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.
Island Bush Camp
South Luangwa National Park, Luangwa Valley, Zambia
Island Bush Camp is a simple walking camp in a remote area of Zambia's South Luangwa valley. The excellent position overlooking the Luangwa River is a magnet for game, particularly during the dry season. This is the perfect spot for a wild walking safari.
El Karama Eco Lodge
Laikipia, Northern Kenya, Kenya
El Karama Eco Lodge offers an exciting safari on a working cattle ranch. Family-run, it offers a first-class experience and great value for money. El Karama is ideal for families with a whole host of activities to keep even the most active enthralled.
Lolebezi
Lower Zambezi, Zambia
Lolebezi brings you a remote and luxurious adventure on the banks of the wild Zambezi River. It has been beautifully designed to make the most of the private river frontage bringing with it stunning views and wildlife sightings.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, KwaZulu Natal and the north coast, South Africa
Perched along the peaks of Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, Rhino Ridge commands sweeping views of the wilderness, where lions call at night and rhinos roam among the trees. Luxury and nature blend, for an inspiring safari that awakens the senses.
Speke's Camp
Maasai Mara, Maasai Mara and Southern Kenya, Kenya
Speke’s Camp is located away from the crowds, on a private concession bordering the main Masai Mara Reserve, famed for the Great Migration between July and September. The camp is small and intimate offering seclusion in the heart of the Mara.
Borana Lodge
Laikipia, Northern Kenya, Kenya
Borana Lodge is not just a game reserve, but also a working ranch. Overlooking a large dam with fantastic views of Mount Kenya, Borana Lodge, with its eight uniquely positioned cottages, is a perfect choice for couples, families and groups of friends.
Pom Pom Camp
Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Pom Pom Camp is a small tented camp located on a private island in the heart of Botswana's Okavango Delta. Offering a more economical option than many Botswana camps, Pom Pom is in a particularly beautiful area, and there is a wide variety of wildlife.
Laragai House
Laikipia, Northern Kenya, Kenya
Originally built as a family country retreat, Laragai private house offers unparalleled seclusion and comfort in a breathtaking setting, perched on an escarpment on a 35,000 acre private working ranch in the Laikipia region of Northern Kenya.
&Beyond Tengile River Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa
Nestled in the prestigious Sabi Sands Game reserve &Beyond's newest property, Tengile River Lodge, is a warm and contemporary take on the traditional safari lodge. Nine luxury suites follow the length of the river offering fabulous wildlife sightings.
Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
Chobe National Park, Botswana
In the heart of the Chobe National Park, sometimes referred to as the elephant capital of the world, is the Savute - an area that personifies the eternal contrast of Africa. Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge has just 12 luxury tented rooms.
Epic South Africa
Cape Town, Victoria Falls & Greater Kruger
Capture the best of the Rainbow Nation on this stylish introduction to South Africa. We’ve handpicked luxury boutique hotels and extraordinary experiences for a trip that will make your friends green with envy. Sample delectable fusion cuisine while gazing over the rugged peaks of Table Mountain in Cape Town before soaring over the thundering...
$8,400 pp
Epic Southern Tanzania
Selous, Ruaha & Fanjove Island
Get ready to dive into the wilderness of southern Tanzania on an off-grid safari and beach getaway. We’ve handpicked the most stylish camps and lodges so you can immerse yourself in this barely touched land in luxury, with some extraordinary experiences along the way. Explore the Selous by river and wander through the baobab dotted landscapes of...
$11,900 pp
Epic Uganda
Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Located on the equator, surrounded by the Great Rift Valley, Uganda is home to a wide variety of landscapes and habitats. Ranging from the open savannah to verdant rainforest, Uganda's rich assortment of wildlife thrives due to the diverse terrain of the country. Explore this rugged wilderness, trekking through the unspoiled forests of Kibale and...
$10,000 pp
Epic Zambia and Malawi
South Luangwa & Lake Malawi
Get ready to dive into the wilderness of the South Luangwa in Zambia, for some phenomenal wildlife encounters and expert guiding. After your safari exploration, we’ll fly you over to Lake Malawi on a light aircraft for an off-grid beach escape. We’ve handpicked some of the most stylish lodges so you can enjoy these wild places with touches of...
$9,700 pp
Epic Zimbabwe
Mana Pools, Lake Kariba, & Hwange National Park
Make the most of Zimbabwe's diversity, from big game safaris in Mana Pool and Hwange National Park, fishing on Lake Kariba and enjoying the spectacle of the Victoria Falls on this luxury safari. A perfect blend of dramatic landscapes, wildlife and genuine Zimbabwe hospitality.
$11,000 pp
Epic Madagascar
Antananarivo, Andasibe & Tsarabanjina
Journey to the magical island of Madagascar for an exceptional wildlife experience in the eastern rainforests, topped off with an exquisite beach retreat in the north of the island. We’ve hand selected stylish hotels and lodges in the most desirable locations, with some enviable experiences to enjoy along the way.
$9,700 pp
Extraordinary Botswana
Khwai, Okavango Delta & Benguerra Island, Mozambique
Journey into the depths of the Okavango Delta in Botswana to explore two different regions that promise diverse wildlife encounters and immersive activities. You’ll then escape to Mozambique for an off-grid beach retreat, in the dazzling Bazaruto archipelago. We’ve handpicked some of the most stylish properties so you can enjoy these wild places...
$14,700 pp
Extraordinary South Africa
Greater Kruger National Park, Cape Town & the Winelands
Incredible wildlife encounters, immersive experiences and delectable fine wine awaits you as we take you on a journey through some of the most extraordinary parts of South Africa. This tour opens the door to exploring the wilderness in style on safari, to stand-up paddle boarding on the rugged coastline of Cape Town. Top this off with world-class...
$5,900 pp
Extraordinary Zambia
Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa & Lake Malawi
Let us take you on an adventure through Zambia, a country that offers some of Africa’s most diverse and dramatic wildlife encounters. From a remote safari experience in the Lower Zambezi to action-packed game viewing in the South Luangwa, we’ll then fly you over to Lake Malawi for a chic beach escape. We’ve hand selected some of the most stylish...
$11,400 pp
Botswana Riding Safari
Botswana
Gallop into the wild on this journey across Botswana’s wildernesses. A riding safari boasts encounters that cannot be had on foot or by vehicle. Watch elephants ford the waterways of the Okavango, unnoticed on horseback. Admire the sweeping desert and endless views of the Kalahari as you traverse the grasslands of Botswana’s deserts. For riders,...
$13,900 pp
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