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.
Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge
Mount Gahinga, Uganda
Mount Gahinga Lodge sits in a stunning location in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes on the border of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. The lodge is ideally located for tracking golden monkeys and gorillas, if they are resident, in Mgahinga National Park.
Wayo Walking Camp
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Wayo Africa are one of a select number of operators permitted to run walking safaris within the Serengeti National Park. The camp is small and intimate, located in remote areas but still maintaining high levels of comfort.
Wayo Walking Fly Camp
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Wayo Walking Fly Camp is a simple and basic camp offering domed lightweight tents set up prior to guests arrival. This fly camp serves exclusively for adventures in the Serengeti National Park.
Xigera Safari Lodge
Xigera Concession, Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Nestled in a magnificent riverine forest overlooking crystal clear waterways so characteristic of the Delta, Xigera Safari Lodge epitomises the region providing a tranquil Delta experience in a truly exceptional, luxurious lodge.
Zambezi Expeditions
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Zambezi Expeditions is an authentic tented camp set on the Zimbabwean bank of the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park. This exclusive 6 tent camp offers direct access to the river and a wealth of safari activities in the area.
Jardin du Roy
Isalo National Park, Southern Madagascar, Madagascar
Jardin du Roy is one of three French-owned hotels situated in private grounds close to Parc National d'Isalo. The hotel offers comfortable and spacious accommodation in 25 rooms.
Meno A Kwena
Boteti River, Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari, Botswana
Located on cliffs overlooking the Boteti River, Meno A Kwena is a unique camp which harks back to the authentic safari experience of the past. The traditional style is combined with modern facilities, as well as superb river views.
Mvuu Camp
Liwonde National Park, Blantyre and southern Malawi, Malawi
Mvuu Camp in Liwonde National Park, is an area with a high array of animal diversity. The camp is based on the shores of the Shire River, offering a range of activities, safari options and that all round rewarding experience.
Relais des Plateaux
Antananarivo, Central Madagascar, Madagascar
Relais des Plateaux is conveniently located close to Antananarivo’s international airport and offers simple yet comfortable accommodation for an overnight stopover.
Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge
Kalahari, Namibia
Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge is a small exclusive camp that is positioned between two sand dunes in the Intu Afrika Kalahari Reserve and surrounded by Camelthorn trees which are endemic to the region.
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