Staying Cool Like the Big 5
July 2026
What the South African bush can teach us about heat.
Another heatwave is rolling in over Western Europe. We may have to get used to it. In the area around Kruger National Park in South Africa, it's normal for the thermometer to climb above 35 degrees in summer, meaning December to February. Those who live here are used to dealing with heat. Who knows – maybe we can learn a thing or two from the locals…
Most animals find a shady spot during the hottest hours. Rhinos and buffalo rely on mud baths: the layer cools, protects against sunburn, and keeps parasites away. Elephants use their huge ears as air conditioning – flapping them noticeably cools the blood in the fine veins. And the leopard? It climbs onto a branch where the wind moves through the leaves.
The lesson for us: adapt our rhythm instead of fighting the heat. Be active early, slow down at midday, make consistent use of shade and water. And if you don't have a treetop nearby to climb into, maybe set up a fan for that cooling breeze instead.
On safari, our daily rhythm follows the animals' pace: we head out when the bush wakes up, and again in the evening once the worst of the heat has passed. In between, we enjoy the slow pace, good food, and cooling off in the pool.
For photographers, the bush's rhythm holds a wonderful gift: because animals avoid the heat, their active lives play out exactly when the light is most beautiful. And in this wonderful interplay, a good photo becomes an extraordinary one.
