Things to Do in Gaborone in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Gaborone
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Green season beauty without the worst of the rains - November sits right at the tail end of Botswana's dry season transitioning into the wet, meaning the bush is starting to green up but you're not dealing with daily downpours like you would in January or February. The landscape photography is actually stunning during this transition period.
- Significantly fewer tourists than peak winter months (June-August) - accommodation prices drop by 20-30% compared to high season, and you'll have places like the National Museum and Gaborone Game Reserve practically to yourself on weekdays. Flight prices from Johannesburg typically run 1,200-1,800 Pula return versus 2,500+ in July.
- Perfect weather for outdoor activities during morning and late afternoon - temperatures from 7am-10am sit around 20-24°C (68-75°F), which is ideal for hiking Kgale Hill or cycling around the city. The heat peaks midday but it's dry heat, not oppressive, and by 5pm things cool down nicely for evening markets and outdoor dining.
- Migratory birds arrive in massive numbers - November marks the start of the rainy season migration, and birdwatchers will find species counts at Gaborone Dam and Mokolodi Nature Reserve jump from around 180 species in October to well over 250 by late November. The intra-African migrants are particularly active and vocal during this period.
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms become increasingly likely as the month progresses - while early November might see only 3-4 rainy days, by the last week you're looking at storms rolling in 5-6 afternoons per week, typically between 2pm-6pm. These aren't all-day rains but they can disrupt outdoor plans if you're not flexible with timing.
- Heat builds significantly by mid-month - while mornings stay pleasant, midday temperatures regularly hit 32-35°C (90-95°F) with that 70% humidity making it feel closer to 38°C (100°F). If you're not accustomed to African heat, the period between 11am-4pm can feel pretty draining, especially for walking tours around the city center.
- Some wildlife viewing becomes less predictable as animals disperse - unlike the dry season when animals concentrate around permanent water sources, November's sporadic rains mean wildlife at places like Mokolodi spread out across larger territories. You'll still see plenty, but game drives require more patience and luck compared to August-October.
Best Activities in November
Kgale Hill sunrise hikes
November mornings are absolutely perfect for tackling Kgale Hill, the 1,287 m (4,222 ft) peak that overlooks Gaborone. Start at 6am when it's still 15-17°C (59-63°F) and you'll reach the summit in about 45-60 minutes with incredible views across the city as the sun rises. The trail is well-maintained but steep in sections, gaining about 400 m (1,312 ft) elevation. By November the vegetation is greening up after the dry season, and you'll often spot klipspringers and rock hyrax along the route. The key advantage this month is the comfortable morning temperatures - by July-August it's actually too cold for many visitors at dawn, and by January the trail can be muddy and slippery from heavy rains.
Mokolodi Nature Reserve game drives
This 3,000-hectare reserve 12 km (7.5 miles) south of the city offers excellent wildlife viewing without the commitment of traveling to Chobe or the Okavango. November is interesting because you're catching the transition period - early month still has good concentrated viewing around waterholes, but as the rains start, you'll see the reserve transform with new green growth and baby animals appearing. White rhino, giraffe, zebra, and various antelope species are reliably spotted. The reserve runs morning drives (6:30am-9:30am) and afternoon drives (3:30pm-6:30pm), and November's milder temperatures make both sessions comfortable, unlike the scorching October heat or the unpredictable January storms.
Gaborone Dam birdwatching and picnics
November is genuinely one of the best months for the dam, located about 7 km (4.3 miles) from the city center. The reservoir attracts massive numbers of waterbirds, and with the intra-African migrants arriving throughout November, you can easily spot 60-80 species in a morning session. African fish eagles, various herons, kingfishers, and waders are everywhere, plus the occasional crocodile basking on the banks. The surrounding area has nice picnic spots under acacia trees, and by November these are shaded and green. Locals flood here on weekends for braais (barbecues), but weekday mornings are quiet. The water levels are typically good in November, unlike September-October when the dam can look quite depleted.
Main Mall and city center cultural walking
Gaborone's compact city center is best explored on foot, and November mornings (7am-10am) or late afternoons (4pm-6:30pm) offer perfect temperatures for wandering. The Main Mall pedestrian street runs through the heart of downtown with the National Museum and Art Gallery, various craft markets, and the Three Dikgosi Monument. What makes November special is the pre-rain energy in the city - vendors are out in full force, street food stalls multiply as people spend more time outdoors in the pleasant weather, and you'll catch the city before the December holiday rush. The National Museum's Botswana history and natural history exhibits are excellent for understanding the country's context, and admission is only 20-40 Pula.
Local food markets and braai culture experiences
November evenings are perfect for experiencing Gaborone's food scene, particularly the informal markets and braai spots that come alive as temperatures drop after sunset. The African Mall area and various neighborhood spots serve up traditional dishes like seswaa (pounded beef), morogo (wild spinach), and bogobe (sorghum porridge), typically 40-80 Pula per meal. What's particularly good in November is the outdoor seating becomes comfortable again after the dry season heat, and you'll find locals gathering for evening meals and socializing. The braai (barbecue) culture is huge here, and some spots let you buy meat and grill it yourself at communal areas. This is also when seasonal foods start appearing as the rains begin - fresh morogo and other wild greens become available at markets.
Day trips to nearby villages and cultural sites
November's pleasant weather makes it ideal for exploring villages within 50-100 km (31-62 miles) of Gaborone like Mochudi, Molepolole, or Gabane. These towns offer authentic Tswana cultural experiences, traditional architecture, craft workshops (particularly pottery in Gabane), and local museums. The roads are still in good condition before the heavy rains of December-February, and the countryside is starting to green up beautifully. Mochudi, about 37 km (23 miles) northeast, has the Phuthadikobo Museum showcasing Bakgatla history and is surrounded by interesting rock formations. The drives themselves are scenic, passing through typical Botswana landscape of acacia woodland and cattle posts.
November Events & Festivals
Maitisong Festival preparations and pre-events
While the main Maitisong Festival typically runs in late March, November often sees preliminary events, workshops, and performances as the cultural calendar builds toward the summer season. The Maitisong Festival grounds and various venues around the city host smaller music and arts events. Worth checking local listings when you arrive, as the schedule varies year to year, but November increasingly features live music performances, particularly traditional and contemporary Botswana music acts at venues around the Main Mall and at hotels.