Africa in November

Where to go in Africa in November

West Africa and the Sahara open up.

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27 places at their best in November

Ngorongoro Crater

A vast volcanic caldera packed with wildlife, one of the best places to see black rhino.

Jun to Feb 1 to 2 nights

Cape Town

Table Mountain, beaches, penguins, wine and food in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Oct to Apr 4 to 6 nights

Hermanus

One of the best places on earth to watch whales from the shore.

Jun to Nov 1 to 2 nights

Victoria Falls

One of the largest waterfalls in the world, on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Feb to Nov 2 to 3 nights

Lake Malawi

A vast freshwater lake with clear water and colourful fish.

May to Nov 3 to 5 nights

Tofo

A laid-back beach town famous for diving with manta rays and whale sharks.

Apr to Nov 4 to 6 nights

Marrakech

Souks, riads and the nightly theatre of Jemaa el-Fna square.

Mar to May, Sep to Nov 3 to 4 nights

Fes

The world’s largest car-free urban area, a medieval medina still working as it always has.

Mar to May, Sep to Nov 2 to 3 nights

Chefchaouen

A blue-washed mountain town in the Rif.

Mar to May, Sep to Nov 1 to 2 nights

Luxor

The world’s greatest open-air museum: temples, tombs and the Valley of the Kings.

Oct to Apr 2 to 3 nights

Lalibela

Medieval churches carved down into solid rock, still in daily use.

Oct to Mar 2 nights

Lamu

A car-free Swahili town of donkeys, dhows and carved doors.

Jul to Mar 3 to 4 nights

Diani Beach

Long white beaches and coral reefs south of Mombasa.

Jul to Mar 3 to 6 nights

Weather by region

East Africa

Short rains; green and quieter.

Southern Africa

First rains and baby animals.

North Africa

Pleasant days, cool nights.

West Africa

Dry season: best time to visit.

Islands

Warm; Seychelles calm season.

The Great Migration in November

Eastern and central Serengeti. Short rains draw the herds south. The herds follow the rain, so this is the typical pattern, not a promise.

Month by month →

Events and natural spectacles

  • Whale sharks arriveAbout November to February · Djibouti

Festival dates can change, especially those set by religious calendars. Confirm before you book.

Countries in their best season

Countries where most governments advise against travel are left out.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I go in Africa in November?
Top picks for November include Ngorongoro Crater, Cape Town, The Garden Route, Hermanus, Makgadikgadi Pans, Victoria Falls.
Where is the Great Migration in November?
Usually around the Eastern and central Serengeti. Short rains draw the herds south. The herds follow the rain, so exact locations vary.
What is the weather like in Africa in November?
East Africa: Short rains; green and quieter. Southern Africa: First rains and baby animals. North Africa: Pleasant days, cool nights. West Africa: Dry season: best time to visit. Islands: Warm; Seychelles calm season.