The best locations for safari in Africa in November

November is generally considered to be an interesting time to visit Tanzania.

The weather in Tanzania during November can be quite unpredictable. At some time during the month the prevailing winds should swing dramatically from the southeast to the northeast, a change that should induce the short rains.

Down on the coast this change tends to be more pronounced, with a significant increase in precipitation and a good deal of cloud cover.

Further inland the change is less predictable, with locations such as Serengeti, Selous and Katavi probably also experiencing an end to the dry season. This could take the form of a couple of light showers during the month, or weeks of more regular rain and cloud cover. Daytime temperatures in most areas should still reach 30-35C/86-95F in most areas. Uniquely, the gorgeous Ruaha reserve tends to remain dry.

Safari in Tanzania in November should be excellent to good. The reason for the wide range in rating is the unpredictability of the short rains.

If there is sufficient rainfall to fill the seasonal waterholes, then the wildlife will disperse into the vast hinterlands and be much less accessible.

On the other hand, if the rains fail to properly
materialise (as they do some years) then dry season conditions will continue and even exaggerate, leading to epic if potentially tragic wildlife sightings.

In the Serengeti, the main migration will start to move as soon as the first lighting strikes in the Ngorongoro Highlands to the south, which means that huge columns can be seen moving south through the reserve, although this is not generally considered to be a spectacular or reliable time of year for migration viewing due to the difficult terrain in this particular area.

Conditions on Kilimanjaro are likely to be difficult and dangerous. The weather is quite unpredictable through this month and unpredictability is not something we want on the mountain. We only tend to outfit expeditions for hardcore mountaineers and military personnel at this time.

Visitor traffic in November is very low, both because of the potentially adverse weather and simply because so few people seem to travel at this time of year. This makes it a great month to visit better known locations, such as the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Central.

November is generally considered to be a very good time of year to visit Ethiopia.

Most areas have a similar climate to the capital, Addis Ababa, with temperatures around 23C (74F) and rainfall down at 10mm (0.5”) for the month.

The Tissisat Falls on the Blue Nile at Bahir Dar are at their best during the high water period of Jul-Dec.

The Danakil Depression is the hottest place on earth, so conditions are never easy down there. November is one of the better months, when daytime temperatures usually ceiling around the 40C/104F mark.

The remote Gambella area is accessible at this time, but it is too early for the kob migration.

November is generally considered to be a very good time to visit Egypt.

At this time of year, the temperatures drop to a comfortable 29C (84F), with rainfall down at 0mm (0”) and sunshine hours up at 10 hours per day, despite the shorter day length.

Temperatures at night can drop as low as 12C (54F).

Visitor numbers are reasonably high through the month, creating a need for early booking and traffic avoidance measures.

The Nov-Dec period marks the late dry season, the transition from the preceding cool dry season and the subsequent warm green season, with savanna safari conditions more likely to deteriorate slightly as the weeks pass.

The weather throughout this period should be warm and sunny. The chances of rain in November should remain very low in most areas.

That means the consequential adverse effects on wildlife movements described in December are much less likely to take place during this month.

Temperatures in Etosha during the day average around 33C/91F at this time of year, dropping at night only to around 18C/64F.

Visitor traffic tends to be relatively light through November and traffic avoidance techniques (like staying on private reserves and visiting more remote areas) are less essential.

November is generally considered to be a less than ideal month to visit Kenya.

At this time, most parts of the country experience the onset of the short rains. The weather itself is not so much of a big deal, but the effects on wildlife movements can be more consequential.

In the Maasai Mara, November usually marks the end of the dry season. Temperatures should be around 27C/80F, but with rainfall increasing to around 100mm/4″ for the month. The main migration herds are likely to have departed for the south and be out of range. However, there should also be strong general wildlife viewing, with plenty of predator action.

In the northern areas of Laikipia, Samburu and Mathews Range, conditions are also likely to be changing. Temperatures should still be comfortable, but rainfall increases to 75mm (3”) for the month, a year-round high. This can cause the wildlife to disperse and become a lot more difficult to access.

Conditions continue to be slightly less than optimum down on the tropical coast, where temperatures are rising to around 33C/91F and rainfall remains at a not inconsiderable 100mm/4″ for the month.

Visitor numbers in November are usually low in November, which goes a long way to offset the other disadvantages and makes this a potentially attractive time to explore usually more busy areas.

November is the sixth and final month of the cool dry season and is generally considered to be a great time to visit Mauritius.

The daytime temperatures at this time are rising to a still relatively comfortable 28C (82F). However the constantly high humidities can make it feel a good deal warmer, especially at night, so air-conditioning is widely used.

Rainfall is relatively low, but increasing to a significant 75mm (3”) for the month. There tends to be much higher rainfall in central and southeast areas.

November is shoulder season in Mauritius and relatively quiet. Late booking and discounted prices may be possible.

November is the first month of the hot rainy season and is generally considered to be a less than ideal time to visit Seychelles.

Usually during November the monsoon winds shift around to the northwest and ease, bringing relatively calm conditions and ushering in the start of the monsoon.

The daytime temperatures are up at 30C (86F) and the constantly high humidities can make it feel a good deal warmer, especially at night, so air-conditioning is widely used.

Rainfall is continuing to rise, up to a substantial 225mm (9”) for the month.

Seaweed can be washed up on north-facing beaches, notably in the popular Côte d’Or area of Praslin and north Mahé, including Beau Vallon.

This is also the cyclone season, so major weather systems can blow through and, occasionally, ravage the islands.

This period is low season in the Seychelles, so booking early should be less important and there should be some good value to be found at most lodges.

November is generally considered to be a very good time to visit Sudan.

At this time of year, the temperatures are dropping to a relatively comfortable 29C (84F), with rainfall down at 0mm (0”) and sunshine hours up at 11 hours per day, despite the shorter day length.

Visitor numbers are always low.