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.
&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 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.
Chem Chem
Tarangire National Park, Northern Tanzania
Chem Chem is a chic and contemporary lodge offering guests an incredible relaxing slow safari experience. With a unique surrounding ecosystem and strong cultural elements, Chem Chem provides a unique departure from the standard safari experience.
Oliver's Camp
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Oliver's Camp and Little Oliver's found in a wild corner of Tarangire National Park and with ten and five tented rooms they offer a wonderful bush experience. The Tarangire has fantastic game viewing in particular chances to see herds of elephant.
Roho ya Selous
Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Roho ya Selous is situated in the very heart of the magnificent Selous game reserve. Perched on a hill overlooking the water, this small tented camp is the perfect place to spend a few days and discover the wonderful wildlife and contrasting landscapes.
Namiri Plains Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Namiri Plains lies in the remote eastern corner of the Serengeti, the ideal place for seeing big cats and enjoying the migration in peace. The camp offers comfort and true exclusivity with excellent guiding, perfect for real safari enthusiasts.
Gibb's Farm
Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania
Gibb's Farm is an old 1920s coffee plantation with terraced gardens on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands and Rift Valley Escarpment. Gibb's Farm is a remarkable hideaway between the National Parks and conservation areas.
Chaka Camp
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Chaka Camp is a luxurious mobile camp which moves seasonally around the Serengeti to ensure that you are in the best position possible for witnessing the spectacular wildebeest migration.
Nyikani Central
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Nyikani Central is a luxurious bush camp in the heart of the Serengeti surrounded by open plains which offer spectacular game viewing year round. This is the perfect option for those looking for an authentic safari experience at a reasonable price.
&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.
Family Fun in Uganda and Kenya
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kibale Forest & Maasai Mara
This superb itinerary covers some of East Africa’s wildlife highlights - from the dense forests of Uganda, tracking the elusive mountain gorilla and chimpanzee, to the famous grounds of historic Giraffe Manor and finally the rolling plains of the wildlife rich Maasai Mara. A must for any wildlife enthusiast looking to tick off four major bucket...
GBP £12,900 pp
Family Fun in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Mana Pools & Hwange
Zimbabwe is a fantastic destination for a family holiday to Africa with your Teenagers. This stunning country offers fantastic safari, highly qualified guides, as well as exhilarating activities such as canoeing on the Zambezi or visits to the the awe-inspiring smoke that thunders, the famous Victoria Falls. This action-packed itinerary will cater...
GBP £5,300 pp
Ultimate Botswana
Okavango Delta, Linyanti & Makgadikgadi Pans
Botswana has long been known to offer the ultimate safari experience. This stunning itinerary does just that, showcasing some of Botswana’s most luxurious lodges in incredible game viewing areas whilst offering top-notch service along the way. This, along with the beautiful scenery of the Linyanti, the unique eco-system of the Moremi and the...
GBP £22,600 pp
Ultimate Kenya
Laikipia, Masai Mara & Nairobi
Astonishing wildlife, limitless landscapes and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This guided tour in Kenya is a sensational combination for travellers who enjoy the finer things in life. We’ve hand-selected luxury camps and secured a stay at the world-famous Giraffe Manor so you can enjoy unparalleled memories coupled with seamless service.
GBP £9,500 pp
Ultimate Kenya and Madagascar
Maasai Mara & Madagascar
This wildlife focused itinerary combines a traditional and authentic Kenyan safari which allows you the opportunity to spot big game, and at the right time of year, the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara before you go in search of the rarer lemurs which can only be found in the wilds of Madagascar. Mixing authentic accommodations in the best...
GBP £9,700 pp
Ultimate Madagascar
Mandrare River & Nosy Be
Be amazed by this adventurous and immersive trip that takes you off the tourist trail to some of Madagascar's most beautiful areas. Journey from the capital to the intimate river camp and the stunning luxury beach lodge where you will fall in love with everything Madagascar has to offer. Explore the wildlife rich Mandrare river camp before flying...
GBP £6,100 pp
Ultimate Malawi
Majete & Lake Malawi
Delve into the paramount of Malawi by combining the reviving safari experiences of Majete Game Reserve and Liwonde National Park with the crystal-clear waters and relaxed atmosphere of Lake Malawi. Soak up a variety of unique and individually curated experiences whilst taking some time to explore on your own and find gems that will take you off the...
GBP £5,400 pp
Ultimate Rwanda and Tanzania
Virunga Volcanoes, Serengeti and Zanzibar
Combine the wildlife thrills of tracking gorillas in Rwanda and watching big game in the Serengeti with the sandy beaches of vibrant Zanzibar. An ideal honeymoon or special celebration trip for true wildlife enthusiasts.
GBP £17,200 pp
Ultimate South Africa and Mozambique
Cape Town, The Winelands, Madikwe & Benguerra Island
World-class dining, stirring safaris and paradise shores, this two-week tour of South Africa and Mozambique is the perfect concoction for travellers who relish exclusive experiences with dose of relaxation. We’ve hand-picked the very best hotels and lodges to make sure every stop on the trip promises peerless style complimented by seamless service....
GBP £11,600 pp
Ultimate Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park & Mana Pools
This week long itinerary combines two of Zimbabwe’s major highlights, the raging waters of UNESCO world heritage site Victoria Falls and the wildlife rich Hwange National Park. Explore the Zambezi river by canoe or motorboat, visit the awe-inspiring falls, go in search of wildlife on 4x4 game drives and jump aboard the elephant express on a unique...
GBP £9,200 pp
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