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.
&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Main Camp
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Kichwa Tembo is an oasis of 40 Hemingway-style tents shaded by dense forest canopy. Each tent has a private deck with views of the greatest grassland system on earth, the Maasai Mara. Kichwa Tembo has 12 luxury tents and 28 superior tents.
&Beyond Kirkman's Kamp
Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa
Kirkman's Kamp has spectacular views of unspoiled wilderness as far as the eye can see. The homestead serves as the recreational hub of the camp, particularly at mealtimes, and each of the eighteen cottages has its own private veranda.
&Beyond Klein's Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Klein's Camp is &Beyond’s sustainable, safari lodge located deep in the heart of the Maasai land at the edge of the Serengeti National Park.The ten traditional cottages offer incredible views of a game-rich private concession.
&Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Lake Manyara National Park, Northern Tanzania
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is tree house luxury in the heart of Lake Manyara and the only lodge in this small yet diverse national park. The ten tree houses are crafted from local materials and set in the boughs of ancient mahogany trees.
&Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa
Comprising 20 thatched cottages with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas, Ngala Safari Lodge is a great choice for families and couples alike. Couples will also enjoy the luxurious Safari Suite, overlooking the Mopane riverbed.
&Beyond Ngala Tented Camp
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa
Ngala Tented Camp is an intimate and luxurious safari camp over looking the Timbavati riverbed. With only nine rooms, this lodge is known internationally for sophisticated tented accommodation in tranquil African bush surroundings.
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania
Occupying the prime position on the crater rim, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers simply magnificent views of the crater floor and some of the most opulent and unique accommodation in Africa. The Crater Lodge has 30 suites split between three camps.
&Beyond Nxabega Okavango Safari Camp
Nxabega Concession, Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Nxabega Okavango Safari Camp is situated under dense strands of African ebony trees in an exclusive wildlife concession. With only ten elevated tented suites, Nxabega offers some of the best flood plain views in the Delta.
&Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge
Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Suspended in the Sand Forest, under great towering torchwood trees, is Phinda Forest Lodge. There are 16 large stilted glass suites have a Zen feel, floating between the forest floor below and the dense canopy of leaves above.
&Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge
Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Phinda Mountain Lodge is a great safari destination on the private Phinda Game Reserve. The lodge offers 25 suites in individual rondavels, scatted along the mountainside, with the focus on authentic African architecture and ethnic design.
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