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.
Matetsi Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Close to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and located right on the banks of the Zambezi river, the exclusive Matetsi Victoria Falls gives a refined touch to the modern safari experience, and is home to a fantastic array of wildlife.
Nxai Pan Camp
Nxai Pans, Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari, Botswana
Nxai Pan is situated on a fascinating fossil pan of the same name, overlooking beautiful grasslands so typical of this area. The game viewing is excellent, and the camp offers a true contrast to the Okavango Delta and other areas of Botswana.
Shipwreck Lodge
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Shipwreck Lodge offers unique accommodation amid the sweeping dunes of Namibia's Skeleton Coast and is the first to be built on the coast itself, providing a gateway for desert adventures and great alternative safaris.
Ol Seki
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Ol Seki Mara Camp is a beautifully luxurious camp, located in the heart of Eastern Koiyaki in the South East of Kenya. There are ten very spacious rounded safari tents, each boasting a panoramic view of the famous Maasai Mara.
Duba Plains
Duba Concession, Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Situated on an island in the furthest reaches of the Okavango Delta, Duba Plains is one of the most remote luxury tented camps in the region. With only six bespoke tents, the camp prides itself on intimacy as well as remarkable game viewing.
Serengeti Safari Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti Safari Camp offers a unique opportunity to view the Serengeti wildebeest migration and the substantial herds of resident game. The camp is “semi nomadic” and shadows the migration, enabling guests to get as close to the migration as possible.
Sitatunga Private Island
Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Soak up the endless tranquillity at this exclusive camp on a private island in the enchanting waterways of the Okavango Delta. With just three tented suites, one offering the ultimate in quiet seclusion, this is an idyllic spot to relish a ‘wet’ safari.
Greystoke Mahale
Mahale Mountains, Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania
Greystoke Mahale enjoys a breathtaking position on a golden beach along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, sheltered by the lush forest of the Mahale Mountains. This isolated setting is home to the world's largest known population of chimpanzees.
Kuro Tarangire
Tarangire National Park, Northern Tanzania
Kuro Tarangire is an eco-friendly dry seasonal camp, set in a grove of acacia trees, in the central part of Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, within easy reach of the main river and Silale and Gursi Swamps.
&Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Lake Manyara National Park, Northern Tanzania
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is tree house luxury in the heart of Lake Manyara and the only lodge in this small yet diverse national park. The ten tree houses are crafted from local materials and set in the boughs of ancient mahogany trees.
Epic Uganda
Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Located on the equator, surrounded by the Great Rift Valley, Uganda is home to a wide variety of landscapes and habitats. Ranging from the open savannah to verdant rainforest, Uganda's rich assortment of wildlife thrives due to the diverse terrain of the country. Explore this rugged wilderness, trekking through the unspoilt forests of Kibale and...
SGD $13,700 pp
Epic Zambia and Malawi
South Luangwa & Lake Malawi
Get ready to dive into the wilderness of the South Luangwa in Zambia, for some phenomenal wildlife encounters and expert guiding. After your safari exploration, we’ll fly you over to Lake Malawi on a light aircraft for an off-grid beach escape. We’ve handpicked some of the most stylish lodges so you can enjoy these wild places with touches of...
SGD $13,400 pp
Epic Zimbabwe
Mana Pools, Lake Kariba, & Hwange National Park
Make the most of Zimbabwe's diversity, from big game safaris in Mana Pool and Hwange National Park, fishing on Lake Kariba and enjoying the spectacle of the Victoria Falls on this luxury safari. A perfect blend of dramatic landscapes, wildlife and genuine Zimbabwe hospitality.
SGD $15,200 pp
Extraordinary Botswana
Khwai, Okavango Delta & Benguerra Island, Mozambique
Journey into the depths of the Okavango Delta in Botswana to explore two different regions that promise diverse wildlife encounters and immersive activities. You’ll then escape to Mozambique for an off-grid beach retreat, in the dazzling Bazaruto archipelago. We’ve handpicked some of the most stylish properties so you can enjoy these wild places...
SGD $20,200 pp
Extraordinary South Africa
Greater Kruger National Park, Cape Town & the Winelands
Incredible wildlife encounters, immersive experiences and delectable fine wine awaits you as we take you on a journey through some of the most extraordinary parts of South Africa. This tour opens the door to exploring the wilderness in style on safari, to stand-up paddle boarding on the rugged coastline of Cape Town. Top this off with world-class...
SGD $8,100 pp
Extraordinary Zambia
Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa & Lake Malawi
Let us take you on an adventure through Zambia, a country that offers some of Africa’s most diverse and dramatic wildlife encounters. From a remote safari experience in the Lower Zambezi to action-packed game viewing in the South Luangwa, we’ll then fly you over to Lake Malawi for a chic beach escape. We’ve hand selected some of the most stylish...
SGD $15,700 pp
Kenya with Kids
Masai Mara & Diani Beach
This is the perfect Kenya family tour. Start with a safari in the Maasai Mara at a private safari house to enjoy superb game viewing, before discovering the southern coast. Here, you can relax on an idyllic beach or enjoy watersports and other activities. Your private guides will enrich the trip with exceptional care to meet your family's needs.
SGD $13,300 pp
South Africa with Kids
Madikwe and Mauritius
The perfect combination of wildlife adventure in Madikwe and relaxing during a week of beach and sunshine on the tropical island of Mauritius. This South Africa tour is ideal for families with younger children looking for fun and games to entertain everyone all day long.
SGD $8,400 pp
Epic Madagascar
Antananarivo, Andasibe & Tsarabanjina
Journey to the magical island of Madagascar for an exceptional wildlife experience in the eastern rainforests, topped off with an exquisite beach retreat in the north of the island. We’ve hand selected stylish hotels and lodges in the most desirable locations, with some enviable experiences to enjoy along the way.
SGD $13,400 pp
Family Fun in Botswana
Makgadikgadi Pans, Linyanti & Victoria Falls
This thrill seekers safari through Botswana is perfect for families with teenagers. With activities galore, the whole family will get out and about on an active exploration of some of the most incredible and scenic areas that Botswana has to offer. Watch wildlife from a game vehicle or on foot and gallop on horseback through the beautifully eerie...
SGD $19,200 pp
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