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.
The Last Word Kitara
Klaserie, Greater Kruger, South Africa
Deep in the Kruger, hugging the banks of the Klaserie River, the Last Word Kitara is an intimately serene and elegant safari lodge where South Africa’s giants roam. Unveil the magic of the bush in laid back luxury for an unsurpassed wildlife experience.
The Palm River Hotel
Victoria Falls - the Zim side, Zimbabwe
Just a short distance from one of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls, the handsome Palm River Hotel enjoys a privileged setting on the banks of the Zambezi River close to Victoria Falls, making it a chic and comfortable base for intrepid explorers.
The Royal Livingstone Resort
Livingstone, Zambia
The Royal Livingstone is a luxurious hotel situated on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. The hotel stretches along the banks of the Zambezi River and is just a short walk to the entrance of The Victoria Falls.
Thonga Beach Lodge
Maputaland Coast, South Africa
Set on the pristine shores of the Maputaland coast, known as the Elephant Coast, Thonga Beach Lodge is the ideal place to discover one of the last unspoilt and undeveloped wilderness beaches left on the African continent.
Thorntree River Lodge
Victoria Falls - Livingtone, Zambia
Located on the edge of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Thorntree River Lodge boasts luxurious accommodation on the banks of the Zambezi River, just a short distance from the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Three Rivers Camp
South Luangwa National Park, Luangwa Valley, Zambia
Three Rivers Camp is located in the South Luangwa National Park, 8km downstream from its sister camp Island Bush Camp. This stylish camp offers plenty of comfortable space, excellent views, and great walking safari options.
Tubu Tree Camp
Jao Concession, Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Tubu Tree Camp is a small intimate camp situated in the Jao concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. There are just eight traditional style tents built on raised wooden platforms, all with incredible views over the surrounding floodplains and game.
Uncharted Africa Riding Safari
Makgadikgadi Pans, Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari, Botswana
Experience some of Africa's most diverse and unique environments on horseback. From the barren Magadikgadi salt pans to the sprawling woodlands of the Kalahari plains, Uncharted Africa Riding Safari is a truly unforgettable way to explore Botswana.
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls River Lodge is a private game lodge set in Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, just minutes from the magnificent Victoria Falls. It is close enough to see and hear 'the smoke that thunders' from your private viewing deck.
Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge is a rustic chic lodge with just eight banda cottages close to Kyambura Gorge, just outside the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park. From the lodge go chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge as well as game drives in the park.
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.