Can You See The Big 5 in November?
- By Bena Roberts | Director Sales Best Safaris
- Aug 9
- 3 min read
So you want to go on an African Safari. But you only have time in November, and you are wondering.
Is the expense of a November Safari worth it?
Will I see the Big 5 in November?
The answer is - YES.
The question, however, is wrong. I have been on Safaris throughout the year and have sometimes not seen the Big 5. In fact, it took me a good few years to see all of the Big 5, and that is after going on Safari in Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa.
The fact of the matter is - you can always see the Big 5, but whether or not you do is a different story.
Last November, I had an amazing 10 day Safari to Samburu and the Masai Mara. It was spectacular. (If you want to see exactly what that looked like, all my photos from my time at Soroi Larsen's Camp and Soroi Mara Bush Camp were taken that November).
But, did I see a leopard? Actually, I did!
I saw all of the Big 5 and had the adventure of a lifetime. But, that was the first time, I did actually see the Big 5 on one Safari. Before then I had seen them all at different times and locations. But this time, I saw not one but two leopards in the Masai Mara and it was amazing.
What can a November Safari offer you?
For one it is more affordable. But more than that, a November Safari is quieter, less crowded and with much better value than a peak-season Safari.
Some tour operators will tell you, November is terrible as it rains. But I promise you, that November is the perfect month for a Safari. I love the cooler temperature. The staff give you undivided attention, and there are no buffets. All the food is made for you, and it is perfect. I have always said that true ethical safaris are luxury, not the rough guides we grew up with.
Samburu is dry and warm and will suit anyone who does not enjoy intense heat. There are very few mosquitoes (which reminds me of the real truth about mosquitoes and mud during the green season), and to be honest, I prefer November to May.
May is my second favourite, but it definitely rains more in May than in November. While I also think April is Kenya's best kept secret for similar reasons, I love November as it's starting to turn green, but isn't as dusty as in the summer. It rains less, but rain does not bother me as you see many different animals in the rain.
It's not just about the Big 5.
Last November I saw a number of animals I had never seen on Safari before, such as snakes, tortoises and giant beetles. It was just as special and eye opening to see these other animals and not only obsessing with the Big 5.
This brings me to another topic. Everyone is obsessed with the Big 5. I say, enjoy the thrill of the Safari. Experience and discover all animals and view in harmony. The stress of the Big 5 is not worth it.
You will see them, if you see them.
In November, I call it the golden hour rain as it rains in the afternoon for about an hour, leaving the best light for photography.
P.S. If escaping the crowds and catching that beautiful golden hour light sounds like your kind of adventure, I have a few spots left for a special 7-day, one-week November package I put together for $5,999. If you want to experience the true magic of a November safari for yourself, just send me an email at bena@bestsafaris.com.
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