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.
Marataba Safari Lodge
Marakele National Park, Madikwe and the northwest, South Africa
Marataba is located in a 23,000 ha private concession adjoined to the vast, malarial-free Marakele National Park in South Africa's Limpopo Province. The Camp is set in the bushveld, on a quiet river with dramatic views of the Waterberg escarpment.
Matetsi Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Close to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and located right on the banks of the Zambezi river, the exclusive Matetsi Victoria Falls gives a refined touch to the modern safari experience, and is home to a fantastic array of wildlife.
Nxai Pan Camp
Nxai Pans, Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari, Botswana
Nxai Pan is situated on a fascinating fossil pan of the same name, overlooking beautiful grasslands so typical of this area. The game viewing is excellent, and the camp offers a true contrast to the Okavango Delta and other areas of Botswana.
Shipwreck Lodge
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Shipwreck Lodge offers unique accommodation amid the sweeping dunes of Namibia's Skeleton Coast and is the first to be built on the coast itself, providing a gateway for desert adventures and great alternative safaris.
Ol Seki
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Ol Seki Mara Camp is a beautifully luxurious camp, located in the heart of Eastern Koiyaki in the South East of Kenya. There are ten very spacious rounded safari tents, each boasting a panoramic view of the famous Maasai Mara.
Duba Plains
Duba Concession, Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Situated on an island in the furthest reaches of the Okavango Delta, Duba Plains is one of the most remote luxury tented camps in the region. With only six bespoke tents, the camp prides itself on intimacy as well as remarkable game viewing.
Sitatunga Private Island
Okavango Delta and Moremi, Botswana
Soak up the endless tranquillity at this exclusive camp on a private island in the enchanting waterways of the Okavango Delta. With just three tented suites, one offering the ultimate in quiet seclusion, this is an idyllic spot to relish a ‘wet’ safari.
Greystoke Mahale
Mahale Mountains, Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania
Greystoke Mahale enjoys a breathtaking position on a golden beach along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, sheltered by the lush forest of the Mahale Mountains. This isolated setting is home to the world's largest known population of chimpanzees.
Morukuru Owner's House
Madikwe Game Reserve, Madikwe and the northwest, South Africa
Morukuru is a collection of exclusive-use properties in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The Owner's House is one of the villas situated along the bank of the Marico River.
Kuro Tarangire
Tarangire National Park, Northern Tanzania
Kuro Tarangire is an eco-friendly dry seasonal camp, set in a grove of acacia trees, in the central part of Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, within easy reach of the main river and Silale and Gursi Swamps.
Kenya with Kids
Masai Mara & Diani Beach
This is the perfect Kenya family tour. Start with a safari in the Maasai Mara at a private safari house to enjoy superb game viewing, before discovering the southern coast. Here, you can relax on an idyllic beach or enjoy watersports and other activities. Your private guides will enrich the trip with exceptional care to meet your family's needs.
GBP £7,400 pp
South Africa with Kids
Madikwe and Mauritius
The perfect combination of wildlife adventure in Madikwe and relaxing during a week of beach and sunshine on the tropical island of Mauritius. This South Africa tour is ideal for families with younger children looking for fun and games to entertain everyone all day long.
GBP £4,700 pp
Botswana's Luxury Safari Odyssey
Botswana
Experience the essence of Botswana on an incredible journey through the vast expanses of the Makgadikgadi Pans to the life-giving waters of the Okavango Delta
GBP £14,300 pp
Epic Madagascar
Antananarivo, Andasibe & Tsarabanjina
Journey to the magical island of Madagascar for an exceptional wildlife experience in the eastern rainforests, topped off with an exquisite beach retreat in the north of the island. We’ve hand selected stylish hotels and lodges in the most desirable locations, with some enviable experiences to enjoy along the way.
GBP £7,400 pp
Family Fun in Botswana
Makgadikgadi Pans, Linyanti & Victoria Falls
This thrill seekers safari through Botswana is perfect for families with teenagers. With activities galore, the whole family will get out and about on an active exploration of some of the most incredible and scenic areas that Botswana has to offer. Watch wildlife from a game vehicle or on foot and gallop on horseback through the beautifully eerie...
GBP £10,600 pp
Family Fun in Kenya
Lewa Conservancy, Masai Mara and Diani Beach
Combining incredible safari experiences, plenty of sporting activities, flights in a vintage biplane and time enjoying watersports by the beach, our Kenya family tours promise a one-of-a-kind trip the kids will remember forever. Young children and teenagers will be transfixed by what Kenya has to offer, from cultural encounters to epic wildlife.
GBP £8,900 pp
Family Fun in Madagascar and Mauritius
Andasibe, Madagascar and Mauritius
Let us take your family on a journey through the Indian Ocean. In Madagascar, you’ll encounter the bizarre and wonderful wildlife that this island is so famed for before immersing yourself in the culture of the capital city. We’ll then fly you to Mauritius where you can enjoy the untouched south of the island, surrounded by tea plantations and...
GBP £2,800 pp
Family Fun in Malawi
Liwonde, Nyika & Lake Malawi
Stray off the usual tourist tracks and head to Malawi for a relaxed adventure in this green and productive land with towering highlands, rolling farmlands, and the vast Lake Malawi with its clear, rich waters, teeming with fish, stretching over 300 miles.
GBP £9,800 pp
Family Fun in Namibia
Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha, Okonjima
Dive into adventure on an activity filled journey across the sweeping landscapes of Namibia. Set your own pace as you drive to Namibia’s iconic highlights, where intrepid families can find time to step away from the ordinary on this epic road trip. From summiting the world’s highest dunes to sleeping out under the vast African skies, we’ve packed...
GBP £5,600 pp
Family Fun in Tanzania
Selous, Stone Town & Zanzibar Beach
Journey to Tanzania for an activity filled exploration of the lesser visited Selous Game Reserve. This hidden gem in the south is ideal for intrepid families, due to its offering of immersive safari activities. After an exhilarating wildlife experience, fly over to the island of Zanzibar and delve into the enthralling culture of Stone Town, before...
GBP £7,400 pp
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