Equatorialguinea in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Equatorialguinea

30°C (86°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Wet season is ending - fewer torrential downpours than September-October, but still lush green landscapes and waterfalls at peak flow
Tourist numbers drop significantly after October safari season - you'll have Pico Basile hiking trails and Monte Alén National Park largely to yourself
Sea turtle nesting season peaks on Bioko Island beaches - November offers the best chance to witness leatherback and green turtle nesting without crowds
Malabo's cultural calendar heats up with Independence Day preparations (December 12th) - local markets overflow with traditional crafts and music rehearsals are everywhere

Considerations

Humidity averages 85% with frequent afternoon thunderstorms lasting 1-2 hours - outdoor activities need flexible timing
Some logging roads to remote national park areas may still be impassable from wet season damage - 4WD essential and some areas inaccessible
Flight connections through Malabo can be disrupted by afternoon storms - international departures often delayed 2-3 hours

Best Activities in November

Pico Basile Peak Hiking

November's cooler mornings (22°C/72°F) make the 3,008m (9,869 ft) ascent more comfortable before afternoon clouds roll in. Cloud forest is at its most busy after the wet season, with endemic orchids blooming. Start at 6am to summit by 10am and avoid the daily 2pm cloud cover that obscures views.

Booking Tip: Book through certified mountain guides in Malabo 7-10 days ahead. Expect to pay 45,000-60,000 CFA francs ($75-100) for guided day trips. Look for guides with National Park Authority credentials and emergency communication equipment.

Monte Alén National Park Wildlife Tracking

November marks the end of fruit season when forest elephants and western lowland gorillas are most active near rivers and clearings. Morning game drives (6-10am) offer the best wildlife viewing before afternoon rains. The park's 1,200 sq km (463 sq miles) are least crowded now, with muddy conditions keeping casual visitors away but creating ideal tracking conditions.

Booking Tip: Reserve park accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead - only 3 eco-lodges operate and they close during heavy rains. Multi-day packages typically cost 85,000-120,000 CFA francs ($140-200) including meals and guides. Ensure operators provide rain gear and have backup indoor activities.

Bioko Island Sea Turtle Watching

November is peak nesting season for leatherback turtles on Ureca Beach - the largest turtle nesting site in the Gulf of Guinea. Night tours (8pm-2am) offer 80% chance of witnessing nesting. The remote location means you'll often be the only observers. Rough seas from November storms make boat transfers challenging but add to the adventure.

Booking Tip: Book turtle watching permits through Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program 10-14 days ahead. Tours cost 30,000-45,000 CFA francs ($50-75) including boat transfers and local guide fees. Weather-dependent - have backup dates available.

Malabo Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

November's frequent afternoon rains make covered cultural activities essential. Spanish colonial buildings like the Cathedral of Malabo and Presidential Palace are best explored during the cooler morning hours (8-11am) before storms hit. Local historians offer insights into 1960s independence era that you won't find in guidebooks.

Booking Tip: Connect with licensed cultural guides through the National Tourism Office in Malabo. Half-day tours typically cost 15,000-25,000 CFA francs ($25-40). Book morning slots and confirm guides have indoor backup locations for rainy weather.

Moca Lake Kayaking and Fishing

November brings stable water levels to this volcanic crater lake after wet season replenishment. Morning paddling (7-10am) offers glass-calm conditions and excellent chances to spot endemic Bioko drill monkeys coming to drink. Afternoon thunderstorms create dramatic photography opportunities from covered pavilions.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals available from local operators for 8,000-12,000 CFA francs ($13-20) per half-day. Book through eco-tourism cooperatives in nearby villages. Life jackets and basic safety equipment typically included, but confirm in advance.

Bata Market and Fang Culture Experience

November harvest season brings the best variety of tropical fruits and traditional foods to mainland markets. The transition period means both wet season fruits (breadfruit, safou) and early dry season crops are available. Local Fang ethnic demonstrations increase as communities prepare for December independence celebrations.

Booking Tip: Cultural experiences through community tourism groups cost 20,000-35,000 CFA francs ($35-60) for full-day programs including meals and craft workshops. Book 5-7 days ahead through local cultural centers. See current community-based tour options in the booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Pre-Independence Cultural Festival Preparations

Throughout November, communities across both Bioko and mainland prepare for December 12th Independence Day with traditional music rehearsals, craft-making workshops, and dance competitions. Malabo's central plaza becomes an informal cultural hub with daily performances and artisan markets.

Mid to Late November

Leatherback Turtle Conservation Events

The Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program hosts educational turtle conservation programs for international visitors during peak nesting season. Limited to 12 participants per session, these combine scientific research participation with traditional conservation practices of local communities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking boots waterproofed for muddy trails - essential for national park exploration and turtle beach walks

Lightweight rain poncho and waterproof daypack cover - afternoon storms in November last 1-2 hours with intense rainfall

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 despite cloud cover, reflection off wet surfaces intensifies exposure

Long-sleeved shirts in moisture-wicking fabric - protection from insects and wet vegetation while hiking in 85% humidity

Headlamp with extra batteries - turtle watching tours operate in complete darkness and power outages are common during storms

Waterproof phone case and portable charger - humidity can damage electronics and charging opportunities are limited in remote areas

Anti-malarial medication and insect repellent with 30% DEET - November's standing water increases mosquito populations significantly

Cash in small CFA franc denominations - ATMs are scarce outside Malabo and card payments rarely accepted for activities

Binoculars in waterproof casing - essential for wildlife viewing and bird watching in cloud forest conditions

Lightweight sleeping bag liner - accommodations often lack air conditioning and humidity makes bedding feel damp

Insider Knowledge

November flights from Europe arrive during afternoon storm season - book connecting flights with minimum 4-hour layovers in Malabo to account for weather delays

Local guides offer much better wildlife tracking success rates than self-guided visits - they know seasonal animal movement patterns that change dramatically between wet and dry seasons

Currency exchange rates are better at licensed cambios in Malabo than at the airport - save 8-12% on your spending money by changing money in town rather than arrival

Many accommodations offer 'rainy season' discounts in November despite it being optimal for wildlife viewing - book directly with properties for 20-30% savings over online platforms

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling tight itineraries without weather flexibility - November storms can delay boat transfers and domestic flights by several hours

Bringing cotton clothing instead of synthetic fabrics - cotton stays wet for hours in 85% humidity and can cause skin irritation during long hikes

Expecting Western-style tourist infrastructure outside Malabo - most real feels require basic accommodations and patience with limited amenities