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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Thorntree River Lodge

Thorntree River Lodge

Victoria Falls - Livingtone, Zambia

Located on the edge of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Thorntree River Lodge boasts luxurious accommodation on the banks of the Zambezi River, just a short distance from the magnificent Victoria Falls.

Couples Wildlife
Tropic Air African Helicopter Safaris

Tropic Air African Helicopter Safaris

Kenya

Tropic Air are the pioneers of African helicopter safaris. Based in Kenya, the experienced and passionate team of pilot-guides fly Eurocopters on personalized adventures to the furthest, and hardest to reach corners of this most remarkable continent.

Adventure Couples Off the beaten track Wildlife
Tsara Komba

Tsara Komba

Nosy Be Archipelago & The North Coast, Northern Madagascar, Madagascar

Tsara Komba Lodge is an authentic, natural paradise comprising six spacious chalets built in keeping with the local surroundings. Each lodge has a deck overlooking a beautiful beach with the mainland in the distance.

Adventure Beach Off the beaten track Fishing
Tswalu Loapi

Tswalu Loapi

The Kalahari, South Africa

Lying on the edge of the Kalahari, Loapi offers luxurious accommodation offering 6 individual tented homes designed for exclusive use.

Adventure Off the beaten track Eco/ethical tourism Wildlife
Tubu Tree Camp

Tubu Tree Camp

Jao Concession, Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana

Tubu Tree Camp is a small intimate camp situated in the Jao concession bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. There are just eight traditional style tents built on raised wooden platforms, all with incredible views over the surrounding floodplains and game.

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

Ubuntu Camp

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Ubuntu Camp is a small, seasonal camp, located in the Serengeti National Park. It moves seasonally to optimize the chance of witnessing the great wildebeest migration and therefore ensuring fantastic game-viewing at all times.

Adventure Wildlife
Uncharted Africa Riding Safari

Uncharted Africa Riding Safari

Makgadikgadi Pans, Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari, Botswana

Experience some of Africa's most diverse and unique environments on horseback. From the barren Magadikgadi salt pans to the sprawling woodlands of the Kalahari plains, Uncharted Africa Riding Safari is a truly unforgettable way to explore Botswana.

Riding Wildlife Adventure Couples
Vakona Forest Lodge

Vakona Forest Lodge

Andasibe, Eastern Madagascar, Madagascar

Vakona Forest Lodge is located next to Parc National d'Andasibe-Mantadia, a three-hour drive from Antatanarivo, and offers simple accommodation in 28 rooms, some with a mezzanine sleeping area which are suitable for families.

Adventure Wildlife Off the beaten track
Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls River Lodge is a private game lodge set in Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, just minutes from the magnificent Victoria Falls. It is close enough to see and hear 'the smoke that thunders' from your private viewing deck.

Adventure Couples Wildlife
Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge is a rustic chic lodge with just eight banda cottages close to Kyambura Gorge, just outside the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park. From the lodge go chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge as well as game drives in the park.

Couples Wildlife
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