November is the safari season for people who love the quiet time and value for money. As the rainy season approaches, the temperature remains high, but there is anticipation for the rains and the changes it will bring to the bush. It can be a bit tricky choosing where to go on safari in November but if you get it right, you will be rewarded and may well uncover some hidden gems.
To encourage safari visitors in November, many lodges and camps reduce their prices, some by up to 40%. There are still many natural events and migrations taking place across the African continent so read on to find out some of the best places to visit in November.
Tanzania
Tanzania begins to experience afternoon rains and thunderstorms but don’t let that put you off, just pack accordingly. As the number of visitors goes down so do the prices of lodges and camps meaning safari enthusiasts can benefit from this and with luck get a better deal. Northern Tanzania is especially beautiful in this season and a better choice than southern Tanzania.
November in northern Tanzania is an excellent time for visitors to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the eastern part of the Serengeti National Park around the Namiri Plains, an area also known for quality cheetah sightings. The returning herds of wildebeest and other wildlife from Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, are making their way southwards through the eastern Serengeti National Park before calving season at the beginning of the year in the southern part of the park.
Another area of Tanzania’s famed northern circuit you can combine with the Serengeti and visit year round is the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater, home to a wealth of wildlife including the big five.
Recommended Safaris:
- 5 Days Wildebeest Migration, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
- 7 Days Rhino Ngorongoro Crater Safari
South Africa
South Africa is a great location for a November safari holiday. The rains have already started in most parts of the country and the bush is starting to turn green and thicken up, making it more of a challenge to spot the animals. However, with all this new lush food and extra water sources, your guide should be able to locate enough game to keep the safari interesting and the scenery starts to turn from brown to green.
Black and white rhino can be seen pretty much all year round in the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park and the Kruger remains a top wildlife destination. It is generally a lovely time of year to visit, with temperatures still relatively low. An extension to the Cape (both western and eastern) and the excellent private game reserves is well worth including as they offer excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year.
African penguins, wine tasting, climbing Table Mountain, private game reserves and renowned Kruger National Park, where you could see Africa’s big 5 in their natural habitat – what more do you need? A South African safari in November can deliver all these activities at an affordable price.
Recommended Safaris:
Botswana
Dramatic thunderstorms are common in November throughout Botswana and can be quite an experience in themselves, finally turning the bush green and filling water holes after the dry months. This awe-inspiring natural theatre is the backdrop to some of the best safari experiences you can have on the African continent. Botswana is home to just about all the Southern African wildlife species, a vast number of birds and varied ecosystems; from the lush Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park to the vast salt pans and sandy desert of the Makgadikgadi Pans.
Botswana is a warm holiday destination in November and being landlocked means it is a dry heat, making it a bit more bearable. The camps adjust the timings of their game drives so expect to go out earlier in the morning, rest during the heat of the day and then be prepared to stay out until sunset or after dark, sometimes offering you the chance to see nocturnal species.
Recommended Safaris:
Kenya
Kenya experiences short rains during November, which only last a couple of weeks and the game viewing in Masai Mara, Samburu National Reserve, and Tsavo East National Park, is still excellent at this time of year. The visitors numbers visiting Kenya are moderately low and wildlife viewing can be a bit more challenging, but the short rains will transform the bush and there is a good chance to see lots of newborn animals – a big draw for lots of safari enthusiasts. The shoulder season of November also means that the prices at lodges and parks are lower.
Kenya’s beautiful east coast enjoys warm and pleasant weather with a cool breeze coming from the Indian Ocean. A classic bush and beach combo is a great idea – combining a thrilling wildlife safari before heading to the beach for some R&R to round off your holiday.
Recommended Safaris:
Namibia
The weather in Namibia is quite unpredictable in November with the occasional and spectacular thunderstorm. If you are on safari, you may even witness the first rains of the season, quite an occasion! The rains bring relief to the warm temperatures, which can reach 35 to 40 degree celsius.
Wildlife viewing can still be very productive at this time of year, but you have to know where the best places to go in November are. The Ongava Reserve, Etosha National Park and the AfriCat Foundation are all great, but let’s not forget the magnificent sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the wilderness of the Skeleton Coast, where you may spot a whale off the coast!
Recommended Safaris:
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is considered to be one of the best places to travel in November. The spectacular Ethiopian scenery is at its best from September to December. The days are sunny, with temperatures ranging between 24℃ and 33℃ and the landscape is lush and green from the rains in July, August and September. The South Omo Valley and the Danakil Depression are highly recommended tourist spots for November.
November is an ideal time for bird-watching since many migratory bird species begin arriving in Ethiopia. Visitors can explore popular birding destinations in Ethiopia including the Rift Valley Lakes, Bale Mountains National Park, and the Awash National Park.
Ethiopia is a gem, waiting to be discovered by the adventurous traveller. It has immense natural beauty and unique wildlife, huge cultural diversity and an archaeological pedigree that can rival Egypt.
Recommended Safaris:
India
Escape the showers and rains of Southern and East Africa by venturing off to Asia, where the majestic tigers of India await your arrival. In November the parks have already been open for a month, and any damage caused by the earlier monsoon, to raids and bridges, would have been repaired. An Indian safari in November allows you to relax in the tranquil pre-Christmas period, before the peak safari season rush. November in the tiger parks has a more peaceful feeling, even if finding the tigers may be a bit more challenging, and you won’t have to put up with the pushy crowds of tiger enthusiasts!
We work with some Indian safari specialists that have access to exceptional properties, the best guides and top-notch vehicles, ensuring a fantastic tiger safari experience.
Recommended Safaris:
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