The Relaxing Sounds of the African Savannah at Dawn

Listen to the calm soundscapes of the African savannah as the sun rises.

It’s the height of the dry season in Etosha National Park and water is on the minds of every creature in the bush. Whatever they do, they need to make sure they are not too far from a reliable source of water. Water holes, whether man-made or natural, are where water and food can be found. It’s a matter of life and death and everyone in the bush knows it.

The wildlife paths between water holes are well trodden highways this time of the year. There is no point in wasting energy going off road. As you move away from the water hole, the landscape becomes more dusty and desolate. Simultaneously, the soundscape starts losing its elements and becomes very desert-like.

If you want to experience a lively dawn chorus soundscape this time of the year, there is no point wandering around the savannah. You have to go straight to where the water is. You could even close your eyes and let yourself be guided by sound to get there. Of course there would be other risks associated with wandering around blindly in the savannah, but let’s not think about that too much. The point of this exercise is to let the sounds of the dawn chorus wash over you while you’re taking in as much as you can. Enjoy!