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.
Sand Rivers Selous
Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Sand Rivers is situated in the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve which is one of the largest protected wildlife areas in Africa. Sand Rivers offers stylish, luxurious safari accommodation on the banks of the Rufiji River.
Saruni Mara
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Saruni Mara is perched on a hill in the Mara North conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This is a luxurious and intimate lodge with just six cottages and a private house overlooking the beautiful valley, offering walks and game drives.
Saruni Samburu
Samburu National Reserve, Northern Kenya, Kenya
Saruni Samburu is a deluxe lodge set in a breathtaking position in the Kalama Wildlife Conservancy adjacent to the Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. The lodge has just six villas and offers a superb safari experience in pristine surroundings.
Serengeti Safari Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti Safari Camp offers a unique opportunity to view the Serengeti wildebeest migration and the substantial herds of resident game. The camp is “semi nomadic” and shadows the migration, enabling guests to get as close to the migration as possible.
Shipwreck Lodge
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Shipwreck Lodge offers unique accommodation amid the sweeping dunes of Namibia's Skeleton Coast and is the first to be built on the coast itself, providing a gateway for desert adventures and great alternative safaris.
Tongabezi
Livingstone, Zambia
Tongabezi is a stunningly stylish and luxurious lodge, with individually and stylishly designed Houses and Cottages situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls and just 11 miles upstream of the falls themselves.
Sitatunga Private Island
Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Soak up the endless tranquillity at this exclusive camp on a private island in the enchanting waterways of the Okavango Delta. With just three tented suites, one offering the ultimate in quiet seclusion, this is an idyllic spot to relish a ‘wet’ safari.
Chaka Camp
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Chaka Camp is a luxurious mobile camp which moves seasonally around the Serengeti to ensure that you are in the best position possible for witnessing the spectacular wildebeest migration.
Nyikani Central
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Nyikani Central is a luxurious bush camp in the heart of the Serengeti surrounded by open plains which offer spectacular game viewing year round. This is the perfect option for those looking for an authentic safari experience at a reasonable price.
Nyikani Tarangire
Tarangire National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Nyikani Tarangire is conveniently located within Tarangire National Park. This camp offers up excellent service and gourmet Tanzanian cuisine along with a creative design based around the unique structure and ecosystems of the termite mounds in the area.
Family Fun in Namibia
Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha, Okonjima
Dive into adventure on an activity filled journey across the sweeping landscapes of Namibia. Set your own pace as you drive to Namibia’s iconic highlights, where intrepid families can find time to step away from the ordinary on this epic road trip. From summiting the world’s highest dunes to sleeping out under the vast African skies, we’ve packed...
$7,400 pp
Family Fun in Tanzania
Selous, Stone Town & Zanzibar Beach
Journey to Tanzania for an activity filled exploration of the lesser visited Selous Game Reserve. This hidden gem in the south is ideal for intrepid families, due to its offering of immersive safari activities. After an exhilarating wildlife experience, fly over to the island of Zanzibar and delve into the enthralling culture of Stone Town, before...
$9,800 pp
Family Fun in Uganda and Kenya
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest & Maasai Mara
This superb itinerary covers some of East Africa’s wildlife highlights - from the dense forests of Uganda, tracking the elusive mountain gorilla and chimpanzee, to the famous grounds of historic Giraffe Manor and finally the rolling plains of the wildlife rich Maasai Mara. A must for any wildlife enthusiast looking to tick off four major bucket...
$17,000 pp
Family Fun in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Mana Pools & Hwange
Zimbabwe is a fantastic destination for a family vacation to Africa with your Teenagers. This stunning country offers fantastic safari, highly qualified guides, as well as exhilarating activities such as canoeing on the Zambezi or visits to the the awe-inspiring smoke that thunders, the famous Victoria Falls. This action-packed itinerary will cater...
$7,000 pp
Limitless Kenya and Seychelles
Maasai Mara, Kenya & Mahe, Seychelles
Delve into this jaw-dropping adventure through Kenya’s unique landscape with indulgent experiences. Thanks to incredible game viewing at Angama Mara and accommodation at the stunning family home of Arijiju, you'll have the perfect set-up for a "big five" adventure. Your luxury stay finishes on the opulent Desroches Island in the Seychelles.
Limitless Tanzania
Grumeti Reserves & Zanzibar
Leap into this unbeatable Tanzanian adventure while experiencing some of East Africa’s most luxurious lodges. Bask in the sheer beauty of the famous Serengeti in the most exclusive way possible, away from the crowds, but with an abundance of wildlife right on your doorstep. Lose yourself in ultimate barefoot luxury at Thanda island where you can...
Limitless Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba & Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
Zimbabwe has attracted vast amounts of attention within the luxury travel market in very recent years. This itinerary combines some of the most luxurious accommodation options on offer, which boast stunning facilities as well as impeccable service. Not only are the properties highly luxurious but they are also in regions not typically visited by...
$21,700 pp
Epic Kenya
Nairobi, Laikipia, Maasai Mara & Zanzibar
Get ready to delve into the wilds of Kenya, guided by some of east Africa’s most highly trained safari experts. For this Kenya adventure tour, we’ve selected two of the country's renowned camps within private conservancies: wonder-filled Laikipia and the vast plains of the Maasai Mara. Expect extraordinary wildlife experiences along the way.
$11,900 pp
Epic Africa
Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi, Kigali, Volcanoes National Park
This grand tour of Africa takes you to some of the most game rich regions in the south where you can enjoy a range of safari activities, from game drives to walking and boat safaris before you head east to the lush rainforests of Rwanda to find the mountain gorilla.
$26,800 pp
Epic Namibia
Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha & Okonjima
Step into adventure as you drive around Namibia’s legendary landscapes, escaping the ordinary for a trip peppered with experiences that break the mould. Explore the vast wildernesses with starkly barren panoramas; summit the world’s tallest dunes before taking to the water where seals frolic all around. Track elusive desert elephants across the...
$7,300 pp
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