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.

November safari

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 theatre 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 holidays - lodges drop their rates, often dramatically, and those travelling 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 favourite 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.

Filter:
Filter:
Area
Type
1 - 5 of 5 Things to Do
1 - 5 of 5 Things to Do
1 - 10 of 284 Hotels
CHOICE
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Resort

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Resort

Baa Atoll, Maldives

Surrounded by pristine blue seas and powdery white sand, Anantara Kihavah is nestled in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, home to abundant marine life where ocean lovers can enjoy snorkelling and diving amongst the vibrant coral reefs.

Couples Wildlife
CHOICE
Lamai Serengeti

Lamai Serengeti

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Lamai Serengeti sits tucked amongst the rocks of Kogakuria Kopje with panoramic views in a remote corner of the northern Serengeti, just a few miles from where the wildebeest cross the Mara River, usually between late July and October.

Wildlife Eco/ethical tourism
CHOICE
Ikuka Safari Camp

Ikuka Safari Camp

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

High on the Mwagusi escarpment in Ruaha National Park, Ikuka Safari Camp is an intimate, secluded camp with just six tents under thatched roofs. With uninterrupted views across the savannah, Ikuka offers the quintessential African wilderness experience.

Off the beaten track Wildlife Couples
CHOICE
Sand Rivers Selous

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.

Wildlife Fishing Adventure
CHOICE
Serengeti Safari Camp

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.

Wildlife Adventure Eco/ethical tourism
CHOICE
Entamanu Ngorongoro

Entamanu Ngorongoro

Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania

Entamanu Ngorongoro is a stylish and comfortable tented camp offering unrivalled views of both the Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti. An intimate and consciously constructed camp, Entamanu Ngorongoro is perched on the north western edge of the crater.

Adventure Off the beaten track Wildlife
CHOICE
One&Only Nyungwe House

One&Only Nyungwe House

Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

Nyungwe House is the newest luxury lodge within the One & Only portfolio bringing five star luxury to the Nyungwe Forest Reserve. Nyungwe Rainforest is home to 13 species of primate including Chimpanzees.

Adventure Wildlife
CHOICE
Tongabezi

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.

Adventure Fishing Eco/ethical tourism
CHOICE
Chitwa Chitwa

Chitwa Chitwa

Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa

Following extensive refurbishment, Chitwa Chitwa has recently re-opened in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. With just eight suites and a private house, it is in a fabulous position within the reserve for excellent game viewing.

Wildlife Adventure Spa & health
CHOICE
Dulini River Lodge

Dulini River Lodge

Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Greater Kruger, South Africa

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the game rich Sabi Sand Game Reserve's western sector, Dulini River Lodge's six large suites, each has a private plunge pool and sit in the shade of a grove of ebony trees along the edge of the Sand River.

Adventure Wildlife
1 - 10 of 284 Hotels
1 - 10 of 57 Tour Ideas
CHOICE
9 nights
Epic Botswana

Epic Botswana

Okavango Delta & Victoria Falls

Let us take you on a journey through the Okavango Delta to explore two different wilderness areas that promise phenomenal wildlife encounters and immersive activities. We’ll then fly you to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, for exhilarating experiences and an indulgent stay on the Zambezi River. We’ve handpicked some of...

Adventure Off the beaten track Wildlife

GBP £7,600 pp

CHOICE
8 nights
Extraordinary Tanzania

Extraordinary Tanzania

Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti

Let us take you on an extraordinary journey through northern Tanzania, where you’ll witness spellbinding landscapes and encounter astonishing wildlife throughout your trip. We’ve hand selected some of the most highly regarded luxury camps in the country, to make sure every aspect of the trip promises unparalleled experiences, expert guiding and...

Adventure Couples Wildlife

GBP £8,200 pp

CHOICE
14 nights
Ultimate Zambia

Ultimate Zambia

Victoria Falls - the Zambia side, Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa and Lake Malawi

Let us take you on an extraordinary journey through Zambia, starting with the mighty Victoria Falls before an exclusive wildlife experience in the Lower Zambezi, with a final safari stop in the enchanting Luangwa Valley. We’ll top your adventure off with a private beach retreat in Lake Malawi. We’ve hand selected some of the most highly regarded...

