a white background with a few lines on it

El NINO AND OLIFANTS WEST NATURE RESERVE

Team Sausage Tree • August 29, 2024

El Nino and its effects on Wildlife in Greater Kruger

El Nino events are characterised by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific which can significantly alter

global weather patterns. El Nino is triggered by a warm current of water flowing past the Peruvian coast replacing the cold water current which happens every two to five years.

When El Nino arrives this typically spells drought for our area. The latest El Nino event which began last summer 2023 is expected to cause lower rainfall and higher temperatures as it did in 2015-2016 producing extreme drought conditions here which was exasperated by a further El Nino event in 2018-2019.

No two El Nino events are exactly alike and the impacts on weather patterns vary. This latest El Nino has resulted in no significant rain benefit as the rainfall since mid January here on Olifants West Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger whereas summer rains often extend to the end of April. We have also experienced a very warm winter. The long range forecast for our area is no significant rains until November.

It appears this EL Nino event has been one of the strongest on record. What this has meant is that the bush is extremely dry with very little nutritious food for herbivores and their winter fat reserves are looking depleted. In other words the herbivores are losing weight and strength. The last cycle of drought saw a sharp fall off of the populations of buffalo and hippo within the entire Kruger Park area. The buffalo population fell by more than 60% .

Water is still generally available due to the abundance of artificial waterholes and the Olifants River running through our reserve although very low is still flowing. The problem facing most species is the lack of nutritious food.

As usual in nature , when changing conditions adversely affect some species, others will prosper. In this case it is the major predators ie lion, hyena, leopard wild dog etc…who benefit.

From a guest perspective it has been a marvellous time for leopard sightings which have been abundant as the bush has thinned out.

The good news is that the El Nino cycle has ended and we are in a neutral phase with the betting on the arrival of El Nina being November time.

In the meantime we are doing our rain dances.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Mail

A man is taking a picture of an elephant while sitting in a vehicle.

Multilingual Safaris: Connecting Global Travelers to Africa’s Wilderness

By Team Sausage Tree • March 31, 2025

Learn how multilingual guides at tented camps like Sausage Tree bridge language barriers for Spanish, Dutch, French, and German guests.

Lions on Safari | Sausage Tree Tented Safari Camp

Why Private Reserves within Greater Kruger Offer a More Exclusive Tented Camp Experience

By Team Sausage Tree • February 28, 2025

Discover how tented camps in private reserves like Olifants West provide unmatched wildlife encounters and solitude in Greater Kruger.

Tented Safaris in the greater Kruger National Park

By Team Sausage Tree • February 12, 2025

Kruger Tented Safaris: Unforgettable Luxury & Immersive Bush Experiences Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the African bush? Discover luxury tented safari packages in Kruger National Park and experience the ultimate immersion in nature, combined with the comforts of luxury accommodations. Overview of Tented Safari Packages in Kruger National Park Sausage Tree Safari Camp offers a variety of tented safari packages, catering to different preferences and durations. Whether you're seeking a 3-day adventurer getaway, a 4-day exploration, or a nature discovery and luxury tented safari, there's an option to suit every adventurer. 3 Day Adventurer Getaway Embark on a thrilling 3-day adventure that includes an immersive itinerary, travel details, and exhilarating game drives. Get ready to witness the wonders of the African wilderness up close. 4 Day Explore Kruger For those seeking an extended exploration, the 4-day safari offers unique wildlife encounters and an in-depth experience of the diverse landscapes within the greater Kruger National Park. 3 Day Nature Discovery & Luxury Tented Safari Indulge in a mix of comfortable luxury and nature immersion with a 3-day safari that promises a truly unforgettable experience. Day-by-Day Itinerary and Safari Highlights Each day of your safari promises new adventures, from game drives to experiential moments within the park. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the African bush and witness the incredible wildlife that calls Kruger National Park home. What’s Included & Not Included Our tented safari packages come with a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience. From luxury accommodations to guided game drives, we have everything covered to make your safari unforgettable. Exclusive Tented Camp Experiences Explore the unique features of our exclusive tented camp by booking the whole camp, with only 5 tented suites we can offer an unrivalled safari experience exclusively for your group. Why Choose a Tented Safari? Discover the benefits of choosing a tented safari, from immersion in nature and luxury comforts to sustainable practices and flexible itineraries. Experience the African bush in a way that's both authentic and luxurious. Booking Your Kruger Tented Safari Ready to embark on your adventure? Our clear CTAs and detailed booking process will guide you through planning the perfect safari, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. Frequently Asked Questions Is Kruger the best safari? The greater Kruger National Park offers diverse wildlife, expansive landscapes, and a range of accommodation options, making it an excellent choice for a classic African safari experience. How many days safari Kruger? Ideal safari durations range from 3-4 days for first-timers, 5-7 days for a comprehensive experience, and 8+ days for deep immersion and dedicated wildlife tracking.