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.
Masoala Forest Lodge
Eastern Madagascar, Madagascar
Located on Madagascar's north-east coast, Masoala Forest Lodge is a true hideaway. Only accessible by boat, this rustic treehouse lodge allows guests to explore the surrounding rainforest and ocean, and feel at one with nature.
Mchenja Bush Camp
South Luangwa National Park, Luangwa Valley, Zambia
Mchenja is set beneath a magnificent grove of towering ebony trees on the banks of the Luangwa River. The camp comprises five stylishly designed tents each under its own thatched roof and each with private en-suite shower and bathroom facility.
Mfuwe Lodge
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Situated in the middle of South Luangwa National Park, Mfuwe Lodge is a luxurious lodge containing 18 cottages overlooking two lagoons which attract a variety of game. Expect lovely rooms in a beautiful setting, and high levels of service.
Mhondoro Safari Lodge and Villa
Welgevonden Game Reserve, Madikwe
Mhondoro Safari Lodge is a luxury lodge situated in the Welgevonden game reserve in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. This is a rich and diverse malaria-free reserve, with an amazing variety of mammals, birds and plant species to be found.
Mkulumadzi
Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
The newest lodge from the stable of Robin Pope Safaris, Mkulumadzi occupies a beautiful position on the banks of the tumbling Shire River as it passes through Majete Reserve. Top class guiding and some rare species make this a superb safari in Malawi.
Morukuru Farm House
Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe and the northwest, South Africa
Despite being the youngest of the Morukuru Family, the Farm House has stood in its secluded location in the centre of Madikwe for many years. Completely remodelled, the Farm House is the new jewel in the Morukuru crown.
Mowani Mountain Camp
Twyfelfontein, Damaraland, Namibia
Surrounded by breathtaking views, accommodation at Mowani Mountain Camp is in fifteen luxury rooms and suites. It is the perfect place from which to explore the southern Damaraland and visit the geological and archaeological highlights of Twyfelfontein.
Musekese Camp
Kafue
Situated overlooking a permanent lagoon in Kafue, Musekese Camp is nestled within huge riverine trees and surrounded by lush dambo where animals and wildlife are frequent visitors. Designed in a way to allow guests to feel truly immersed in the action.
Mushara Bush Camp
Etosha National Park, Etosha, Namibia
Mushara Bush Camp, on the Mushara Private Reserve at the edge of Etosha National Park, Namibia is a family-friendly lodge with just 16 en-suite tented rooms.
Mushara Lodge
Etosha National Park, Etosha, Namibia
Situated close to the eastern gate of Etosha National Park, Mushara Lodge is a stylish property with 14 spacious cottages. Access into the park is easy, and self-drivers can explore on their own, or choose to take a full day's drive with your guide.
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