Couples Wildlife Adventure

GBP £13,500 pp

CHOICE
9 nights
Extraordinary Namibia

Extraordinary Namibia

Victoria Falls, The Caprivi & NamibRand Nature Reserve

Fall into infinity in the land of never-ending horizons. Step away from the ordinary as you explore the hidden corners of Namibia, capture the moment in handpicked hotels where it’s impossible to take a bad photo. Glide along the languid waters of Caprivi by boat, where elephants roam along the banks and lions call in the distance. Feel your breath...

Adventure Couples Off the beaten track Wildlife

GBP £7,800 pp

CHOICE
12 nights
Ultimate Tanzania

Ultimate Tanzania

Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Zanzibar

A luxurious and iconic trip taking in some of Tanzania's true highlights and staying at some of the best properties in East Africa. Explore the Rift Valley's wildlife-rich national parks, Masai culture and dramatic scenery, before flying to a pristine beach on the east coast of Zanzibar.

Diving Snorkelling Wildlife

GBP £17,200 pp

CHOICE
14 nights
Exceptional Victoria Falls, Botswana & Mozambique

Exceptional Victoria Falls, Botswana & Mozambique

Victoria Falls, Linyanti, Okavango Delta & Benguerra Island

Dive into elegance on this exclusive and luxurious tour of Southern Africa that bursts with properties that step away from the norm. Gaze in awe at the majesty of Victoria Falls as it thunders over the brink, search for lions as they stalk the channels of the Okavango before the impossibly soft powder white sands of Mozambique’s irresistible...

Adventure Wildlife Couples

GBP £17,800 pp

13 nights
Imagine Uganda

Imagine Uganda

Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Jinja

Let us take you on a journey through Uganda. This trip presents some truly spectacular wildlife encounters. Float down the Nile River observing crocodiles and hippos in Murchison Falls. Admire the energetic behaviour of chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. Join lion researchers in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and...

Adventure Wildlife Couples Off the beaten track

GBP £12,400 pp

12 nights
Kenya Uncovered

Kenya Uncovered

Nairobi & Maasai Mara

Delve into the wilderness of a private conservancy in the famous Maasai Mara, getting up close to spectacular wildlife and chasing those almighty African sunsets while staying in a stylish safari camp. Top this off with an indulgent stay on Kenya’s radiant coastline and take to the ocean on a kayak or simply spend your days basking on Watamu Beach....

Beach Couples Diving Fishing

GBP £7,000 pp

18 nights
Tanzania Uncovered

Tanzania Uncovered

Ruaha National Park & Pemba Island

Fall into the romance of the African bush on this stylish Tanzanian journey that steps away from the crowds. Expect the extraordinary at these handpicked and owner-run luxury boutique lodges that break with convention. Venture through towering baobab trees in the golden evening light while elephants graze lazily in the distance. Dive into the...

Beach Couples Diving Wildlife

GBP £7,500 pp

12 nights
Epic Kenya

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.

Adventure Wildlife

GBP £9,000 pp

1 - 10 of 57 Tour Ideas
×
Filter
  • Area
  • Type

Call us on 020 8682 5000 to start planning your holiday

Why Scott Dunn?

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Unique
Unique to You
Unique to you

  • We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are bespoke to you.
  • We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Service
Seamless Service
Seamless Service

  • Global offices in the UK, US, and Singapore for 24/7 seamless service.
  • We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
     

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Collection
Carefully Curated Collection
Curated Collection

  • We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
  • Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Luxury
Luxury in Every Sense
Luxury in every sense

  • We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
  • Awarded Condé Nast Traveller’s Top Travel Specialists in the World 12 years in a row.
     
     

You are on our UK website
We noticed that you are in US and recommend that you explore our US website instead.
switch to US website
Or continue to explore our UK website