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.
Saruni Wild
Maasai Mara, Maasai Mara and Southern Kenya, Kenya
Saruni Wild is an exclusive little camp in the heart of Kenya's Maasai Mara. With just 3 tents and set in a secluded valley, rich in wildlife, Saruni Wild offers an authentic and uninterrupted safari experience for small groups and families.
Splash Camp
Kwara Concession, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Located in the private Kwara Concession, Splash Camp is the newest property within the Kwando portfolio offering excellent guiding and service in a prime wildlife location in the heart of Botswana's Okavango Delta.
The Last Word Kitara
Klaserie, Greater Kruger, South Africa
Deep in the Kruger, hugging the banks of the Klaserie River, the Last Word Kitara is an intimately serene and elegant safari lodge where South Africa’s giants roam. Unveil the magic of the bush in laid back luxury for an unsurpassed wildlife experience.
The Palm River Hotel
Victoria Falls - the Zim side, Zimbabwe
Just a short distance from one of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls, the handsome Palm River Hotel enjoys a privileged setting on the banks of the Zambezi River close to Victoria Falls, making it a chic and comfortable base for intrepid explorers.
Three Rivers Camp
South Luangwa National Park, Luangwa Valley, Zambia
Three Rivers Camp is located in the South Luangwa National Park, 8km downstream from its sister camp Island Bush Camp. This stylish camp offers plenty of comfortable space, excellent views, and great walking safari options.
Wayo Walking Camp
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Wayo Africa are one of a select number of operators permitted to run walking safaris within the Serengeti National Park. The camp is small and intimate, located in remote areas but still maintaining high levels of comfort.
Wayo Walking Fly Camp
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Wayo Walking Fly Camp is a simple and basic camp offering domed lightweight tents set up prior to guests arrival. This fly camp serves exclusively for adventures in the Serengeti National Park.
Mvuu Camp
Liwonde National Park, Blantyre and southern Malawi, Malawi
Mvuu Camp in Liwonde National Park, is an area with a high array of animal diversity. The camp is based on the shores of the Shire River, offering a range of activities, safari options and that all round rewarding experience.
&Beyond Bateleur Camp
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Bateleur Camp is situated on the border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in the Kichwa Tembo area. Accommodation comprises eighteen extremely spacious and luxurious tents each with a private veranda, split into two smaller more intimate camps.
&Beyond Chobe Under Canvas
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe Under Canvas is the most luxurious mobile safari camp in Chobe National Park. It gives you fantastic game viewing in a pristine wilderness area with excellent staff and guides. This is traditional safari with butler service!
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