Things to Do in Burkina Faso in November

November Weather in Burkina Faso

25°C (77°F) High Temp

0.6°C (33°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Post-harvest season brings abundant fresh local produce and the best traditional beer (dolo) brewing - November is when sorghum and millet harvests are processed into local delicacies
Perfect temperatures for exploring Sahel landscapes - daytime highs of 25°C (77°F) make hiking and outdoor activities comfortable without the scorching heat of dry season
Cultural season peaks with post-harvest celebrations and traditional mask festivals in rural communities, offering authentic cultural experiences before tourist season begins
Rainy season has ended but vegetation remains green - you'll see the country at its most beautiful with flowing rivers and lush savanna grasslands

Considerations

Harmattan winds begin bringing Sahara dust, reducing visibility and potentially affecting those with respiratory sensitivities - air quality can drop significantly some days
Rural roads may still have muddy sections from rainy season, making some remote villages and attractions difficult to reach without 4WD vehicles
Tourist infrastructure operates on reduced schedules as this is shoulder season - some lodges in national parks may have limited staff or services

Best Activities in November

Banfora Cascades and Sindou Peaks Trekking

November offers ideal conditions for exploring Burkina's most spectacular natural formations. The Karfiguela Falls are at perfect flow levels post-rainy season, while temperatures remain comfortable for the 3-4 hour hikes. Sindou Peaks provide dramatic sunset views without the haze of full dry season. Local guides are readily available and paths are well-defined after rainy season maintenance.

Booking Tip: Book through established eco-tourism cooperatives 7-10 days ahead. Expect to pay 15,000-25,000 CFA for full-day guided tours including transport from Banfora. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Gorom-Gorom Market and Sahel Cultural Tours

November coincides with post-harvest trading season, making the famous Thursday market at Gorom-Gorom exceptionally vibrant. Tuareg and Fulani traders bring livestock, crafts, and goods from across the Sahel. The weather is perfect for the 600 km (373 mile) journey north - not too hot, roads are passable, and dust storms are minimal compared to deeper dry season.

Booking Tip: Multi-day tours typically cost 80,000-120,000 CFA per person including accommodation in traditional guesthouses. Book 2-3 weeks ahead through cultural tourism operators in Ouagadougou. Ensure tours include cultural sensitivity briefings and local community payments.

Traditional Mask Festival Experiences

November marks the beginning of mask festival season as communities celebrate successful harvests. The famous masks of the Bwa, Bobo, and Mossi peoples emerge for ceremonies that tourists rarely witness. Unlike commercialized festivals, these are authentic community celebrations. Weather is perfect for outdoor ceremonies that can last several hours.

Booking Tip: These require cultural tourism guides who maintain relationships with village elders. Costs range from 40,000-80,000 CFA for multi-day experiences including village stays. Book through cultural centers in Ouagadougou or Bobo-Dioulasso at least 3 weeks ahead. Ceremonies cannot be guaranteed as they depend on community decisions.

Nazinga Game Ranch Wildlife Viewing

Post-rainy season offers excellent wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around remaining water sources while vegetation isn't too dense. Elephant herds are more predictable in their movements, and bird migration creates spectacular viewing opportunities. November's moderate temperatures make game drives comfortable throughout the day rather than just early morning and evening.

Booking Tip: Ranch accommodation costs 35,000-55,000 CFA per night including meals and guided activities. Book directly with the ranch 2-3 weeks ahead as this is when international researchers and photographers visit. Vehicle safaris cost additional 25,000 CFA per day. Current tour packages available in booking section below.

Traditional Brewing and Culinary Experiences

November is prime season for traditional alcohol production as fresh sorghum and millet from recent harvests are processed. Join women's cooperatives making dolo (traditional beer) and chapalo (palm wine). Rural communities also process shea nuts into butter - a practice that peaks in November-December. These authentic cultural exchanges support local economies directly.

Booking Tip: Community-based tourism experiences cost 20,000-35,000 CFA per day including meals and participation in traditional activities. Book through women's cooperatives via cultural tourism offices in major cities. These experiences require 1-2 weeks advance notice to arrange village visits and translator services.

Two Rivers National Park Exploration

November offers the best wildlife and landscape photography conditions at the confluence of the Black and White Volta rivers. Water levels are perfect - not too high from rains, not too low from dry season. Migratory birds arrive in large numbers, and the park's limited infrastructure means you'll have an exclusive experience with proper planning.

Booking Tip: Park entry costs 5,000 CFA plus 15,000-20,000 CFA for mandatory local guides. Camping is available for 10,000 CFA per site. Book through park authorities in Fada N'gourma at least 10 days ahead. 4WD vehicle required - rental costs 40,000-60,000 CFA per day with driver.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Harvest Festival Celebrations

Various communities across Burkina Faso celebrate successful harvests throughout November with traditional music, dancing, and ceremonial offerings. These are authentic community events featuring traditional orchestras with balafons, djembes, and local praise singers. Each ethnic group has distinct celebration styles.

Mid to Late November

Festival des Masques et des Arts

Annual celebration in the Boucle du Mouhoun region featuring traditional mask performances that are integral to Burkina's cultural identity. Local communities demonstrate mask-making techniques and perform ceremonial dances that connect harvest celebrations to ancestral traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing - avoid synthetic fabrics in 70% humidity which becomes uncomfortable during 25°C (77°F) daytime temperatures

Warm layers for surprising nighttime drops to 0.6°C (33°F) - pack fleece or wool sweater for northern regions and desert areas

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 at this altitude with minimal cloud cover most days

Dust mask or scarf for Harmattan winds - fine Sahara sand can cause respiratory irritation and reduces visibility on some days

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots - trails can still be muddy from recent rains, especially around waterfalls and in forest areas

Quick-dry rain jacket - afternoon showers occur 10 days on average lasting 30-45 minutes with little warning

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes remain active in the post-rainy season, particularly around water sources and green areas

Headlamp with extra batteries - rural areas have unreliable electricity and many cultural activities continue after dark

Water purification tablets - while bottled water is available in cities, rural excursions require safe drinking water preparation

Cash in small CFA franc notes - rural communities and local guides prefer cash payments, and ATMs are scarce outside major towns

Insider Knowledge

November is when locals process shea nuts into butter - join women's cooperatives in rural areas for authentic cultural exchange that directly supports communities economically

Harmattan winds typically start mid-November bringing dust from the Sahara - this creates dramatic lighting for photography but requires respiratory precautions for sensitive individuals

Post-harvest season means abundant fresh local foods like fonio grain, fresh dates, and seasonal fruits - November offers the best traditional cuisine experiences of the year

Tourist accommodations offer their lowest prices in November before European winter visitors arrive - book directly with lodges for 30-40% savings compared to peak season rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating nighttime temperature drops - many visitors pack only for daytime heat and suffer in near-freezing northern temperatures without warm clothing

Assuming all roads are passable - some remote attractions still have muddy access roads from rainy season, requiring 4WD vehicles or alternative routes

Expecting high-season tourist services - many facilities operate reduced schedules in November, so confirm operating hours and availability in advance rather than arriving unannounced