Things to Do in Botswana in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Botswana
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Green season transformation - November marks the start of the rains, turning the Kalahari from dusty brown to vibrant green within days. Wildlife congregates around emerging water sources, making game viewing surprisingly concentrated. The first rains trigger mass migrations of zebra and wildebeest in the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of Africa's most underrated wildlife spectacles.
- Birding paradise - Over 200 migratory species arrive in November, including carmine bee-eaters, Abdim's storks, and countless raptors. The Okavango Delta becomes a birder's dream as European migrants join resident species. If you're into photography, the dramatic storm clouds create lighting conditions that wildlife photographers wait all year for.
- Shoulder season pricing with fewer crowds - You're catching the tail end of dry season rates before December's holiday surge. Lodges in the Delta and Chobe typically offer 20-30% discounts compared to peak June-October pricing, and you'll have waterholes largely to yourself. Most international tourists haven't figured out that early green season is actually spectacular.
- Baby animal season begins - Many antelope species drop their young in November to coincide with the fresh grazing. You'll see newborn impala, springbok, and wildebeest taking their first wobbly steps, which naturally attracts predators. The circle of life plays out daily, and it's genuinely more active than the dry season's waiting-at-waterholes game viewing.
Considerations
- Unpredictable afternoon storms disrupt plans - Those 10 rainy days don't tell the full story. November storms are intense but brief, typically rolling in between 2-5pm and lasting 30-60 minutes. They can turn dirt roads into mud traps within minutes, and some remote camps become temporarily inaccessible. Flight schedules on small charter planes get delayed regularly, so build buffer days into your itinerary.
- Heat and humidity combination is intense - That 70% humidity with 25°C (77°F) temperatures feels considerably hotter than the numbers suggest, especially midday. The air gets thick and sticky, and you'll be changing shirts twice daily. If you struggle with humid heat or have respiratory issues, this might not be your month. Locals joke that November is when you discover muscles you didn't know could sweat.
- Some camps close for annual maintenance - A handful of lodges, particularly smaller owner-run operations, use the shoulder season for repairs and staff leave. The major camps stay open, but you'll have fewer accommodation options than in peak season. Always confirm your specific lodge is operational for your dates, especially in the more remote concessions of the Delta.
Best Activities in November
Okavango Delta mokoro excursions and walking safaris
November is actually ideal for exploring the Delta's waterways before they flood completely. Water levels are rising but channels remain navigable, and you'll glide past wildlife coming to drink at the expanding lagoons. The birdlife is exceptional with migrants arriving daily. Walking safaris work beautifully in the cooler morning temperatures before the humidity kicks in around 11am. The vegetation is lush but not yet overgrown, so visibility remains good for tracking game on foot.
Makgadikgadi Pans zebra and wildebeest migration viewing
November is THE month for the Makgadikgadi migration, though it's entirely rain-dependent. When the first substantial rains hit, up to 30,000 zebra and wildebeest move from the Boteti River onto the pans to graze the fresh grass. It's dramatic, unpredictable, and far less crowded than East African migrations. The vast white pans against green grass and stormy skies create surreal landscapes. Worth noting - if the rains are late, the migration delays, so this requires some flexibility in your schedule.
Chobe River boat safaris for elephant herds
November offers a sweet spot on the Chobe River. Elephants are still concentrated along the riverfront as inland pans are just starting to fill, but the tourist boats from peak season have thinned out considerably. You'll see herds of 50-100 elephants crossing the river, especially late afternoon. The birdlife is phenomenal with fish eagles, kingfishers, and migrant waders everywhere. Morning boat trips work better than afternoon due to storm risk, but the dramatic clouds make for incredible photography if you time it right.
Central Kalahari predator tracking drives
The Central Kalahari transforms in November as the pans fill with water and herbivores disperse from the few permanent waterholes. This means predators, especially the famous black-maned Kalahari lions, must cover larger territories to hunt. Game drives become more adventurous as you track fresh spoor across newly greened plains. The landscape shifts from monochrome to technicolor almost overnight after good rains. It's genuinely one of the most remote safari experiences on the continent.
Moremi Game Reserve mixed habitat game drives
Moremi in November gives you the best of both worlds - permanent Delta water plus fresh seasonal pans forming after rains. This concentrates different species in smaller areas, and the predator action is typically excellent. Lions and leopards are active, and the mixed woodland and floodplain habitat means you can see 15-20 species in a single morning drive. The vegetation is lush but not yet overgrown, so sightings remain good. Afternoon storms actually enhance the experience with dramatic lighting.
Gaborone and Maun cultural experiences and craft markets
When afternoon storms hit, Gaborone's museums and Maun's craft cooperatives become perfect alternatives. November is actually when many basket weavers bring fresh inventory to markets after the harvest season. You'll find authentic Botswana baskets, pottery, and textiles at better prices than peak tourist months. The National Museum in Gaborone covers San culture and natural history comprehensively. Maun's markets near the airport road offer genuine interaction with local artisans, not tourist theater.
November Events & Festivals
Maitisong Festival
Gaborone's premier performing arts festival typically runs late November into early December, showcasing Botswana music, dance, theater, and poetry. It's genuinely local-focused rather than tourist-oriented, giving you authentic insight into contemporary Botswana culture. Performances happen at various venues around the capital, with evening shows starting around 7pm. This is where you'll hear traditional setinkane music alongside modern kwaito and jazz fusion.