Our Top Picks for November
Whether you are planning to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in East Africa, experience a Big 5 safari in the Kruger National Park or spend your honeymoon in the Seychelles, timing is important. Our guidelines are based on our expert, on-the-ground knowledge of Africa’s travel seasons.
Zanzibar Archipelago - Tanzania
Season | Summer | Average Temperature for November | 26 Celcius | 79 Farenheit
What
A post-safari bliss out on some of the Indian Ocean’s most beautiful islands coupled with exploring historic Stone Town for gifts and mementos. The truly adventurous can snorkel and dive with colossal whale sharks, which generally arrive off the coast in about November.
Why
Safaris have a lot of early mornings, late nights and bumpy roads, making them exhilarating but often tiring, too. A few days on an idyllic island like Thanda, Pemba or no-expense-spared Mnemba will help you arrive home truly recharged. Zanzibar gets only on average nine rainy days this month and the underwater visibility for divers is at its best.
When to book
If you specifically want to dive with whale sharks, we’d recommend securing your beach lodge as early as possible. If you’re just keen on ‘shopping and flopping (onto a sun lounger)’ then you can leave it a little later although Zanzibar is a popular honeymoon destination.
Southern Serengeti - Tanzania
Season | Summer | Average Temperature for November | 22 Celcius | 72 Farenheit
What
Wildebeest on the move as they migrate away from the Masai Mara in Kenya down to their birthing and feed grounds in the Southern Serengeti. And, according to the ancient laws of nature, where there are wildebeest en masse, you are sure to find lions, leopards, wild dogs, spotted hyenas and cheetahs (the Seronera Valley is thought to have the highest concentration of cheetahs in the world). In addition to countless bellowing wildebeest, many non-predator species start dropping their babies from about now.
Why
The Wildebeest Migration is controlled by rainfall. By November the ‘short rains’ have generally arrived in the region to rejuvenate depleted grazing and water sources. This is the start of the Green Season and coincides with more availability and lower rates. Don’t be put off by the mention of rain – showers are generally short and occur in the afternoon.
When to book
Another bonus about Green Season is that you don’t need to plan up to a year ahead, unlike peak season. Chat to your Africa Safari Expert when you and your family decide you’d like to discover the Southern Serengeti in November.