Pula! 5 natural changes with the arrival of the rains in Botswana

The word ‘Pula’ must be the favourite word of the Batswana (the people of Botswana). It is so valued that it’s the name of their currency, the friendly expression used to convey ‘Cheers!’, and it translates literally as ‘rain’. In total, 80 per cent of the country is semi-arid Kalahari desert, and the start and length of the rainy season are by no means reliable – therefore, every shower or sprinkle is a blessing! It is a magical time of year when the long and extremely hot dry season comes to an end, so here are 5 wonderful changes to celebrate as the rain arrives:

Migration and new life

The rains can signal the migration and birth of many species. Animals no longer have to rely upon permanent bodies of water and are aided by the multitude of natural waterholes that fill up with the rain. They venture off into the fresh green horizon with confidence. Migratory birds paint the skies with different colours and unfamiliar shapes as…