Where To Go On Safari Holiday During November
November is a month celebrated by true Africa hands. It is often dismissed for being too hot in the south, and too wet in the east. Wrong wrong wrong! True, November marks a turn of seasons in Southern Africa: the dramatic build-up of heat and the start of the rains: afternoon thunder and lightening and if you’re lucky, life-saving rain. In Kenya and Tanzania this is the season of the short rains.
In a continent as arid as Africa, no prayer forgets to include the hope of rain, and when it does come, what a miraculous sight! Weather patterns the world over are hard to predict, but recent years in Africa seem to purposefully contradict the norm. Mid November should see the clouds burst, the build up to this point is the pinnacle of theatre in the bush, the congregation of game around surface water is never greater, competition for space, heat, dust, dehydration, drama and death!
More animals, fewer people
When it comes, rain brings life, it settles the dust, freshens the air, fills the waterholes. November is often referred to as the ‘emerald’ season, a reference to the vivid lushness of the bush, we call it the secret season. Typically a time of year with fewer safari visitors. It nestles between the peak periods, outside of school holidays - lodges drop their rates, often dramatically, and those travelling at this time of year are in for a glut of mind-blowing, crowd-free wildlife spectaculars!
East Africa
Witness wildlife reacting to the changing environment. Head to the Serengeti to see the Great Migration thunder its way back south to feast on the new grazing. The waterholes of Katavi National Park are a heaving, writhing mass of hippos and crocs which disperse with the first rainfall. The tan hides of big cats stand out boldly against the green hills across Kenya. The Maasai Mara settles back into its calmer daily routine, without the migration chasing hoards, but with incredible resident wildlife and all the space to enjoy it.
Southern Africa
Down south, it’s time to celebrate for all photographers, Zambia’s South Luangwa doesn’t get more beautiful or dramatic than this – from leopards stalking thirsty prey on the river bank, to the arrival of tens of thousands of flying migrants. The zebra and wildebeest migration leaves Botswana’s Boteti, heading back to the Makgadikgadi and the dust bowl of the salt pans become shallow lakes packed with flamingo. It’s the last month visitors can enjoy Zimbabwe’s Mana Pool National Park before this favourite African wilderness is off limits for the season, over in Hwange the elephant population is at its height – there is no experience like watching the giant Hwange bulls queuing patiently for their turn at water. How about being a witness to the greatest sand dunes turning green before your eyes, see the desert bloom!
Marine wildlife in November
If marine activity is what you are after, you’ll catch Humpbacks migrating along the Indian Ocean coast, whale sharks off Tanzania, Manta Rays off Mozambique, and turtles right across the east coast beaches. Down on the Cape you’ll hit the height of the Southern Right Whale season, November is a great month to visit the southern edge of the continent: the Cape experiences a climate all of its own and late Spring is a top time to visit.
Borana Lodge
Laikipia, Northern Kenya, Kenya
Borana Lodge is not just a game reserve, but also a working ranch. Overlooking a large dam with fantastic views of Mount Kenya, Borana Lodge, with its eight uniquely positioned cottages, is a perfect choice for couples, families and groups of friends.
Bushmans Kloof
Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape, South Africa
Bushman's Kloof is a retreat of unparalleled beauty and recreational diversity. It is a refuge for body and soul, set deep in the malaria free Cederberg Mountains. The exquisite 16 rooms are equipped with modern amenities.
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Nkuringo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge nestles in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes. The lodge accommodates guests in eight stone cottages, each of which has its own fireplace for keeping warm on cool evenings.
Cottar's 1920 Camp
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp is the ultimate ''Out of Africa'' experience, with five 1920s style double tents, four family suites as well as a five bedroom private villa. Bordering the Maasai Mara, you are guaranteed an abundance of diverse wildlife.
Elewana Elsa’s Kopje
Meru National Park, Northern Kenya, Kenya
Elsa's Kopje is an idyllic wilderness retreat situated close to the untamed expanse of Meru National Park. Nine spacious open-fronted thatched cottages blend into the hillside and look out over breathtaking views of the plains.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib, Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Located in one of the most remote areas of the Kaokoveld, Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp boasts dramatic rugged landscapes dotted with the ancient welwitschia plant, dry riverbeds and seas of soft sand dunes.
Lion Sands River Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa
Lion Sands River Lodge is a beautifully designed safari lodge in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. On the bank of the Sabi River, the location offers unparalleled game viewing, and the lodge a luxurious experience with fantastic service.
Madikwe Safari Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe and the northwest, South Africa
Discover the wilds of South Africa at Madikwe Safari Lodge, where luxury and exclusivity mix for a safari journey none will forget. Whether it be family fun or an intimate honeymoon that’s out of the ordinary, you will find it here.
Mandrare River Camp
Ifotaka Community Forest, Southern Madagascar, Madagascar
Madagascar Classic Camping's Mandrare River Camp has six tents and offers a luxury camping experience, with strong focus on local culture and the natural environment. Explore the Ifotaka community forest with its population of ring-tailed lemurs.
Mara Plains
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Mara Plains is a small, intimate camp located with the exclusive Olare Orok Conservancy, adjacent to the Maasai Mara, Kenya. Mara Plains has just seven uniquely designed canvas rooms on raised platforms, accommodating a maximum of fourteen guests.
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