African Safaris in November
November is often referred to as the “secret season” for safaris in Africa, with its striking skies, green scenery, and unbeatable value.
This is what you can expect when going on a safari in November:
November Safari: Quick Highlights
- The Vibe: An underrated “Green Season” with emerald landscapes, dramatic skies, and the year’s best photography light.
- Weather: Warm and tropical, 24°C and 31°C; short, refreshing afternoon showers followed by clear sun.
- Wildlife: Prime “baby season” for herbivores; excellent predator sightings and the return of migratory birds.
- The Migration: Herds move from Kenya’s Masai Mara toward the southern Serengeti plains in Tanzania.
- Value: Peak-season crowds vanish, leading to lower prices and private, intimate wildlife encounters.
- Top Tip: Pack lightweight, quick-dry layers and waterproof gear for sudden (but brief) thunderstorms.
Weather & Environment
| Feature | Description |
| Rainfall | Expect “short rains”—sporadic, dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that usually clear quickly, leaving bright sunshine. |
| Temperature | Generally warm to hot. In places like the Okavango Delta or the Zambezi Valley, humidity can rise before a storm. |
| Visibility | Vegetation becomes denser and water sources more abundant, meaning animals are less concentrated around single waterholes; however, the air is clear and dust-free. |
| Water Levels | In Botswana, the Okavango Delta floodwaters continue to recede, shifting the focus from boat-based activities back to land-based game drives. |
How are Weather Conditions in November For Safaris by Destinations?
However, November is not a dry and hot period for all major safari areas.
Even though the temperatures are hot, November begins the “Short Rains” season in East Africa and the Wet Season in Southern Africa.
This makes the atmosphere very humid, and you should expect sudden thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Unlike in August, when your advice is that you require dry gear, you will have to take waterproof gear, as well as warm clothes, due to the cold, wet mornings in November.
During November, the weather changes from the cold and dry winter in August to the hot summer in the “Green Season.”
During this time, the temperature rises on the continent, but the rains become more frequent, though mostly in sudden storms in the afternoons, and not constant throughout the day.
The weather in November is hot, although the temperatures are cooled by rain showers. Below is the range of temperatures in various major safari destinations in November:
November Safari Temperature Guide
November is a very hot month in all African countries, but it is the beginning of the “Green Season,” which means that you have to expect occasional rains in the afternoon.
How is the weather in November By Countries?
The onset of “short rains” is observed in East Africa, ushering in the wet season in Southern Africa; thus, making Africa a green oasis.
This time frame is known as the “Green Season,” during which visitors experience spectacular skies, fewer crowds, and the birth of baby herbivores, resulting in more predators hunting their prey.
November Safari Destinations Highlights
- Kenya: There are beautiful rains that cause the scenery to look lush, migrating birds are back, and there is still some of the Great Migration moving south.
- Tanzania: The herds migrate to the southern part of the Serengeti, where the grass is greener, and there are spectacular lighting conditions for photographers with fewer crowds.
- Uganda: It is lush and misty in the rainforests, and treks can be slippery, but it is easier to get permits now.
- South Africa: Kruger is warm and humid with afternoon rains, and Cape Town is starting its lovely dry and cool summer season.
- Botswana: Incredible electrical storms take place in Botswana, along with the calving season, which increases predator action.
- Namibia: Rare blossoms emerge from desert flowers due to occasional rains, and game viewing continues to be excellent around waterholes.
- Zambia: First rains have brought relief from extreme heat, and lush greenery attracts fantastic bird-watching and predator viewing.
- Zimbabwe: Dryness and drought are finally replaced by the first rains that make the landscape look lush and green.
- Zanzibar: The weather is hot and tropical with light showers, and there are favorable ocean temperatures for snorkeling and diving.
Kenya safaris in November
The month of November sees the “short rains.” These are brief rains in the afternoons that will freshen up the air and make the grasslands appear lush and green again. This is also one of the best months to spot birds, as many migratory species will begin returning.
Tanzania Safaris in November
November is a great month for visiting Tanzania due to the migration of the wildebeests to the southern plains of the Serengeti to graze on lush green vegetation. Despite the greener landscape, the impressive rainstorms make the photography incredible and create an exclusive safari experience without many visitors around.
Uganda Safaris in November
The month of November is when Uganda receives plenty of rain, therefore making the rainforests in Bwindi and Mgahinga very lively due to the moisture. Though it makes trekking a bit challenging, it makes the mountain misty, hence making your Gorilla safari very memorable since it will be during the low season.
South African Safaris in November
November sees the northern side of South Africa experiencing hot, humid days, with afternoon thunderstorms that refresh one after the day’s heat. On the other hand, the western side of South Africa starts receiving dry, sunny weather, thus being ideal for combining a safari and holiday to Cape Town.
Botswana Safaris in November
It is the beginning of the electric storm season, where one can experience thunder and lightning in the sky. Known as the “arrival of the clouds” season in Botswana, it is characterized by the buildup of temperatures to break into beautiful storms. November marks the beginning of the calving season for impala and other animals, providing a lot of food for the resident predators.
Namibia Safaris in November
Although there can be short and scattered showers in Namibia, the desert heat will bring a rare bloom due to such rain. However, this month is perfect for visiting Etosha because finding wildlife at watering holes is not difficult yet.
Zambia Safaris in November
November is the hottest period in Zambia, and only the first rains make the temperature cooler and the landscape transform green. This period also marks the start of the closure of walking camps; however, the Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Parks remain great destinations for birding and predator viewing.
