With the arrival of the annual rains, the Manyeleti turns from every shade of brown to green, green, green and bursts with new life, offering exceptional safari experiences and phenomenal wildlife sightings. It's a fantastic time of year and one of the best times to be on safari at Pungwe. Here's why...

Make no mistake, we love the green season here at Pungwe. All of us are excited at the prospect of our annual rains putting an end to what has been a long and hard dry season. We've already had some lovely downpours already and are waiting in anticipation for the storms that will spur the Manyeleti to undergo its dramatic transformation from a dry, golden savannah to a lush, verdant paradise and signal the start of the green, or emerald season.

The onset of the green season brings life to this lesser-known gem of the Greater Kruger National Park. Manyeleti means “Place of Stars” in Shangaan, and at this time of year it becomes a sanctuary for wildlife and a unique destination for those seeking an immersive safari experience during these rejuvenating months.

Rain brings a vibrant renewal to the reserve. Grasses grow tall, and wildflowers blanket the plains, while the once-parched dams and waterholes fill rapidly, attracting an array of animals to drink and bathe. The thickening vegetation creates a striking contrast against the clear blue skies, offering visitors an unparalleled backdrop for game viewing and photography.

For safari-goers, the green season brings a different kind of magic. The reserve teems with life, as baby animals — most notably impala, wildebeest, and zebra — make their debut, drawing predators such as lions and leopards into closer proximity. The abundance of water allows wildlife to disperse, making sightings more unpredictable but all the more rewarding when encountered. This sense of wildness, combined with the vibrant landscape, gives a sense of exclusivity and intimacy and in our opinion makes this one of the best times of year to be at Pungwe.

Birdwatchers are particularly spoiled during this period. The rains attract migratory species, while resident birds display their often-colourful plumage against the verdant surroundings. You can expect to see saddle-billed storks at our dams and waterholes, adding a splash of striking red courtesy of their elongated bills. The cacophony of bird calls adds to the sensory richness of the reserve, making it a haven for those looking to experience the full spectrum of African wildlife.

One of the standout migrant species is the southern carmine bee-eater, which arrives in colourful flocks. These striking birds, with their vivid crimson feathers and blue-green underparts, are a delight for photographers. They are often seen perched on exposed branches or darting through the air, catching insects in the open plains. Their aerial acrobatics are a mesmerising sight.

Equally captivating is the woodland kingfisher, another common migrant during the green season. Recognisable by its bright blue and white plumage, this kingfisher is often heard before it is seen, with its distinctive, piercing call echoing through the bush. Woodland kingfishers favour areas near water, making the replenished rivers and waterholes prime spots to observe them hunting for fish and small invertebrates.

The green season also offers more temperate weather, with cooler mornings and evenings, making game drives comfortable. The increased moisture in the air softens the light, creating softer shadows and golden hues that enhance the landscape’s natural beauty. Photographers and nature enthusiasts alike relish this time for capturing the wildlife in a setting that feels almost cinematic.

While the wildlife is more spread out and the bush can be dense, the quieter, more intimate encounters with the animals in Manyeleti during the green season are worth the trade-off. For those seeking a safari experience filled with life, vibrancy, and the thrill of discovery, the rains bring a fresh perspective to this magical “Place of Stars” we call home.