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.
Mwiba Lodge
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
A beautiful Serengeti lodge set among massive stone boulders, ancient coral trees and acacias, and overlooking a rocky gorge on the Arugusinyai River. This incredible setting really does possess the wow factor with seclusion and privacy on a grand scale.
Rubondo Island Lodge
Lake Victoria, Western Tanzania, Tanzania
Rubondo Island Lodge is possibly one of the most unique lodges in Africa. Situated in the south-western corner of Lake Victoria it is an adventure seekers paradise in a one-of-a-kind destination, offering a mix of wildlife and lake-based activities.
Island Bush Camp
South Luangwa National Park, Luangwa Valley, Zambia
Island Bush Camp is a simple walking camp in a remote area of Zambia's South Luangwa valley. The excellent position overlooking the Luangwa River is a magnet for game, particularly during the dry season. This is the perfect spot for a wild walking safari.
&Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge
Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Phinda Mountain Lodge is a great safari destination on the private Phinda Game Reserve. The lodge offers 25 suites in individual rondavels, scatted along the mountainside, with the focus on authentic African architecture and ethnic design.
Acacia House
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Acacia House is an exclusive private house offering an excellent family safari experience in the Mara North Conservancy Area, just outside the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The house has three bedrooms, one en-suite, and includes a private safari guide.
Ant's Hill
Waterberg, Madikwe and the northwest, South Africa
Ant's Hill is a six-bedroom lodge perched on the edge of a cliff with amazing views over the malaria-free Waterberg Reserve. The lodge has a very East African feel and prides itself on its flexible approach to activities and mealtimes.
Chiawa Camp
Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
On the banks of the Zambezi River, under a grove of towering mahogany trees, Chiawa Camp holds the prime position in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, overlooking a sweeping bend in the river and perfectly situated for exploring the park.
Dulini Moya
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa
With only six suites, Dulini Moya offers an exclusive luxury retreat within the Exeter Private Game Reserve, near the south western corner of the Kruger National Park. Guests staying at Dulini can enjoy superb game viewing in ultimate safari comfort.
El Karama Eco Lodge
Laikipia, Northern Kenya, Kenya
El Karama Eco Lodge offers an exciting safari on a working cattle ranch. Family-run, it offers a first-class experience and great value for money. El Karama is ideal for families with a whole host of activities to keep even the most active enthralled.
Emily Moon
Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route, South Africa
Emily Moon has eight luxury rooms, all with fabulous views over the sweeping river valley and wetlands. It is a small, intimate lodge set in a beautiful location and a wonderful place to base yourself to explore the area, just outside Plettenburg Bay.
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