Things to Do in Botswana in November

November Weather in Botswana

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Green season photography - November rains transform landscapes into lush emerald backdrops, perfect for wildlife photography as animals gather at water sources daily from 6-9am
Newborn wildlife season - Impala, zebra, and antelope births peak in November, creating incredible photo opportunities and predator activity around Moremi and Chobe
Significantly lower accommodation rates - Lodge prices drop 30-50% compared to peak dry season, with same quality service and fewer crowds at prime locations
Perfect weather for walking safaris - 25°C (77°F) highs with afternoon cloud cover make 3-4 hour guided walks comfortable, unlike scorching October temperatures

Considerations

Unpredictable road conditions - 51mm (2.0 inches) of rain makes some remote areas in Central Kalahari and northern Okavango inaccessible without 4x4 experience
Wildlife disperses from permanent water - Animals spread across the landscape as temporary pools form, making game viewing less predictable than dry season concentrations
Afternoon thunderstorms disrupt plans - 70% chance of 2-3 hour storms between 2-5pm means flexible scheduling essential for outdoor activities

Best Activities in November

Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursions

November's rising water levels create ideal conditions for traditional dugout canoe trips through papyrus channels. Water levels are perfect - high enough for smooth navigation but not flood-stage. Morning trips (6-11am) avoid afternoon storms and offer best wildlife viewing as temperatures stay comfortable at 22-25°C (72-77°F). Fewer tourists mean private waterway experiences.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for November as many operators reduce schedules during green season. Prices typically range P800-1,200 ($60-90) for half-day trips. Look for operators offering storm shelter and flexible rescheduling. Reference booking widget below for current mokoro tour options.

Chobe National Park Game Drives

November brings dramatic skies and excellent predator activity as cats hunt newborn animals. Early morning drives (5:30-9am) and late afternoon sessions (3:30-6pm) bracket the storm period perfectly. Elephants gather in massive herds before dispersing - some groups exceed 200 individuals along riverfront areas. Green vegetation creates stunning contrast for photography.

Booking Tip: Choose operators with covered vehicles and storm contingency plans. Full-day packages typically cost P1,500-2,200 ($115-165) including park fees. Book 10-14 days ahead as some camps close sections during heavy rain periods. See current Chobe tours in booking section below.

Central Kalahari Desert Camping

November transforms the normally arid Kalahari into a flowering desert with yellow devil's thorn blooms covering vast areas. Cooler nighttime temperatures (15-18°C/59-64°F) make camping comfortable without extreme heat. Gemsbok, springbok and brown hyena activity peaks as they follow the rains. Storm watching from camp provides spectacular lightning displays.

Booking Tip: Essential to book guided camping tours rather than self-drive in November due to muddy conditions. Multi-day packages range P2,800-4,500 ($210-340) including meals and equipment. Operators typically require 4WD experience confirmation. Check current availability in booking widget for guided Kalahari expeditions.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Flamingo Viewing

November rains create temporary lakes attracting thousands of flamingos to Sua and Ntwetwe Pans. This spectacle only occurs during rainy months when algae blooms feed the birds. Best viewing 6-10am when birds are most active and lighting is optimal. Combining flamingo viewing with traditional village visits offers authentic cultural experiences during quiet tourist season.

Booking Tip: Flamingo presence depends entirely on rainfall levels, so book flexible tours through operators offering alternative activities. Day trips typically cost P1,200-1,800 ($90-135). Local guides from Gweta village provide best access and cultural context. Reference booking section for current flamingo tour availability.

Moremi Game Reserve Walking Safaris

November's moderate temperatures and lush vegetation create ideal walking conditions in Moremi. Professional guides lead 3-4 hour walks focusing on tracking skills, medicinal plants, and close-encounter wildlife experiences. Morning walks (6-10am) offer comfortable 20-24°C (68-75°F) temperatures and high animal activity before afternoon storms arrive.

Booking Tip: Walking safaris require advance booking as only licensed guides with specific training lead these activities. Costs range P1,500-2,000 ($115-150) per person for half-day experiences. Groups limited to 6 people maximum. Book 2-3 weeks ahead and confirm guide credentials. See current walking safari options in booking widget.

Tsodilo Hills Cultural Tours

November's cooler weather makes climbing Botswana's only UNESCO World Heritage site comfortable. Ancient rock art sites are less crowded, allowing intimate experiences with San Bushmen guides sharing traditional stories. Afternoon storms create dramatic photography opportunities with the four hills silhouetted against lightning-filled skies.

Booking Tip: Essential to use San community guides for authentic cultural context and site access. Day tours including transport from Shakawe typically cost P1,800-2,400 ($135-180). Book through community tourism offices to ensure benefit reaches local communities. Reference booking section for current cultural tour options at Tsodilo.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Dijo Traditional Harvest Festival

Local communities celebrate the first rains and planting season with traditional dancing, singing, and sorghum beer ceremonies. Particularly celebrated in northern villages near the Okavango. Authentic cultural experience rarely seen by tourists as it coincides with low season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - afternoon storms dump 15-25mm (0.6-1.0 inches) in 2-3 hours with strong winds

Quick-dry pants in neutral colors - walking through wet morning grass soaks regular fabric, and earth tones work best for game viewing

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8+ even on cloudy days, and reflection off wet surfaces increases exposure

Waterproof hiking boots - morning game walks traverse muddy terrain, and quality boots prevent twisted ankles on slippery surfaces

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - November rains increase mosquito activity particularly around water sources at dawn and dusk

Plastic bags for electronics - sudden downpours and high humidity (70%) can damage cameras and phones if not properly protected

Light fleece or sweater - early morning game drives start at 15-18°C (59-64°F) and wind chill in open vehicles drops perceived temperature further

Binoculars with lens cloth - essential for spotting wildlife at 200m+ (656ft+) distances, lens cloth critical for removing moisture between uses

Power bank and solar charger - remote camps may have limited charging during stormy periods when generators shut down

Antimalarial medication - consult travel doctor 4-6 weeks before departure as November rains increase mosquito-borne disease risk in northern regions

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early September - many lodges offer 'green season' packages with 30-50% discounts but availability becomes limited as word spreads about November wildlife opportunities

Pack a thermos for morning game drives - hot coffee or tea at 6am when temperatures hit 15°C (59°F) makes the experience far more comfortable, and most camps provide hot beverages to fill it

Schedule important activities before 2pm - afternoon storms arrive with remarkable consistency between 2-5pm, and local guides adjust all major activities around this pattern

Use morning storms for cultural activities - when afternoon rains cancel outdoor plans, visit local villages, craft centers, or take cooking classes that showcase rainy season foods like wild spinach and berries

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting self-drive to remote areas without 4WD experience - November rains create deep mud and sand conditions that trap even experienced drivers

Packing only cotton clothing - cotton takes hours to dry in 70% humidity and becomes heavy when wet during morning dew or rain exposure

Expecting dry season wildlife concentrations - animals spread across landscape when temporary water sources appear, requiring patience and different viewing strategies