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.

November safari

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 theater 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 vacations - lodges drop their rates, often dramatically, and those traveling 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 favorite 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.

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Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge

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.

Adventure Couples Culture Off the beaten track
Camp Kalahari

Camp Kalahari

Makgadikgadi Pans, Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari, Botswana

Run by Uncharted Africa Safaris, the simple and rustic little Camp Kalahari is found in the incredible Makgadikgadi Pans, and offers guests the chance to explore the vast and ever-changing moonscape of the pans by vehicle, on horseback or on foot.

Couples Eco/ethical tourism Riding Wildlife
Chada Katavi

Chada Katavi

Katavi National Park, Lake Tanganyika and western Tanzania, Tanzania

Chada Katavi is a small exclusive safari camp with just six Meru guest tents. The camp is situated in the incredibly remote Katavi National Park, in Western Tanzania, which is reputed to be one of the wildest places on earth.

Couples Off the beaten track Wildlife Adventure
Chelinda Lodge

Chelinda Lodge

Nyika Plateau, Nyika Plateau and northern Malawi, Malawi

Situated on the high northern plateaus of Malawi, Chelinda Lodge is a luxurious escape, surrounded by rolling hills, lakes and streams, and with a good variety of wildlife to spot from your game drives and walks.

Off the beaten track Adventure Couples Wildlife
Chem Chem

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.

Adventure Wildlife
Chiawa Camp

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.

Adventure Fishing Wildlife Eco/ethical tourism
Chinzombo

Chinzombo

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Chinzombo is a beautiful secluded lodge situated on a sweeping bend of the banks of Zambia's Luangwa River. This small intimate lodge epitomises sheer luxury with unrivaled levels of service and guiding.

Couples Wildlife Eco/ethical tourism
Chongwe River Camp

Chongwe River Camp

Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Located close to the pristine sanctuary that is Lower Zambezi National Park, Chongwe River Camp's nine cozy tents offer stunning river views and en-suite outdoor bathrooms on the confluence of the mighty Zambezi and the tranquil Chongwe Channel.

Fishing Wildlife Adventure Eco/ethical tourism
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Nkuringo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge nestles in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes. The lodge accommodates guests in eight stone cottages, each of which has its own fireplace for keeping warm on cool evenings.

Adventure Off the beaten track Wildlife
Cottar's 1920 Camp

Cottar's 1920 Camp

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Cottar's 1920s Safari Camp is the ultimate ''Out of Africa'' experience, with five 1920s style double tents, four family suites as well as a five bedroom private villa. Bordering the Maasai Mara, you are guaranteed an abundance of diverse wildlife.

Adventure Wildlife Eco/ethical tourism Off the beaten track
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