Africa in November: When/Where to Go, Things to Do & Weather
November in Africa signifies the shift from the dry season to the rainy season in numerous regions, providing a distinctive experience for travellers. While many places commence their summer, others witness the onset of the brief rainy season. November in Africa is an opportune period for visitation, offering reduced tourist crowds, perhaps diminished costs, and an opportunity to observe the continent’s natural landscapes as they transition into the rainy season.
In November, Africa experiences longer sunsets and earlier sunrises, indicating the approach of summer. Currently, it is an opportune moment to embark on a beach trip, since Africa’s tropical island destinations—such as the Seychelles, Mauritius, and Zanzibar—provide some of the finest beach experiences in November. If you are considering a safari, select your place judiciously, as the onset of summer coincides with the commencement of the rainy or Green Season in numerous African safari locales. Botswana, Kruger National Park, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia are situated between the conclusion of the dry season and the onset of the rainy season, prompting animal migration. The congregated elephant, buffalo, and antelope that filled October’s waterholes and rivers are dispersing in pursuit of fresh grazing, prompted by early June rains. November is between the prime game-viewing season and the bustling Christmas period, allowing travellers to secure excellent value bargains in premier safari holiday destinations throughout this month. In premier locations, wildlife observation is exceptional throughout the year, avian observation is superb, and the influx of tourists during peak season is minimal. In East Africa, the November rains initiate one of nature’s most remarkable annual phenomena: the Great Wildebeest Migration. In November, Tanzania is the optimal destination to observe the Migration, as the extensive herds migrate south from their grazing grounds in Kenya’s Masai Mara to the southern Serengeti. We have orchestrated memorable African vacations for numerous travellers worldwide. Here are our top suggestions for travel destinations in November.
Africa in November: Things to Do & Destinations
Tanzania
Central & Southern Serengeti
The Great Migration – Wildebeest Migration from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara, Crossing Mara River
Being an East African wildebeest is challenging. Following a week of repose in the Masai Mara, the aroma of rain from the Serengeti plains indicates that it is time to proceed. They must now inhale deeply and traverse the border into Tanzania in November to partake in the lush grazing of the Serengeti’s undulating southern grasslands and central plains — the optimal destination in November for observing the Great Migration.
The apex predators of the Serengeti await the arrival of the wildebeest with patience. The Seronera Valley hosts the largest lion prides and is reputed to have Africa’s highest concentration of cheetahs. Wild dogs and hyenas frequently pursue isolated wildebeest, while leopards ambush unsuspecting gazelles.
The Wildebeest Migration is contingent upon fluctuating seasonal patterns and lacks precision. The exact timing of the herds’ arrival is contingent upon local precipitation, hence it is prudent to include many sites in your itinerary. We have assisted numerous tourists in achieving optimal locations at ideal times—obtain our expert planning guidance and specialised insights in our introductory guide to a Wildebeest Migration safari.
Zanzibar
ZANZIBAR: beach adventure
The climate in Zanzibar becomes pleasantly warm in November. Despite the commencement of East Africa’s brief rainy season, this Indian Ocean tropical island experiences an average of about nine rainy days in November, providing ample sunny days for beach activities or touring the historic Stone Town, the island’s cultural epicentre.
It is also excellent beneath the water’s surface! In November, scuba divers experience optimal underwater visibility in Zanzibar, along with the opportunity to swim with gentle giants. November marks the season for whale sharks, which are frequently observed in the waters of the archipelago during this period. Zanzibar is an exceptional opportunity for adventurous divers to encounter the largest fish in the ocean.
To resolve the dilemma of choosing between a safari and a beach holiday, consider undertaking both experiences. Tanzania encompasses the renowned Serengeti and the tropical island of Zanzibar, facilitating their combination without the need to traverse borders. A Wildebeest Migration safari in the Serengeti is exhilarating, and the days can be rather lengthy. Consequently, we always advocate concluding your safari with relaxation on a tropical beach, and Zanzibar provides some of the finest beach vacations in November.
Kenya
Masai Mara & Samburu
Northern KENYA – My Secret Adventure Safari
If the wildebeest have commenced their migration southward into Tanzania, what advantages can Kenya offer in November? November presents an opportune moment to embark on a crowd-free safari in Kenya.
Although the Masai Mara is exceptional during its peak months (June to October), the national reserve may become somewhat crowded with tourists. It is essential to understand that the resident fauna of the Mara do not migrate alongside the herds of wildebeest and zebra, resulting in exceptional game watching throughout the year. The Mara’s indigenous wildlife comprises numerous favourites such as elephants, large felines, and giraffes.
Opting to establish your safari in a private conservancy adjacent to the Masai Mara National Reserve will likely afford you solitude and potentially offer this exclusivity at reduced pricing. November is an opportune period to amalgamate multiple sites in a single safari; Kenya offers a broad and fulfilling experience.
We advise including the Masai Mara and Samburu into your Kenya itinerary. Samburu is an extraordinary wildlife area that heralds Kenya’s expansive northern deserts and serves as the ancestral territory of the Samburu people, semi-nomadic pastoralists from north-central Kenya.
South Africa
Cape Town
Things To Do In CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
In November, South Africa averages nine hours of daily sunshine. In November, Cape Town’s finest sites, including Table Mountain, Cape Point, and the endangered African penguin colony at Boulders Beach, are predominantly uncrowded. If fortunate, one may still observe a few late-season southern right whales along the coast. Now is an opportune moment to fully enjoy Cape Town’s premier experiences prior to the commencement of the local school holidays.
Procedure: Renting a car and spending a few days in Cape Town is relatively simple. One can navigate the renowned Cape Winelands, subsequently proceeding along the exquisite Garden Route to the Eastern Cape safari area, pausing at opulent guesthouses and boutique hotels en route. The Eastern Cape is a malaria-free safari destination and the optimal location to visit in November for a Big 5 safari in South Africa with minimal rainfall.
Indian Ocean Islands
Mauritius
FIVE Ultimate Luxury Travel Experiences in Mauritius | Mauritius Honeymoon
Mauritius is undoubtedly the premier tropical destination for a family-friendly beach vacation in November. The island’s sunlit beaches have long been a preferred destination for family vacations. Numerous beach resorts offer babysitter services and on-site children’s clubs, allowing you to engage in activities like as diving in coral reefs or playing golf, assured that your children are enjoying themselves under professional supervision.
In November, Mauritius experiences hot and humid summer days. Anticipate some of Africa’s finest beaches, freshly caught fish, and extended, sun-soaked days in a tropical haven.
The Seychelles
The remarkable islands of the Seychelles Archipelago are exceptionally difficult to surpass for optimal beach holidays in November. Situated across the turquoise seas of the Indian Ocean, with granite rocks and sporadic clusters of palm trees interrupting the extensive stretches of white sand beaches, the Seychelles provides an opportunity to indulge in a tropical island fantasy amidst unparalleled luxury.
The islands typically get ideal beach weather throughout the year; nevertheless, the Seychelles is the optimal destination in November for those seeking pristine diving conditions.
To accomplish this: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya and O.R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa serve as significant aircraft hubs that facilitate connections to Mauritius or the Seychelles. This implies that concluding with a tropical beach after an exhilarating safari in Kenya or South Africa is effortless.