Following the river at Limpopo-Lipadi

As the dry season sets in, the Limpopo River is slowly dropping, and with it the whole rhythm of the Reserve begins to shift. As the water subsides, the riverbanks come more alive, with easier access for the animals to drink and forage. Kudu, bushbuck, warthogs and impala move down to the greener edges to browse and drink, which makes for some wonderful sightings along the river, also when you stay in River Camp.

But it is the elephants that really tell the story of this place. For as long as anyone knows, and likely for hundreds or even thousands of years, they have used the Limpopo river as a natural pathway, following its course up and down as the seasons turn and the water is low enough to tread through it. Watching them move along the river is a reminder that these routes are so much older than any of us.

Co-owner Brittany happened to be up early and caught one of these moments for herself, an elephant making its way down the river, seen right from the lodge. It is the kind of sighting you never quite get used to, no matter how many times it happens.

With the water still dropping, the coming months should bring plenty more of these journeys, elephants heading down or upriver as they always have. If you are visiting soon, keep an eye on the banks. You never know what the river will bring past.

If you would like to support our conservation efforts, have a look on our website: https://limpopo-lipadi.org/donate/. For discreet information on share sales, contact invest@limpopo-lipadi.org. To book a safari, request our rates via reservations@limpopo-lipadi.org or via WhatsApp: (+267) 76770191.