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.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is nestled amongst hills on the edge of iconic Lake Kariba looking out over the endless waters. With only ten lake view rooms and two suites the property is the perfect intimate retreat for those looking to explore the area.
Bushman Plains Camp
Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Bushman Plains Camp is a mobile camp located in the world-renowned Okavango Delta. Owned by the Bushman, this camp offers an authentic and exclusive stay in some of the best wildlife areas of the Delta.
Chamilandu Bush Camp
South Luangwa National Park, Luangwa Valley, Zambia
In the wild south of the South Luangwa National Park, the intimate little Chamilandu Bush Camp occupies a prime position on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking the Nchindeni hills on the far side - a perfect base from which to explore the area.
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Gonarezhou National Park, Southern Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
Located on the banks of the Runde in Gonerezhou National Park sits Chilo Tented Camp, a seasonal Meru-style camp perfect for those wishing to explore the Ivory Trail and to learn about the history of the Ivory Hunters of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Chisa Busanga Camp
Kafue National Park, Kafue and western Zambia, Zambia
Set in the Busanga Plains of Zambia’s Kafue National Park, Chisa Busanga Camp (aka "The Nest") is the brand new offering from Green Safaris. Boasting just four bird nest-like treehouses, the camp lies on a beautiful island overlooking a huge floodplain.
Chobe Bakwena Lodge
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe Bakwena Lodge is a quaint owner managed property which is blessed with stunning views of the Chobe River. With strong eco-friendly credentials, and welcoming staff, the lodge is a great retreat from which to explore the area.
Flatdogs Camp
South Luangwa National Park, Luangwa Valley, Zambia
Flatdogs Camp is a wonderful safari camp in the Mfuwe area of Zambia’s South Luangwa. Flatdogs is very family-friendly and even has a treehouse for sleeping in.
Footsteps Across the Delta
Shinde Concession, Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Footsteps Camp is a fantastic bush camp on the Shinde Concession sleeping just six guests at a time. Footsteps Across the Delta offers the ultimate experience for those looking to enjoy walking safaris and get back to nature.
Impodimo Game Lodge
Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe and the northwest, South Africa
Escape from the every day at Impodimo Game Lodge. Perched along a ridge in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve, experience the magic of the African Bush at this intimate lodge where the Big 5 roam and each suite commands epic views.
Jozibanini Camp
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Jozibanini Camp is a small and truly exclusive camp in a remote part of Hwange National Park. The camp is situated in the south west part of the park where only the wildlife and park rangers frequent.
Namibia Mobile Safari
Kalahari, NamibRand, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha & Central Highlands
Immerse yourself in the epic wildernesses of Namibia, where your only neighbors are the desert elephants wandering in the distance. Break away from the norm on this journey to some of the most remote camps in Africa, where few tred. Meet with bushmen in the rolling Kalahari, watch the blazing Milky Way in the NamibRand Desert before leaving the map...
$13,200 pp
Walk with the Great Migration
Serengeti National Park
This activity packed itinerary allows guests the rare opportunity of seeing one of the world’s greatest spectacles, the great migration, on foot. This week-long expedition allows you to walk through the very heart of the migration during December until March, a peak calving period.
$10,200 pp
Zambia Walking Safari
South Luangwa and North Luangwa
Step into the wild on this journey across the wildernesses of Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, where leopard stalk the night and a true adventure awaits. Expert guides lead you away from the ordinary to hidden corners of this remote Eden rarely seen by tourists; fall in love with the African bush in a new way in the area that pioneered the walking safari....
$8,900 pp
Highlights of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana
Cape Town, Winelands, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Okavango Delta
This wonderful two-week itinerary includes some of southern Africa’s absolute highlights while staying in some of the most luxurious properties across southern Africa. Explore the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, the stunning Winelands and visit Namibia’s desert landscapes of Sossusvlei and the Skeleton coast, before finishing in the beautiful...
$27,100 pp
Highlights of Tanzania and Kenya
Masai Mara, Serengeti & Rubondo Island
Dive into the wilds of East Africa, where the endless plains stretch on forever and chimpanzees flit between the lush trees. Fall in love with the intimate lodges and camps which put you in the heart of the action on this journey that breaks with the norm. Marvel at the thunder of thousands of wildebeest as they crash across the Mara River, and...
$13,500 pp
Highlights of Zambia and Madagascar
Luangwa Valley, Zambia & Nosy Be, Madagascar
Journey to Zambia’s wildlife gem, the South Luangwa, for an in-depth safari covering the remote and wildlife-rich south of the park. You’ll be based at authentic bush camps with some added luxuries and expert guiding to really enhance your experience. After your safari adventure you’ll fly to an exotic island off Madagascar, for a truly off-grid...
$15,700 pp
Highlights of Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique
Victoria Falls, Sabi Sands and Bazaruto Archipelago
Experience some of the very best Southern Africa has to offer, from the thundering Victoria Falls, a big five safari in the Sabi Sands and relaxing on an idyllic beach in Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago. Ideal for a special celebration or honeymoon.
$13,300 pp
South Africa and Mauritius Honeymoon
Marataba Game Reserve & Mauritius
A dream couple’s adventure awaits you. Begin your honeymoon with a bang in the northern reaches of South Africa, where you can enjoy an exclusive and luxurious safari getaway in the wilds of Marakele National Park. Then you’ll fly to Mauritius to sink into tropical beach bliss and uncover the island’s astonishing scenery, tantalizing cuisine and...
$6,400 pp
Kenya with Kids
Masai Mara & Diani Beach
This is the perfect Kenya family tour. Start with a safari in the Maasai Mara at a private safari house to enjoy superb game viewing, before discovering the southern coast. Here, you can relax on an idyllic beach or enjoy watersports and other activities. Your private guides will enrich the trip with exceptional care to meet your family's needs.
$9,700 pp
South Africa with Kids
Madikwe and Mauritius
The perfect combination of wildlife adventure in Madikwe and relaxing during a week of beach and sunshine on the tropical island of Mauritius. This South Africa tour is ideal for families with younger children looking for fun and games to entertain everyone all day long.
$6,100 pp
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