Things to Do in Eswatini in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Eswatini
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring wildflowers transform the countryside - November is when Eswatini's grasslands explode with color after early rains, particularly in Malolotja Nature Reserve where you'll see fields of red-hot pokers and proteas without the January crowds
- Perfect wildlife viewing temperatures - mornings around 16°C (61°F) mean animals are active at waterholes from 6am-10am in Hlane and Mkhaya, and you won't be sweating through your safari clothes by 9am like you would in January or February
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in mid-month - after November 15th when South African school holidays end, lodge rates drop 20-30% compared to December peak season, and you'll actually get reservations at popular spots like Mlilwane without booking six months ahead
- Marula season begins - late November is when the marula fruits ripen, which means you might catch elephants getting tipsy on fermented fruit at Hlane, plus local homesteads start brewing buganu (marula beer) and you'll see women collecting fruits in traditional ceremonies
Considerations
- Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms - those 10 rainy days typically hit between 2pm-5pm with dramatic lightning shows, which means you'll need to plan morning game drives and be flexible with hiking schedules at Malolotja or Sibebe Rock
- Early summer humidity builds throughout the month - that 70% humidity feels manageable in the highlands around Mbabane but gets sticky in the Lowveld (Hlane, Mkhaya), and if you're not used to it, you'll tire faster on walks and hikes
- Some cultural events are between seasons - you'll miss the Incwala ceremony (December-January) and the Umhlanga Reed Dance (late August), so November is actually quieter for traditional ceremonies, which might disappoint if that's your primary interest
Best Activities in November
Malolotja Nature Reserve highland hiking
November is genuinely the best month for Malolotja's high-altitude trails. The wildflowers are peaking after early spring rains, temperatures at 1,800 m (5,905 ft) elevation stay comfortable for all-day hikes (rarely above 24°C/75°F), and the waterfalls are flowing properly unlike the dry winter months. The morning mist burns off by 9am giving you clear views across the mountains. You'll see far fewer people than December-January South African holiday rush.
Lowveld game reserve drives
Hlane Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve hit their sweet spot in November. Animals concentrate around waterholes during the warming days but haven't dispersed into thick vegetation yet like they will after December rains. Morning temperatures of 16°C (61°F) mean lions and rhinos are active early. The grass is shorter than summer peak, improving visibility. Book the 6am drives - by 10am it gets warm and animals retreat to shade.
Ezulwini Valley cultural village visits
November's moderate weather makes exploring the Ezulwini Valley's cultural attractions comfortable - you're not dealing with winter cold or mid-summer heat. Mantenga Cultural Village and Swazi Cultural Village offer traditional homestead tours, dance performances, and craft demonstrations. The afternoon storms usually hold off until 3pm, giving you solid morning and early afternoon touring. Locals are preparing for summer ceremonies, so you might catch rehearsals and traditional beer brewing.
Sibebe Rock sunrise climbs
The world's second-largest granite dome is spectacular in November. Start the 1.5-hour climb at 5:30am when it's cool (around 16°C/61°F), reach the summit for sunrise around 6:45am, and descend by 9am before heat builds. November's recent rains mean the surrounding landscape is green and the Mbabane valley views are crystal clear before afternoon haze sets in. The granite face dries quickly after overnight rain, so even if it rained the previous evening, morning climbs are usually fine.
Malkerns Valley craft route touring
November is ideal for exploring the Malkerns craft workshops and studios because you're between the winter tourist lull and December rush - artisans have time to chat and demonstrate techniques. The valley stays 2-3°C (4-5°F) cooler than Mbabane due to elevation, and you can duck into studios during afternoon rain. You'll find Swazi candles, hand-woven baskets, ceramics, and glass blowing. This is where you buy authentic crafts directly from makers, not market resellers.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary walking and mountain biking
Mlilwane is perfect for November because it's one of the few reserves where you can walk and bike freely among wildlife (no dangerous predators). Morning temperatures are ideal for the 3-hour Nyonyane Mountain hike or cycling the 15 km (9.3 miles) of trails through the sanctuary. You'll see zebra, warthog, wildebeest up close. The landscape is transitioning from dry winter browns to summer greens. Afternoon storms rarely last more than an hour, and the rest camp has covered areas to wait them out.
November Events & Festivals
Marula fruit harvest season begins
Late November marks the start of marula season when the yellow fruits ripen. This is culturally significant - women have traditional rights to harvest marula, and you'll see groups collecting fruits in rural areas. Local homesteads begin brewing buganu (marula beer), and some lodges offer tastings. At Hlane and Mkhaya, elephants actively seek out marula trees, and guides will tell you the folklore about elephants getting drunk on fermented fruit (debated by scientists, but entertaining to watch regardless).