Is November a good time to visit Africa?
As the days in the northern hemisphere get darker and colder, November in the peri-equatorial region of East Africa offers an excellent retreat. Travellers seeking to escape the wintery conditions can also enjoy the benefit of being outside of the peak travel season, when tourist numbers and prices are highest.
As November falls just before the end-of-year holiday rush, travellers who plan in advance can secure some favourable deals on flights and accommodation.
So, with that said, where are the best places to visit in Africa in November?
Tanzania in November
November in Tanzania marks the beginning of the short rains. What this means for travellers is the occasional brief afternoon shower that cools things down and clears away the dust. If you can welcome the occasional brief shower, these rains typically don’t cause too much disruption to your safari activities.
If you’re a photographer on safari in Tanzania in November, you might even enjoy the moody atmosphere the clouds create in the background and the lush foliage that helps the wildlife stand out.
November in Tanzania is considered shoulder season, meaning you can enjoy excellent wildlife viewing at a great rate if you’re willing to contend with an occasional rain shower. If you’re seeking an uncrowded safari with great wildlife sightings, visiting Tanzania in November is for you.
We’ve covered all the information about when to visit Tanzania, if you’re considering other times of year too.
Serengeti National Park
The endless plains of the Serengeti are famed for their magnificent wildlife populations, in particular, the thundering herds of the Great Wildebeest Migration. If you hope to catch the river crossings then it would be wise to plan your trip to the northern regions between July to October for the best chance of seeing a river crossing. However, if you are lucky, you may still see the last of the crossings in early November.
Wildlife viewing in the Serengeti is excellent year-round, but in November, the great herds of the Wildebeest Migration are scattered throughout the central and eastern Serengeti, followed closely, of course, by opportunistic predators on the hunt. These interactions make for some thrilling and memorable wildlife encounters.
There are fewer visitors to the Serengeti at this time of the year due to the spread out nature of the migratory herds, creating a strong sense of exclusivity for those travellers willing to instead focus on the incredible resident wildlife this national park offers
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro offers a pleasant climate throughout most of the year, but in November, thanks to the short, occasional rains, it is a verdant paradise. Lush grasses and the occasional sprays of bright blooms are as pretty as a painting, and because the wildlife in the Crater is pretty much confined there, wildlife viewing is always rewarding.
Zanzibar in November
November is one of the best times to visit Zanzibar. Those short rains we mentioned before are present, but they typically fall briefly in the afternoon and give way to sunshine again shortly thereafter.
Because it’s shoulder season, you can enjoy a great beach holiday with watersport activities at a lower rate and with fewer crowds. The water temperatures are warm and pleasant, so snorkelling and diving are ideal.
Many travellers end their safari in Tanzania with a beach break in Zanzibar before returning home – the perfect combination!
Kenya in November
Not sure when to visit Kenya? Planning a Kenya safari in November is a good idea for those who can overlook the occasional rain shower for an uncrowded, off-peak safari. Wildlife viewing is still excellent, and the landscape is lush and green.
November in Kenya is low season, offering excellent value with reduced rates at many lodges and camps. The odd rain shower will rarely impact your safari activities.
Masai Mara
While the vast herds of the wildebeest migration have left, there’s still an abundance of resident wildlife to see on your Kenya safari in November. Wildlife sightings can be enjoyed more intimately without hordes of other tourists jostling for a view. Photographers can make the most of the clearer conditions, with the rain having settled a lot of the dust, and the skies heavy with rain make for emotive backdrops.
Uganda in November
If you plan on visiting Uganda in November for some gorilla trekking, you can expect cooler temperatures, but significantly wetter conditions. Consequently, the scenery is lush and green, but certainly muddier.
November in Uganda is also a great time to go chimpanzee tracking in the Kibale Forest. If you want to add a traditional safari to your itinerary, game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park at this time of year is excellent, or consider combining your trip with a visit to Kenya or Tanzania.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest November is a less-desirable time for gorilla trekking. The temperatures are cooler but accompanied by higher humidity. As a result, the forest trails are waterlogged, making hiking conditions muddy and slippery, and physically more demanding to navigate. The forest itself is lush and green, but this makes seeing the gorillas harder through the dense foliage.
Find out more about the best time of year for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Our Best Safari in November
Our Explore East Africa itinerary is ideal for the ultimate November safari that captures some of the best locations and experiences across Kenya and Tanzania. Over 13 days, you’ll experience the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with an option to add on some beach time in Zanzibar.
If you’re thinking about travel to East Africa, we’d love to help. Our safari experts and in-camp teams are standing by to bring you the trip of a lifetime. Simply get in touch with us at any time and we’ll be glad to assist you.
