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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Robin's House

Robin's House

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Robin's House is built in a beautiful area of ebony woodland overlooking the Luangwa River next door to Nkwali Camp. This private house is taken on an exclusive basis with two ensuite bedrooms making it a perfect retreat for families.

Adventure Wildlife Eco/ethical tourism Off the beaten track
Roho ya Selous

Roho ya Selous

Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Roho ya Selous is situated in the very heart of the magnificent Selous game reserve. Perched on a hill overlooking the water, this small tented camp is the perfect place to spend a few days and discover the wonderful wildlife and contrasting landscapes.

Couples Off the beaten track Wildlife
Rubondo Island Lodge

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.

Adventure Couples Fishing Off the beaten track
Ruckomechi Camp

Ruckomechi Camp

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Ruckomechi Camp lies on the Zimbabwean bank of the Zambezi River, 100 kilometers downstream from Lake Kariba, in the heart of Mana Pools National Park. The ten-tented camp sits under the shade of an acacia grove and enjoys dramatic views towards Zambia.

Couples Off the beaten track Wildlife Eco/ethical tourism
Sable Alley

Sable Alley

Khwai Private Reserve, Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana

Sable Alley Lodge sits in the northern stretches of the Okavango Delta, just outside the Moremi Game Reserve in the private Khwai concession. Perched on the edge of a lagoon, the lodge boasts incredible views and excellent game viewing in and around camp.

Off the beaten track Wildlife
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is situated on the edge of the Parc National des Volcans. This eight room lodge has fabulous views of the Virunga Mountains and is a great base from which to trek into the mountains to hopefully see the mountain gorillas.

Couples Wildlife Adventure Eco/ethical tourism
Sala's Camp

Sala's Camp

Maasai Mara, Kenya

One of the best placed camps in the Maasai Mara, Sala's Camp gives a contemporary take on tradition with just seven tented rooms in the very south of the Mara, perfectly placed for some exceptional game viewing and in a lovely tranquil spot.

Couples Wildlife Adventure
San Camp

San Camp

Makgadikgadi Pans, Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari, Botswana

The newly refurbished and classically elegant San Camp comprises just six canvas tents set widely spaced apart in a most dramatic location, The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, thus creating an oasis of civilization in a fascinating environment.

Adventure Culture Off the beaten track Wildlife
Sarara Camp

Sarara Camp

Samburu National Park, Northern Kenya, Kenya

Sarara is a leading community-run tented camp set in the Mathews Range of Northern Kenya. Accommodation is in six double tents, each with flush-loos and open air showers. A natural rock swimming pool overlooks a waterhole frequently visited by animals.

Adventure Eco/ethical tourism Off the beaten track Riding
Saruni Rhino

Saruni Rhino

Sera Conservnacy, Northern Kenya, Kenya

Saruni Rhino is the first of its kind, offering an exclusive and immersive experience tracking the black rhino on foot. Enjoy a uniquely thrilling adventure while you actively contribute to the protection of this critically endangered species.

Adventure Eco/ethical tourism Off the beaten track Wildlife
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