end of autumn is when we see this start to dry up, with concentrations around watering holes becoming more prevalent. This has an impact on the grass, which starts to yellow, making predators tougher to spot for unsuspecting prey.
Days are shorter and nights are longer. With the nights making way for cooler winter evenings, this creates the perfect backdrop for a glass of red and of course, gathering around the fire pit for storytime of a day well spent in the wild.
Get ready for a winter like no other at Nambiti Hills Private Game Reserve. For more on how you can enjoy the ultimate luxury safari, contact our reservations team today on +27 (0)31 333 6723 or reservations@nambitihills.com To view our latest specials and choose the one that best suits you, please click here: https://www.nambitihills.com/packages-and-specials/
