Things to Do in Lesotho in November

November Weather in Lesotho

20°C (68°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

120mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Dramatic thunderstorm photography opportunities - November's intense afternoon storms create spectacular lightning displays over the mountains, best captured between 2-5pm when clouds build dramatically
Waterfalls at peak flow - Maletsunyane Falls reaches maximum volume in November with 120mm (4.7 inches) of rainfall, creating the most impressive 192m (630ft) cascade of the year
Wildflower blooms across highlands - November rains trigger explosive wildflower displays in the Maloti Mountains, with red-hot pokers and wild gladioli carpeting slopes at 2,000m+ (6,560ft+) elevation
Traditional planting season cultural immersion - November is mohau (planting season), offering authentic experiences with Basotho farmers preparing fields and participating in community planting ceremonies

Considerations

Road conditions deteriorate rapidly - November rains turn mountain passes into muddy, slippery challenges requiring 4WD vehicles and adding 2-3 hours to journey times between major towns
Afternoon outdoor activities frequently cancelled - Thunderstorms hit 70% of afternoons between 2-6pm, disrupting hiking and pony trekking schedules with dangerous lightning at high altitudes
Chilly evenings catch travelers off-guard - Temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) at night despite warm 20°C (68°F) days, and most accommodations have limited heating at 1,400m+ (4,593ft+) elevation

Best Activities in November

Sani Pass 4WD Adventures

November transforms Sani Pass into an adventure playground with dramatic weather changes every few kilometers. Morning departures (7-8am) avoid afternoon storms while showcasing the pass at its most challenging. The 20km (12.4 mile) ascent gains 1,300m (4,265ft) through ever-changing weather patterns - perfect for experiencing Lesotho's raw mountain power.

Booking Tip: Book 4WD tours 7-10 days ahead through operators with weather contingency plans. Tours typically cost M800-1,200 ($45-67) and require morning departures. Look for operators offering flexible rescheduling due to November's unpredictable weather patterns.

Maletsunyane Falls Photography Tours

November's rainfall creates the most powerful flow at Africa's highest single-drop waterfall. The 192m (630ft) cascade reaches peak volume, creating massive spray clouds perfect for rainbow photography. Early morning light (6-9am) combined with mist creates ethereal conditions impossible during dry months.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused tours cost M600-900 ($33-50) and require early starts to beat afternoon storms. Book through guides familiar with wet-weather safety protocols at the falls viewpoint.

Basotho Cultural Village Experiences

November's mohau (planting season) offers authentic cultural immersion as Basotho communities prepare fields and conduct traditional planting ceremonies. Participate in age-old agricultural rituals, learn traditional weather prediction methods, and understand how communities adapt to highland climate challenges.

Booking Tip: Cultural experiences cost M400-600 ($22-33) and work best as full-day programs. Book through community-based operators who can arrange homestay options during planting season activities.

Maloti Mountains Wildflower Hiking

November rains trigger spectacular wildflower displays across the Maloti range. Red-hot pokers, wild gladioli, and endemic mountain flowers carpet slopes above 2,000m (6,560ft). Guided botanical hikes reveal flowers found nowhere else on Earth, best viewed during brief dry spells between storms.

Booking Tip: Botanical hiking tours cost M500-800 ($28-44) and require flexible scheduling around weather. Book with guides who know microclimates and can read November's rapidly changing mountain weather patterns.

Traditional Rondavel Accommodations

November's cool evenings make traditional stone rondavels with central fireplaces especially appealing. Experience authentic Basotho architecture while staying warm during 8°C (46°F) nights. Many villages offer authentic stays during planting season when cultural activities are most active.

Booking Tip: Traditional accommodations cost M300-500 ($17-28) per night and should be booked 5-7 days ahead during November's cultural season. Look for options including traditional meals and evening storytelling around fires.

Mohale Dam Storm Watching

November storms create dramatic displays over Mohale Dam's 1,977m (6,486ft) elevation waters. The combination of lightning, mountain reflections, and rapidly changing cloud formations offers world-class storm photography. The dam area provides safe viewing points for experiencing Lesotho's powerful weather systems.

Booking Tip: Storm viewing excursions cost M400-700 ($22-39) and require afternoon timing (1-5pm) when thunderstorms build. Book with operators who prioritize safety during lightning activity and know best viewing positions.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Mohau Planting Ceremonies

Traditional community planting ceremonies marking the start of the agricultural year. Basotho families gather to bless seeds, perform traditional dances, and begin collective field preparation. Visitors can participate in authentic cultural practices rarely seen by tourists.

Early to Mid November

Pitso Traditional Gatherings

Chiefs hold important pitso (traditional assemblies) during November to organize community planting activities and discuss water management during rainy season. These authentic governance meetings offer insight into traditional Basotho leadership and decision-making.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for 1,500m+ (4,921ft+) elevation - November's muddy mountain paths and stream crossings require serious ankle support and grip

4-season sleeping bag rated to 5°C (41°F) - Highland accommodations often lack heating, and November nights drop to 8°C (46°F) at elevation

Quick-dry hiking pants and rain pants - Afternoon storms soak clothing instantly, and cotton takes days to dry in November's 65% humidity

Lightning-safe rain jacket with hood - November thunderstorms bring dangerous lightning at high altitude; metallic zippers and components should be avoided

Headlamp with extra batteries - Power outages are common during November storms, and early morning activities start before sunrise at 5:30am

SPF 50+ sunscreen and glacier glasses - UV index reaches 9 at altitude, and reflection off wet rocks increases exposure dramatically

Thermos for hot drinks - Essential for maintaining body temperature during 8°C (46°F) morning starts and chilly evening temperatures

Waterproof phone case and backup power bank - November's wet conditions destroy electronics, and you'll need navigation during sudden weather changes

Merino wool base layers - Superior insulation when wet, crucial for November's temperature swings from 8-20°C (46-68°F) daily

Microspikes or yaktrax - Morning frost at altitude creates slippery rock surfaces before 9am, especially on popular hiking trails above 2,200m (7,218ft)

Insider Knowledge

November storms follow predictable patterns - clear mornings until 1pm, cloud buildup 1-2pm, thunderstorms 2-6pm, clearing by sunset. Plan outdoor activities for 7am-12pm window to avoid dangerous afternoon lightning.

Basotho farmers use traditional weather prediction during November planting season - watch for cattle behavior, cloud formations over specific peaks, and wind direction changes. Local knowledge is more accurate than weather apps in the mountains.

November road conditions change hourly - what's passable at 8am may be impassable by 4pm after afternoon storms. Always carry emergency supplies and inform someone of your route when traveling between towns.

Traditional healers are most active during November's planting season, gathering medicinal plants after rains. Respectfully ask village guides about opportunities to learn traditional plant medicine practices - never approach healers directly.

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling afternoon outdoor activities - 70% of tourists lose hiking or pony trekking time to 2-6pm thunderstorms. Book morning departures and accept that November requires flexible timing.

Underestimating temperature drops - visitors pack for 20°C (68°F) days but suffer through 8°C (46°F) nights without warm layers. Highland elevation creates dramatic temperature swings.

Attempting mountain passes after 1pm - afternoon rains turn gravel roads treacherous within minutes. Morning travel is essential for safe passage between regions during November.