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.
Long Lee Manor at Shamwari
Eastern Cape Game Reserves, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Shamwari's Long Lee Manor epitomises Edwardian elegance in South Africa. Far from a bush camp, but rather a comfortable and impressive Manor House in the heart of the Eastern Cape, set amongst a wildlife rich and malaria free private game reserve.
Machaba Camp
Khwai Private Reserve, Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Machaba Camp is a luxury bush camp occupying a beautiful spot in the Khwai Concession, north of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Khwai is renowned for its great game-viewing which you can enjoy on game-drives, walking safaris and mokoro trips.
Magashi Camp
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Wilderness Safaris always deliver the very best safari experiences along side conscientious conservation work. The newest addition to their camp portfolio, Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park is no exception to this.
Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge
Buhoma, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge overlooks the ecologically diverse and stunning Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The lodge offers comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere with a focus on high quality customer service.
Mantadia Lodge
Andasibe, Eastern Madagascar, Madagascar
Mantadia Lodge is a welcome addition to the Andasibe area having opened in 2018. It offers contemporary accommodation set on the edge of the rain forest offering wonderful panoramic views.
Mapula Lodge
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Located in a 22,000 acre concession on the northern reaches of the Okavango Delta sits Mapula Lodge. With stylish interiors, stunning views across a lagoon and a stunning diversity in wildlife, Mapula Lodge offers an unforgettable stay.
Marataba Mountain Lodge
Marakele National Park, Madikwe and the northwest, South Africa
Marataba Mountain Lodge is a luxurious secluded retreat with just five eco suites offering guests peace and solitude, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of the Marataba reserve, a Big Five wildlife reserve within the Marakele National Park.
Masoala Forest Lodge
Eastern Madagascar, Madagascar
Located on Madagascar's north-east coast, Masoala Forest Lodge is a true hideaway. Only accessible by boat, this rustic treehouse lodge allows guests to explore the surrounding rainforest and ocean, and feel at one with nature.
Mchenja Bush Camp
South Luangwa National Park, Luangwa Valley, Zambia
Mchenja is set beneath a magnificent grove of towering ebony trees on the banks of the Luangwa River. The camp comprises five stylishly designed tents each under its own thatched roof and each with private en-suite shower and bathroom facility.
Mfuwe Lodge
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Situated in the middle of South Luangwa National Park, Mfuwe Lodge is a luxurious lodge containing 18 cottages overlooking two lagoons which attract a variety of game. Expect lovely rooms in a beautiful setting, and high levels of service.
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