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.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Hermanus, Garden Route, South Africa
Just 2 hours from Cape Town, Grootbos is a superb family-run nature reserve set on the fynbos-clad hills above Walker Bay. 27 luxurious suites are divided between two lodges, set amongst ancient milkwood trees overlooking a majestic sweep of coastline.
&Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge
Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Phinda Vlei Lodge offers exquisite, classic style and intimacy against the backdrop of truly wild Africa in all her splendour. The lodge comprises six elegant thatched suites to offer that exclusive safari experience.
Hoanib Valley Camp
Hoanib, Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Introducing Namibia's newest luxury camp, Hoanib Valley Camp. This eco friendly camp is small and intimate with only six luxury tents and is in a prime spot for wildlife viewing with a key interest in conservation.
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.
Fregate Island
Fregate Island, Seychelles
One of the world's most beautiful islands, Fregate is a private island, just four degrees south of the equator and surrounded by seven dream beaches. The ultimate luxury eco-lodge and a Seychelles jewel, guests here enjoy total seclusion.
&Beyond Klein's Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Klein's Camp is &Beyond’s sustainable, safari lodge located deep in the heart of the Maasai land at the edge of the Serengeti National Park.The ten traditional cottages offer incredible views of a game-rich private concession.
Emily Moon
Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route, South Africa
Emily Moon has eight luxury rooms, all with fabulous views over the sweeping river valley and wetlands. It is a small, intimate lodge set in a beautiful location and a wonderful place to base yourself to explore the area, just outside Plettenburg Bay.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, KwaZulu Natal and the north coast, South Africa
Perched along the peaks of Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, Rhino Ridge commands sweeping views of the wilderness, where lions call at night and rhinos roam among the trees. Luxury and nature blend, for an inspiring safari that awakens the senses.
Somalisa Camp
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Somalisa is located in a private concession at the heart of Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park. Known as 'the home of elephants', a visit to this luxury camp results in an interaction with the planet's largest land mammal that is unlike any other.
Bushmans Kloof
Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape, South Africa
Bushman's Kloof is a retreat of unparalleled beauty and recreational diversity. It is a refuge for body and soul, set deep in the malaria free Cederberg Mountains. The exquisite 16 rooms are equipped with modern amenities.
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...
SGD $16,700 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...
SGD $5,100 pp
Limitless South Africa and Antarctica
Kruger, Cape Town & White Desert Antarctica
Expand your horizons on this awe-inspiring tour through South Africa and on to Antarctica. One of the most exciting trips available, you will experience the great wilderness of the Kruger National Park staying in one of Africa’s most exclusive safari lodges. That will be followed by some luxurious downtime in Cape Town, and ending with the...
Churches, Castles and Mountains of Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, Lake Tana, Gondar, Simien Mountains, Axum & Lalibela
Experience a land of fascinating contrasts on this all-encompassing journey which transports you from the rugged Simien Mountains to the famous rock churches of Lalibela and on to castles of Gondar before ending in the bustling city of Addis Ababa.
SGD $7,100 pp
Ethiopia’s Bale and Simien Mountains in Style
Addis Ababa, Bale Mountain Lodge & Limalimo
Combine two of Ethiopia's most exciting national parks - Bale Mountains National Park and Simien Mountains National Park - experience the vibrant local culture and wildlife of each location while enjoying the spectacular views.
SGD $8,800 pp