Safaris in Zimbabwe in November
The hot dry season of October transforms into the rainy season of November; hence, life comes back in Zimbabwe. The wildlife will concentrate near permanent water sources, including the Zambezi River and Mana Pools.
Zanzibar Island Beach Holidays in November
The weather in Zanzibar in November is warm and tropical, with showers that last only for a few days and do not affect the whole experience of the beach holiday. Ocean water temperatures are favorable, and visibility is good enough for snorkeling and scuba diving around Mnemba Atoll before the heavy rains in December.
Best Places to Visit this November?
Under the best places you can visit in November, and if you would probably enjoy the best safari in Africa. We prefer luxury and guided safaris in Africa for an optimum experience. With this November guide, you will be able to understand if it suits your interests and preferences. For further assistance, kindly get in touch.
November is among the best months in which one can enjoy a ‘green’ safari in Africa due to the lush scenery, newborns, lower prices, and less crowded atmosphere.
Best Places for Safari in November
- Tanzania (Serengeti & Tarangire): Due to the onset of short rains, the plains turn green, thus attracting the migrating animals from Kenya to the Serengeti National Park. The elephants in Tarangire keep gathering at the river in their large numbers.
- Kenya (Masai Mara): With the peak migration coming to an end, you can observe the remaining herds migrating to the Serengeti from the Masai Mara Reserve. This is a good time since there will be very few tourists.
- Botswana (Okavango Delta): It is considered to be the beginning of the rainy season, and the first rain leads to the greening of the land with plenty of birds to see.
- South Africa (Kruger & Cape Town): You will enjoy warm summer temperatures as you observe wildlife in the private game reserves of Kruger. The climate is also pleasant in Cape Town.
- Zimbabwe & Zambia: Very warm temperatures mean that all wildlife will be near water sources, particularly in parks such as Hwange and South Luangwa.
What to Pack in November For an African Safari?
Understand the best things and items to pack during a safari in November. The guide below will help you know what to pack this month so you can have an easy, stress-free time on your safari.
Packing Lists are very important for ensuring you have the right items for certain seasons, and our detailed African Safari Packing List will be helpful to you.
Although November sees the temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C, it is still part of the tropical “Green Season” that sees moisture and refreshing afternoon rains. Your packing needs now should be geared towards waterproof and breathable materials.
Packing List for a November Safari
- Footwear: Light sneakers and flip-flops for pool use.
- Rain and Sun Protection: Wide-brimmed hats or baseball caps for sun protection, and also a light waterproof jacket or ponchos for the rainy afternoons.
- Layering: Light jacket or fleece to counteract the cold morning, and sleeveless or t-shirts to cool you down during noon.
- Clothing: Khaki pants or shorts, as well as breathable long-sleeved shirts for sun and increased bug activity.
- Evening Attire: Cotton jeans and slacks paired with buttoned shirts for evening wear. Medical Needs: Insect repellent and malaria medicine are essential during this time.
- Medicine: Rehydration salts (Liquid I.V.), antihistamines, painkillers, and antidiarrheal medicine.
- Prescription Medicine: Make sure to pack enough prescriptions, vitamins, and other medications in your carry-on.
| What to Wear in August | Medication to Pack for Safari |
- Comfortable sneakers/sandals/walking shoes for game walks
- Flip-flops or similar for pool or in-room use, or even in a safari vehicle
- Baseball cap or hat to keep dust/sun from the head
- Windbreaker/fleece jacket for layering during game drives and evening
- Jeans (one or two pairs)
- Khaki or cotton pants/slacks, for dinnertime
- Four T-shirts for daytime wear
- Button-down long-sleeve sports shirts (optional at dinner for men)
- Long-sleeve and mid-sleeve women’s cotton shirts for layering
- Shorts/cut-offs—two or three pairs for mid-day wear
- Sleeveless shirts for warmer days—very necessary for summer
- Bathing suit
- Underwear (sports bras are recommended for game drives)
- Socks
| Pack enough daily vitamins and prescribed medicine to last your entire trip. Keep your prescriptions in their original bottles and store them in your carry-on bag. - Allergy remedy
- Rehydration salts like Liquid I.V.
- Pain reliever
- Antiseptic cream
- Motion sickness tablets
- Dramamine
- Dramamine Natural Non-Drowsy
- Heartburn remedy
- Anti-diarrhea medicine
- Cold/flu tablets
Anders |
For more clothing ideas, check out our guide to what to pack for an African safari.
Which are the best Tailor Made Safari Packages to Book in November?
Looking for a perfect African Safari to book in November? We’ve got some of the best safari ideas for you here. Browse and choose the best that suits your holiday safari interest. In case there is none, please get in touch with our Safari Experts, and we will ensure you get exactly what you are looking for.
Which Other Months to Explore For Safaris in Africa?
Looking for the perfect Time for an African Safari? We have listed below more guides that will help you determine the best time and place to visit Africa for your safari Adventure.
Why Book Your African Safari Holiday with us?
Are you in search of a luxury safari adventure where you can view interesting wildlife? Well, you are in the right place. At Cheetah Safaris, we offer customized luxury safaris that are aimed at catering to your demand to explore and have an adventure.
In addition to its plains, Kenya also holds Africa’s second-highest mountain, Mt. Kenya. Do not forget to witness and experience one of the Wonders of the World, made possible not elsewhere but only in Kenya: The Great Wildebeest Migration. Indeed, the Maasai Mara provides an awe-inspiring view and is not just an experience but a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
November Safaris in Africa – FAQs
