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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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