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.
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania
Occupying the prime position on the crater rim, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers simply magnificent views of the crater floor and some of the most opulent and unique accommodation in Africa. The Crater Lodge has 30 suites split between three camps.
Chem Chem
Tarangire National Park, Northern Tanzania
Chem Chem is a chic and contemporary lodge offering guests an incredible relaxing slow safari experience. With a unique surrounding ecosystem and strong cultural elements, Chem Chem provides a unique departure from the standard safari experience.
Oliver's Camp
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Oliver's Camp and Little Oliver's found in a wild corner of Tarangire National Park and with ten and five tented rooms they offer a wonderful bush experience. The Tarangire has fantastic game viewing in particular chances to see herds of elephant.
Roho ya Selous
Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Roho ya Selous is situated in the very heart of the magnificent Selous game reserve. Perched on a hill overlooking the water, this small tented camp is the perfect place to spend a few days and discover the wonderful wildlife and contrasting landscapes.
Namiri Plains Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Namiri Plains lies in the remote eastern corner of the Serengeti, the ideal place for seeing big cats and enjoying the migration in peace. The camp offers comfort and true exclusivity with excellent guiding, perfect for real safari enthusiasts.
Gibb's Farm
Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania
Gibb's Farm is an old 1920s coffee plantation with terraced gardens on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands and Rift Valley Escarpment. Gibb's Farm is a remarkable hideaway between the National Parks and conservation areas.
Chaka Camp
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Chaka Camp is a luxurious mobile camp which moves seasonally around the Serengeti to ensure that you are in the best position possible for witnessing the spectacular wildebeest migration.
Nyikani Central
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Nyikani Central is a luxurious bush camp in the heart of the Serengeti surrounded by open plains which offer spectacular game viewing year round. This is the perfect option for those looking for an authentic safari experience at a reasonable price.
&Beyond Nxabega Okavango Safari Camp
Nxabega Concession, Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Nxabega Okavango Safari Camp is situated under dense strands of African ebony trees in an exclusive wildlife concession. With only ten elevated tented suites, Nxabega offers some of the best flood plain views in the Delta.
&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge
Chitabe Concession, Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is a beautiful thatched lodge nestled between permanent water and grassy plains. It was built with a commitment to 'treading lightly on the earth'. Accommodation is in twelve en-suite suites raised up on stilts.
Family Fun in Kenya
Lewa Conservancy, Masai Mara and Diani Beach
Combining incredible safari experiences, plenty of sporting activities, flights in a vintage biplane and time enjoying watersports by the beach, our Kenya family tours promise a one-of-a-kind trip the kids will remember forever. Young children and teenagers will be transfixed by what Kenya has to offer, from cultural encounters to epic wildlife.
SGD $16,200 pp
Family Fun in Madagascar and Mauritius
Andasibe, Madagascar and Mauritius
Let us take your family on a journey through the Indian Ocean. In Madagascar, you’ll encounter the bizarre and wonderful wildlife that this island is so famed for before immersing yourself in the culture of the capital city. We’ll then fly you to Mauritius where you can enjoy the untouched south of the island, surrounded by tea plantations and...
SGD $5,100 pp
Family Fun in Malawi
Liwonde, Nyika & Lake Malawi
Stray off the usual tourist tracks and head to Malawi for a relaxed adventure in this green and productive land with towering highlands, rolling farmlands, and the vast Lake Malawi with its clear, rich waters, teeming with fish, stretching over 300 miles.
SGD $17,800 pp
Family Fun in Namibia
Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha, Okonjima
Dive into adventure on an activity filled journey across the sweeping landscapes of Namibia. Set your own pace as you drive to Namibia’s iconic highlights, where intrepid families can find time to step away from the ordinary on this epic road trip. From summiting the world’s highest dunes to sleeping out under the vast African skies, we’ve packed...
SGD $10,200 pp
Family Fun in Tanzania
Selous, Stone Town & Zanzibar Beach
Journey to Tanzania for an activity filled exploration of the lesser visited Selous Game Reserve. This hidden gem in the south is ideal for intrepid families, due to its offering of immersive safari activities. After an exhilarating wildlife experience, fly over to the island of Zanzibar and delve into the enthralling culture of Stone Town, before...
SGD $13,500 pp
Family Fun in Uganda and Kenya
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest & Maasai Mara
This superb itinerary covers some of East Africa’s wildlife highlights - from the dense forests of Uganda, tracking the elusive mountain gorilla and chimpanzee, to the famous grounds of historic Giraffe Manor and finally the rolling plains of the wildlife rich Maasai Mara. A must for any wildlife enthusiast looking to tick off four major bucket...
SGD $23,400 pp
Family Fun in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Mana Pools & Hwange
Zimbabwe is a fantastic destination for a family holiday to Africa with your Teenagers. This stunning country offers fantastic safari, highly qualified guides, as well as exhilarating activities such as canoeing on the Zambezi or visits to the the awe-inspiring smoke that thunders, the famous Victoria Falls. This action-packed itinerary will cater...
SGD $9,600 pp
Limitless Kenya and Seychelles
Maasai Mara, Kenya & Mahe, Seychelles
Delve into this jaw-dropping adventure through Kenya’s unique landscape with indulgent experiences. Thanks to incredible game viewing at Angama Mara and accommodation at the stunning family home of Arijiju, you'll have the perfect set-up for a "big five" adventure. Your luxury stay finishes on the opulent Desroches Island in the Seychelles.
Limitless South Africa and Antarctica
Kruger, Cape Town & White Desert Antarctica
Expand your horizons on this awe-inspiring tour through South Africa and on to Antarctica. One of the most exciting trips available, you will experience the great wilderness of the Kruger National Park staying in one of Africa’s most exclusive safari lodges. That will be followed by some luxurious downtime in Cape Town, and ending with the...
Limitless Tanzania
Grumeti Reserves & Zanzibar
Leap into this unbeatable Tanzanian adventure whilst experiencing some of East Africa’s most luxurious lodges. Bask in the sheer beauty of the famous Serengeti in the most exclusive way possible, away from the crowds, but with an abundance of wildlife right on your doorstep. Lose yourself in ultimate barefoot luxury at Thanda island where you can...
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