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.
Garonga Safari Camp
Makalali Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa
Garonga Safari Camp is an exclusive luxury bush retreat comprised of six spacious safari tents within the Makalali Game Reserve. Guests can enjoy a relaxing safari experience, as well as gourmet cuisine and first-class service.
Saruni Mara
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Saruni Mara is perched on a hill in the Mara North conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This is a luxurious and intimate lodge with just six cottages and a private house overlooking the beautiful valley, offering walks and game drives.
Saruni Samburu
Samburu National Reserve, Northern Kenya, Kenya
Saruni Samburu is a deluxe lodge set in a breathtaking position in the Kalama Wildlife Conservancy adjacent to the Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. The lodge has just six villas and offers a superb safari experience in pristine surroundings.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Hermanus, Garden Route, South Africa
Just 2 hours from Cape Town, Grootbos is a superb family-run nature reserve set on the fynbos-clad hills above Walker Bay. 27 luxurious suites are divided between two lodges, set amongst ancient milkwood trees overlooking a majestic sweep of coastline.
&Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge
Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Phinda Vlei Lodge offers exquisite, classic style and intimacy against the backdrop of truly wild Africa in all her splendour. The lodge comprises six elegant thatched suites to offer that exclusive safari experience.
Hoanib Valley Camp
Hoanib, Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Introducing Namibia's newest luxury camp, Hoanib Valley Camp. This eco friendly camp is small and intimate with only six luxury tents and is in a prime spot for wildlife viewing with a key interest in conservation.
Kwando Lagoon Camp
Linyanti, Botswana
Kwando Lagoon Camp is a eight-room camp, lying on the shady banks of the Kwando River and set among tall and ancient African ebony and marula trees, overlooking the Kwando River with its resident pods of hippo, perfect for exploring by boat.
Kwara
Kwara Concession, Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Kwara is located in the remote northern part of the Okavango Delta within the private Kwara Concession. The nine canvas tents are built on raised decks in a grove of huge and ancient African ebony trees.
Lewa House
Laikipia, Northern Kenya, Kenya
Situated within the 45,000-acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya's beautiful Laikipia, Lewa House consists of family cottages and private, airy earthpods. The heart of the home features an elegant, thatched building with a big, open fireplace.
Marataba Safari Lodge
Marakele National Park, Madikwe and the northwest, South Africa
Marataba is located in a 23,000 ha private concession adjoined to the vast, malarial-free Marakele National Park in South Africa's Limpopo Province. The Camp is set in the bushveld, on a quiet river with dramatic views of the Waterberg escarpment.
Ultimate Malawi
Majete & Lake Malawi
Delve into the paramount of Malawi by combining the reviving safari experiences of Majete Game Reserve and Liwonde National Park with the crystal-clear waters and relaxed atmosphere of Lake Malawi. Soak up a variety of unique and individually curated experiences whilst taking some time to explore on your own and find gems that will take you off the...
SGD $9,700 pp
Ultimate Rwanda and Tanzania
Virunga Volcanoes, Serengeti and Zanzibar
Combine the wildlife thrills of tracking gorillas in Rwanda and watching big game in the Serengeti with the sandy beaches of vibrant Zanzibar. An ideal honeymoon or special celebration trip for true wildlife enthusiasts.
SGD $31,200 pp
Ultimate South Africa and Mozambique
Cape Town, The Winelands, Madikwe & Benguerra Island
World-class dining, stirring safaris and paradise shores, this two-week tour of South Africa and Mozambique is the perfect concoction for travellers who relish exclusive experiences with dose of relaxation. We’ve hand-picked the very best hotels and lodges to make sure every stop on the trip promises peerless style complimented by seamless service....
SGD $21,000 pp
Ultimate Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park & Mana Pools
This week long itinerary combines two of Zimbabwe’s major highlights, the raging waters of UNESCO world heritage site Victoria Falls and the wildlife rich Hwange National Park. Explore the Zambezi river by canoe or motorboat, visit the awe-inspiring falls, go in search of wildlife on 4x4 game drives and jump aboard the elephant express on a unique...
SGD $16,700 pp
Exceptional Kenya and Tanzania
Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
Discover the best of east Africa on this exciting safari itinerary, combining some of Kenya and Tanzania's finest national parks. Explore wide open savannah and endless grassy plains on game drives and walking safari. Our luxury Kenya safari tours are topped off with the very best lodges and safari camps for you to rest your head.
SGD $18,100 pp
Epic Kenya
Nairobi, Laikipia, Maasai Mara & Zanzibar
Get ready to delve into the wilds of Kenya, guided by some of east Africa’s most highly trained safari experts. For this Kenya adventure tour, we’ve selected two of the country's renowned camps within private conservancies: wonder-filled Laikipia and the vast plains of the Maasai Mara. Expect extraordinary wildlife experiences along the way.
SGD $16,400 pp
Epic Africa
Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi, Kigali, Volcanoes National Park
This grand tour of Africa takes you to some of the most game rich regions in the south where you can enjoy a range of safari activities, from game drives to walking and boat safaris before you head east to the lush rainforests of Rwanda to find the mountain gorilla.
SGD $36,800 pp
Epic Namibia
Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha & Okonjima
Step into adventure as you drive around Namibia’s legendary landscapes, escaping the ordinary for a trip peppered with experiences that break the mould. Explore the vast wildernesses with starkly barren panoramas; summit the world’s tallest dunes before taking to the water where seals frolic all around. Track elusive desert elephants across the...
SGD $10,100 pp
Epic South Africa
Cape Town, Victoria Falls & Greater Kruger
Capture the best of the Rainbow Nation on this stylish introduction to South Africa. We’ve handpicked luxury boutique hotels and extraordinary experiences for a trip that will make your friends green with envy. Sample delectable fusion cuisine while gazing over the rugged peaks of Table Mountain in Cape Town before soaring over the thundering...
SGD $11,600 pp
Epic Southern Tanzania
Selous, Ruaha & Fanjove Island
Get ready to dive into the wilderness of southern Tanzania on an off-grid safari and beach getaway. We’ve handpicked the most stylish camps and lodges so you can immerse yourself in this barely touched land in luxury, with some extraordinary experiences along the way. Explore the Selous by river and wander through the baobab dotted landscapes of...
SGD $16,400 pp
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