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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Morukuru Owner's House

Morukuru Owner's House

Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe and the northwest, South Africa

Morukuru is a collection of exclusive-use properties in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The Owner's House is one of the villas situated along the bank of the Marico River.

Villa Adventure Wildlife
Mowani Mountain Camp

Mowani Mountain Camp

Twyfelfontein, Damaraland, Namibia

Surrounded by breathtaking views, accommodation at Mowani Mountain Camp is in fifteen luxury rooms and suites. It is the perfect place from which to explore the southern Damaraland and visit the geological and archaeological highlights of Twyfelfontein.

Adventure Wildlife Eco/ethical tourism Off the beaten track
Musekese Camp

Musekese Camp

Kafue

Situated overlooking a permanent lagoon in Kafue, Musekese Camp is nestled within huge riverine trees and surrounded by lush dambo where animals and wildlife are frequent visitors. Designed in a way to allow guests to feel truly immersed in the action.

Adventure Couples Off the beaten track Wildlife
Mushara Bush Camp

Mushara Bush Camp

Etosha National Park, Etosha, Namibia

Mushara Bush Camp, on the Mushara Private Reserve at the edge of Etosha National Park, Namibia is a family-friendly lodge with just 16 en-suite tented rooms.

Wildlife Adventure
Mushara Lodge

Mushara Lodge

Etosha National Park, Etosha, Namibia

Situated close to the eastern gate of Etosha National Park, Mushara Lodge is a stylish property with 14 spacious cottages. Access into the park is easy, and self-drivers can explore on their own, or choose to take a full day's drive with your guide.

Eco/ethical tourism Off the beaten track Wildlife
Mushara Outpost

Mushara Outpost

Etosha National Park, Etosha, Namibia

Mushara Outpost has just eight comfortable tented suites which are built on a raised wooden deck in a private reserve just outside Etosha National Park. The main area is in the style of a traditional farmhouse so has a homely atmosphere.

Wildlife Adventure
Mvuu Lodge

Mvuu Lodge

Liwonde National Park, Blantyre and southern Malawi, Malawi

Situated in lush riverine vegetation and overlooking the perennial Shire River in Lilondwe National Park, Mvuu Lodge is a beautiful lodge with just eight tented cottages and offers wonderful activities focusing on the river and the surrounding area.

Wildlife Adventure Eco/ethical tourism
Mwiba Lodge

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.

Adventure Wildlife
Naibor Camp

Naibor Camp

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Naibor is a stylish and luxurious tented camp situated on the banks of the Talek River, in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. Naibor offers seven beautifully appointed safari tents with lovely views across the Talek River and a wonderful, relaxed ambience.

Adventure Eco/ethical tourism Wildlife Spa & health
Namib Outpost

Namib Outpost

Sossusvlei, Namibia

A small, luxury lodge located in the rugged hills to the back of Sossusvlei, Desert Homestead Outpost is a great base for exploring this spectacular corner of southern Namibia. Enjoy guided trips into the dunes, hot air balloon flights and hiking trails.

Adventure Off the beaten track Wildlife
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