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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Kicheche Mara Camp

Kicheche Mara Camp

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Kicheche Mara Camp is situated in Acacia Valley in Mara North Conservancy, on the edge of the famous Maasai Mara and is a classic, intimate bush camp with its eight safari tents. This camp is perfect for guests looking for a pure wilderness experience.

Adventure Wildlife Eco/ethical tourism
Kicheche Valley Camp

Kicheche Valley Camp

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Situated in a beautiful valley dotted with acacia trees, in a secluded corner of the Naboisho conservancy is Kicheche Valley Camp, the newest of the Kicheche Camps and set to live up to their reputation and standards of excellence.

Adventure Couples Wildlife
Kigelia Ruaha

Kigelia Ruaha

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Kigelia is a hard-to-beat luxury bush camp experience in unspoiled Africa, far from the madding crowds. Ruaha is a true African wilderness. Home to incredible wildlife and the perfect national park to visit in combination with the Selous Game Reserve.

Adventure Wildlife Eco/ethical tourism
King Lewanika

King Lewanika

Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia

The latest addition to the Norman Carr Safaris family, King Lewanika is a luxurious lodge located in the heart of the remote Liuwa Plain in western Zambia. King Lewanika offers a unique opportunity to explore this unspoiled park.

Adventure Off the beaten track Wildlife
Kulala Desert Lodge

Kulala Desert Lodge

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Kulala Desert Lodge is situated in the 37 000 hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve bordering the Namib Naukluft Park, there is an abundance of space and silence to be found here and the opportunity to visit the breathtaking Sossusvlei dunes at sunrise.

Adventure Eco/ethical tourism Off the beaten track Wildlife
Kuro Tarangire

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.

Couples Wildlife Adventure Eco/ethical tourism
Kwando Lebala Camp

Kwando Lebala Camp

Linyanti, Botswana

At Kwando Lebala each of the tents are built on a raised teak deck, laid out with comfort and privacy in mind. The endless vistas from the large windows and decks, across the vast plains, make Lebala a great choice when visiting this area of Botswana.

Adventure Off the beaten track Wildlife
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Innovative, stylish and intimate, Kwandwe Ecca Lodge embodies a "funk-meets-futuristic-farmhouse" ambience, with just six intimate suites with spacious living areas and ensuite bathrooms. Ecca is a superb family friendly safari option in the Eastern Cape.

Adventure Culture Eco/ethical tourism Wildlife
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Kwandwe Game Reserve is situated in the non-malarial Eastern Cape. Great Fish River Lodge comprises nine luxurious thatched suites, each with its own private plunge pool, which are linked to the lodge by wooden walkways.

Wildlife Couples Adventure Culture
Kyaninga Lodge

Kyaninga Lodge

Kibale Forest, Kibale Forest and Semliki Wildlife Reserve, Uganda

Overlooking Lake Kyaninga and the Mountains of the Moon, Kyaninga Lodge offers a small collection of cottages in an idyllic setting. Less than an hour from Kibale Forest, this is a tranquil place to stay with easy access to fantastic chimp trekking.

Adventure Couples Off the beaten track Wildlife
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