Spring has sprung once more!

Warthog sitting at the edge of a muddy waterhole in dry grassland, facing the water.

IT'S THE PERFECT TIME TO BE IN THE KLASERIE!


The bush may be tinder-dry and the daytime temperatures may be rising, but that doesn't stop spring from making its arrival known! There are signs of new growth everywhere we go at the moment, from the gradual appearance of fresh buds on trees and shrubs to the flowering of blossoms on our shambok pods and other deciduous trees. 


The most noticeable signs of the seasonal transition come from above in the form of the arrival of some of our early summer migrant bird species. The Wahlberg's eagles are back and are already nesting, and will soon be joined by the European bee-eaters and an array of swallows and swifts who migrate south from mainland Europe to enjoy the warmer climes. 


Some of our antelope species already have young at heel, with waterbuck and duiker in particular showing off their babies. The impalas all have big bellies with just a matter of weeks to go before the arrival of the first lambs of the season and the zebras are heavy with foal. 


Everywhere we go on our game drives there's a sense of expectation in the air but the reality is that there's still some time to go until the anticipated arrival of the rainy season and the first big storms that will properly wet the ground and trigger the first rush of green. 


While we are still having the odd cold front passing through (and this has been the coldest winter on record for a considerable time) the mercury is steadily rising each day, and the nights are becoming warmer and more pleasant, without the need for lots of layers and thermal undies!


It's still a good idea to bring a jacket for early morning drives and for when the sun goes down and don't forget your swimsuit as the pool is becoming more and more inviting as the daytime temperatures pass the 30 deg C mark!


Game viewing at this time of the year is spectacular, especially around water, which is in very short supply right now. A lot of the pans and waterholes are virtually dry and the larger dams are getting low. Thankfully we have our little waterhole in front of the pool deck that's pumped regularly to provide wildlife with a permanent source of water and it regularly attracts a wide variety of game, from warthogs to elephant and everything in between.


Now's the perfect time to be planning a spring break or start thinking about the Christmas holidays, so feel free to get in touch and chat to us about your plans! We're hoping to see you soon!

  • Two deer standing in tall grass, one with a fawn, in a wooded field.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

The thirst-quencher

August 3, 2026
As winter reaches its zenith, the Klaserie has settled into the particular rhythm of the dry season with the ease of somewhere that's been doing this for a very long time. The grass is short and pale gold, the trees have given up enough of their leaves to open sightlines that the lush summer months render impossible.
People gathered near safari vehicles on a dirt road at sunset in a dry savanna.

Why game drives rock

July 13, 2026
Seasoned safari-goers will tell you, hand on heart and with the conviction of people who've tried most things, that a game drive in a private reserve on an open safari vehicle is one of the greatest pleasures available to a human being with a passport and a sense of adventure.
Leopard in profile with spotted coat, looking left in a blurred natural setting

A safari's about value, not cost

June 17, 2026
Every so often, someone asks the question directly... They've looked at the rates, done the mental comparison with a city hotel or a beach resort, and they want to understand what justifies the number. It's a fair question, and it deserves a proper answer, because once you understand what actually sits behind the cost
The main bedroom

A fresh look for wild adventures: the Baobab Ridge family suite

May 7, 2026
There's a particular kind of holiday that parents of young children dream about: one where the kids are genuinely, wide-eyedly captivated, where the adults can actually relax, and where the experience feels special enough to stay with everyone long after the tan has faded.
People cutting apart a large animal carcass outdoors with chainsaws and knives, splashing debris.

The Klaserie: a wilderness that earns its reputation

April 13, 2026
Ask anyone who has spent time in the Klaserie what makes it different and they'll pause before answering. Not because the answer is difficult, but because it's surprisingly hard to put into words without sounding like you're overstating it.
Man standing behind a bar, wearing a patterned shirt, with glasses and bottles on the shelves behind him.

Finding his feet on a new path...

March 18, 2026
From Phalaborwa to the wilderness, Harold’s journey is one of dedication, resilience, and balance. It’s a story of someone who has navigated the twists and turns of hospitality work, the challenges of running his own business, and the demands of family life.
Person standing on a wooden deck beside patio tables in front of a brick building.

From village life to the wilderness

February 12, 2026
In the heart of the Klaserie, where wildlife roams freely and each day brings something new, Glad Magopane has found her rhythm in charge of lodge administration at Baobab Ridge. Her curiosity, resilience, and willingness to embrace the unexpected have helped her carve out a place for herself
Smiling man in beige shirt and cap leaning on green safari vehicle outdoors

A passion for the wild

January 19, 2026
Some guides learn the bush through books, exams and years on the job. Others grow into it long before they ever wear a uniform or lead a game drive. For Shadrack Mathebula, guiding is not just a profession, but an extension of a life lived close to the land, shaped by memory, movement and a deep cultural understanding.
Two elephants grazing in a green savanna with trees and a distant horizon

All our seasons explained

December 3, 2025
December at Baobab Ridge is pure summer. While much of the world prepares for snow and scarves, we celebrate the festive season with long golden days, balmy evenings, glowing sunsets and the joyful chorus of birds and insects thriving in the heat.
More Posts