Best Destinations for an African safari in November

African Safari in November

African Safari in November – Where to Go & Why

Quick snapshot

Best for: Cape Town and the Western Cape as early summer, KwaZulu-Natal turtle season begins, South Africa green season safari options with birding highlights, and (for flexible travellers) early green-season offers in parts of Southern Africa
Weather: shoulder-season shift – start of the summer rains with consequent changing wildlife concentrations.
Watch-outs: rain risk increases (especially later in November); some Zambia lodges close from late-November; Zambia/Zimbabwe/Namibia can still be very hot

Top picks for November (best destinations)

South Africa (Cape Town plus Winelands & Garden Route) – early summer scenic touring, comfortable hiking weather, and the last weeks of whale sightings
South Africa (Greater Kruger) – start of the rainy season, but often as afternoon thunderstorms; excellent birding as migrant birds arrive
KwaZulu-Natal (Maputaland coast) – start of leatherback turtle season (a very special time to visit)
Namibia (Damaraland) – excellent for desert-adapted elephants
Botswana / Zimbabwe / Malawi (early November) – potential green-season offers if you’re comfortable with heat but game-viewing is more challenging
Ethiopia (historic north) – start of a popular dry, sunny touring season for cultural sightseeing

What’s happening in November (why it works)

In Southern Africa, November marks the transition out of the peak safari season in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Malawi as the dry winter period comes to an end. This is when pricing often becomes more attractive. But the chance of rain rises, and game-viewing becomes far less consistent. If you’re flexible and heat-tolerant, early November can be a clever window to travel before the rains become more established.

November/December also brings the arrival of many migrant bird species — making it an excellent time for birders.

In South Africa, the Cape (Cape To wn, Garden Route, Cape Winelands) starts to come into its own again. Summer flowers are in bloom, it’s warm but not yet scorching, and it’s still a wonderful time to be active (think Table Mountain and the outdoors). These are also some of the last weeks you’re likely to see whales in Walker Bay/Hermanus.

Along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, November brings one of South Africa’s most extraordinary seasonal experiences: Leatherback Turtles come ashore in northern Maputaland to lay eggs — a magical time to visit if you enjoy nature at its rawest.

November is the start of the rainier season, but the wildlife effects are less marked in South Africa with its fenced in reserves.

In Namibia, November is still one of the best months to look for Desert Adapted Elephant in Damaraland. But safaris in Etosha become more inconsistent.

In East Africa, drier conditions are prevailing after the short rains of October/November. Whilst November is the last chance to visit the south of Ruaha and the Selousprior to main summer rains.

Islands & Coast – November remains a great month for a beach stay on Mozambique, Mauritius and it’s a great time to enjoy a safari and beach trip on Madagascar.

Birding in Malawi - Lake Malawi - malachite kingfisher

Turtle-tracking-Coastal-Maputaland-Turtle shot1

Where to be cautious in November

Botswana / Zimbabwe / Namibia: green-season value begins, but rain disperses wildlife (especially later in the month)
Zambia: many lodges & camps close from mid-November ahead of heavier rains (with some exceptions, e.g. central South Luangwa)
KwaZulu Natal: safari can be excellent, but it’s greener and storms can affect driving and game-viewing