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 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.
Karisia Walking Safaris
Laikipia, Northern Kenya, Kenya
Karisia Walking Safaris is an award-winning safari company specialising in walking safaris and supported by camels. Walking safaris are a unique and exciting way to experience a safari and gain a whole new understanding and respect for the bush.
Khulu Bush Camp
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
The small Khulu Bush Camp overlooks an ancient riverbed, in today’s terms called a ‘vlei’, known to attract a variety of the greatest wildlife and bird life in Hwange National Park, right on your doorstep.
Kichaka Zumbua
Ruaha National Park, Selous and southern Tanzania, Tanzania
Combining the wild adventure of an authentic safari experience with a stay in one of just three luxurious suites, Kichaka Zumbua offers a truly memorable experience in the remote, game-rich wilderness of Ruaha National Park.
Kicheche Bush Camp
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Kicheche Bush Camp is a small, intimate, luxury tented camp that is completely unfenced and accommodates a maximum of 12 guests in six large elegant en-suite tents in a wonderful and remote part of the Maasai Mara Conservation Area.
Kicheche Laikipia Camp
Laikipia, Northern Kenya, Kenya
Located in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kicheche Laikipia Camp has access to incredible wilderness and offers superb gameviewing and high levels of comfort, accompanied by highly trained and qualified guides in a beautiful area.
Kicheche Mara Camp
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Kicheche Mara Camp is situated in Acacia Valley in Mara North Conservancy, on the edge of the famous Maasai Mara and is a classic, intimate bush camp with its eight safari tents. This camp is perfect for guests looking for a pure wilderness experience.
Kicheche Valley Camp
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Situated in a beautiful valley dotted with acacia trees, in a secluded corner of the Naboisho conservancy is Kicheche Valley Camp, the newest of the Kicheche Camps and set to live up to their reputation and standards of excellence.
King Lewanika
Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia
The latest addition to the Norman Carr Safaris family, King Lewanika is a luxurious lodge located in the heart of the remote Liuwa Plain in western Zambia. King Lewanika offers a unique opportunity to explore this unspoilt park.
Kuthengo Camp
Liwonde National Park, Blantyre and southern Malawi, Malawi
Nestled amongst Fever trees and Baobabs, overlooking an open stretch of river in Liwonde National Park sits Kuthengo Camp. Offering spectacular views, this intimate camp offers a range of exciting activities to explore this beautiful park.
Kwando Lebala Camp
Linyanti, Botswana
At Kwando Lebala each of the tents are built on a raised teak deck, laid out with comfort and privacy in mind. The endless vistas from the large windows and decks, across the vast plains, make Lebala a great choice when visiting this area of Botswana.
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