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.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is nestled amongst hills on the edge of iconic Lake Kariba looking out over the endless waters. With only ten lake view rooms and two suites the property is the perfect intimate retreat for those looking to explore the area.
Busanga Bush Camp
Kafue National Park, Kafue and western Zambia, Zambia
Busanga Bush Camp is located in the north-western sector of the Kafue National Park on the Busanga flood plain. The camp has only four tented rooms, making it ideal for a more exclusive safari experience for families and groups of friends.
Bushman Plains Camp
Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Bushman Plains Camp is a mobile camp located in the world-renowned Okavango Delta. Owned by the Bushman, this camp offers an authentic and exclusive stay in some of the best wildlife areas of the Delta.
Camp Kalahari
Makgadikgadi Pans, Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari, Botswana
Run by Uncharted Africa Safaris, the simple and rustic little Camp Kalahari is found in the incredible Makgadikgadi Pans, and offers guests the chance to explore the vast and ever-changing moonscape of the pans by vehicle, on horseback or on foot.
Chamilandu Bush Camp
South Luangwa National Park, Luangwa Valley, Zambia
In the wild south of the South Luangwa National Park, the intimate little Chamilandu Bush Camp occupies a prime position on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking the Nchindeni hills on the far side - a perfect base from which to explore the area.
Chelinda Lodge
Nyika Plateau, Nyika Plateau and northern Malawi, Malawi
Situated on the high northern plateaus of Malawi, Chelinda Lodge is a luxurious escape, surrounded by rolling hills, lakes and streams, and with a good variety of wildlife to spot from your game drives and walks.
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Gonarezhou National Park, Southern Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
Located on the banks of the Runde in Gonerezhou National Park sits Chilo Tented Camp, a seasonal Meru-style camp perfect for those wishing to explore the Ivory Trail and to learn about the history of the Ivory Hunters of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Chisa Busanga Camp
Kafue National Park, Kafue and western Zambia, Zambia
Set in the Busanga Plains of Zambia’s Kafue National Park, Chisa Busanga Camp (aka "The Nest") is the brand new offering from Green Safaris. Boasting just four bird nest-like treehouses, the camp lies on a beautiful island overlooking a huge floodplain.
Chobe Bakwena Lodge
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe Bakwena Lodge is a quaint owner managed property which is blessed with stunning views of the Chobe River. With strong eco-friendly credentials, and welcoming staff, the lodge is a great retreat from which to explore the area.
Chongwe River Camp
Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
Located close to the pristine sanctuary that is Lower Zambezi National Park, Chongwe River Camp's nine cosy tents offer stunning river views and en-suite outdoor bathrooms on the confluence of the mighty Zambezi and the tranquil Chongwe Channel.
Why Scott Dunn?
Unique to You
- We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are bespoke to you.
- We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.
Seamless Service
- Global offices in the UK, US, and Singapore for 24/7 seamless service.
- We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
Carefully Curated Collection
- We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
- Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.
Luxury in Every Sense
- We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
- Awarded Condé Nast Traveller’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 12 years in a row.