22/01/2026
WET, WET, WET
January is typically the wettest month in the Lowveld but the recent low-pressure system over southern Mozambique that brought widespread, persistent rain for weeks has been something else.
Thousands of people across the world have been gripped by the unbelievable images on social media of Kruger's rivers, camps, bridges and roads pounded and overwhelmed by the massive volume of water dumped from the heavens.
Typical January rainfall in Mbombela (Nelspruit) is around 168mm, and while the South African Weather Service figures for January 2026 have not yet been released, it's hard to believe that 168mm won't be far surpassed this month. December 2025 records show that more than double the annual average rainfall landed on Mbombela.
We'll be living with damaged infrastructure and rerouting our travel within Kruger and the Lowveld for some time. This inconvenience for some is complete disaster for many but as always, South Africans stand up to be counted when the chips are down. Look out for the appeals and fundraising efforts set up by reputable NGOs such as the Rotary Clubs of White River and Benoni Aurora and the SANParks Honorary Rangers, Gift of the Givers and Jacaranda FM amongst others, who are supporting Kruger staff and local communities.
This Fish Eagle's feathers are quite ruffled at the thought of more rain!
