Our recommended November safaris
Family “Green Season Discovery” (10–12 days): Nairobi → Ol Pejeta → Masai Mara → Diani Beach
Fewer crowds and friendlier lodge rates, easy Big Five chances in Ol Pejeta, predator action in the Mara, then warm Indian Ocean downtime. Short afternoon showers = perfect for pool time and rest between drives; lush backdrops make awesome family photos.
Couples “Amboseli & Mara Fly-In” (6–8 days): Amboseli → Mara Conservancy
Romantic lodges, private sundowners, and clear post-shower views of Kilimanjaro in Amboseli; then big-cat territory in Mara conservancies with off-road freedom and night drives. Fewer vehicles, dramatic skies—an intimate, cinematic safari.
Solo “Big Cats & Rhinos Circuit” (7–9 days): Nairobi → Ol Pejeta → Lake Naivasha → Masai Mara
Small-group departures keep costs sensible. Rhino tracking and hands-on conservation at Ol Pejeta, birds and boating on Naivasha, and resident lions/cheetahs in the Mara. Sociable camps with communal dining make it easy to meet fellow travelers.
Tell us your dates and travel style and we’ll tailor one of these for you—same wildlife, smarter pacing for November.
Quick take: Is November a good time?
Yes—if you like fewer crowds, lower prices, dramatic skies and vibrant green landscapes. November is the short-rains month: showers are typically brief (often late afternoon/evening) and safaris run normally. Birding is exceptional thanks to Palearctic migrants; cats hunt actively; and Amboseli’s post-rain views of Kilimanjaro can be spectacular.
Weather in November (vs other seasons)
Short-rains in a nutshell: Expect warm days with bursts of rain rather than day-long washouts. Mornings are great for game drives; showers are more likely late afternoon or at night.
Compared with July–October (peak dry season): Greener grass, softer light, far fewer vehicles, less dust and more moody cloudscapes.
Compared with March–May (long rains): November is much less disruptive. The long rains (especially April) can close remote tracks; November rarely does.
Coast (Diani/Watamu/Lamu): Warm, humid and beach-friendly between passing showers; sea temperatures are lovely.
Wildlife expectations in November
- Masai Mara: The big migration herds have usually moved back toward Tanzania by November, but resident plains game and very active predators (lion, cheetah, leopard) remain excellent. Green backdrops make photos pop and you’ll find fewer vehicles at sightings.
- Amboseli: Shallow wetlands and open plains come alive; elephants abound and, after showers, Kilimanjaro often appears crystal clear.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia): East Africa’s flagship black-rhino stronghold (and the last two northern white rhinos). Guided rhino experiences, lion tracking and night drives are big November wins.
- Aberdares: Misty forest, waterfalls and lodge waterholes draw elephant, buffalo and forest antelope. It’s cool and damp—great if you like moody, highland scenery.
- Birding everywhere: With migrants arriving Oct–Nov, species counts balloon across the Mara, Rift Valley lakes, Tsavo and the coast.
Best places to visit in November
- Amboseli National Park – Elephant families, green swamps and potential post-rain Kili views.
- Masai Mara (especially conservancies) – Big cats + fewer crowds; conservancies allow off-road and night drives.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy – World-class rhino viewing and conservation activities; easy link from Nairobi.
- Rift Valley lakes (Nakuru/Naivasha/Elementaita) – Peak birding; flamingo returns at times depending on water/algae.
- Tsavo East/West – Vast, wild and uncrowded; landscapes flush green after showers.
- Coastal Kenya (Diani, Watamu, Lamu) – Warm seas, culture and cuisine; excellent value in the shoulder season.
- Aberdare Range – Forest lodges with night-lit waterholes; pack layers and waterproofs.
Festivals & events in November
- Mombasa Carnival – Kenya’s biggest street festival with parades and coastal culture, typically in November (dates vary).
- Lamu Cultural Festival – Dhow races, donkey derbies and Swahili heritage—often late November.
Tip: Confirm the year’s exact dates before locking flights.
What to wear in November
Safari basics:
Light, breathable layers; a packable waterproof or poncho; quick-dry trousers/shorts; neutral tones (olive/khaki/grey); closed shoes/light boots with grip; a warm layer for early drives; sun hat + sunscreen.
By region:
- Nairobi (city & day trips): Smart-casual works—jeans, light shirts, compact umbrella/rain jacket, closed shoes for wet pavements.
- Masai Mara & Amboseli: Neutral layers, hat, sunscreen and a light rain shell; add a fleece/soft-shell for breezy, cool drives.
- Ol Pejeta (Laikipia): Similar to the Mara but mornings can be crisp—bring a warmer layer and rain shell.
- Aberdares: It’s cool and wet—think fleece/light puffer, waterproof jacket and waterproof footwear.
- Coastal region (Diani/Watamu/Lamu): Airy cotton/linen, sandals, and a light shawl for evenings. Away from resorts, dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees in towns/villages).
Park fees snapshot (2024/25)
Fees change periodically and sometimes vary by season—please confirm at booking. Citizens/Residents pay in KSh at lower rates.
KWS-managed parks (per adult, per day, non-resident):
- Amboseli, Lake Nakuru: ~US$60
- Nairobi National Park: ~US$43
- Tsavo East/West: ~US$52
- Aberdare/Meru/Mt Kenya (selected gates): ~US$43
Masai Mara National Reserve (Narok County):
- Jul–Dec: US$200 per adult per 12-hour day
- Jan–Jun: US$100 per adult per 12-hour day
(November falls in the Jul–Dec bracket.)
Ol Pejeta Conservancy:
- Non-resident adult ~US$110; child ~US$55 (daily)
November vs other seasons—pros & trade-offs
Game viewing:
Resident wildlife is excellent—expect strong big-cat chances, energetic grazers and great birding. You trade dramatic migration river crossings for quieter sightings and lush scenery.
Weather reliability:
Showers are common but usually brief. All-day downpours are more a March–May thing.
Photography:
Cleaner air, stormy skies, rainbows, rich greens and less heat-haze than dusty peak months—superb for images.
Value & availability:
Better availability and softer rates than July–October; many properties offer green-season specials.
Sample 8-day November outline
Day 1–2: Nairobi
Warm-up game drive in Nairobi National Park or visit the Giraffe Centre; dinner at a local favorite.
Day 3–4: Ol Pejeta (Laikipia)
Rhino tracking, possible lion tracking and an optional night drive.
Day 5–7: Masai Mara Conservancy
Big-cat focus, fewer vehicles. Optional hot-air balloon at sunrise.
Day 8: Fly to the Coast (add 2–4 days if you can)
Diani or Lamu for beach time, Swahili culture and seafood.
Practical planning tips
- 4×4 matters: Black-cotton soils can turn slick; we use proper 4×4 vehicles and guides experienced in wet conditions.
- Flexible timing: Guides may shift drive times to dodge showers (early morning + late afternoon often win).
- Health: It’s mosquito season—use repellent and wear long sleeves/pants in the evenings. Ask your clinician about malaria prophylaxis suitable for you.
- Coast add-on: Expect warm seas with passing showers—great value in November.
- Insurance: Because weather can be changeable, consider robust trip interruption coverage.
Ready to plan?
Whether you’re a family after gentle pacing and great value, couples seeking romance and privacy, or a solo traveler keen on conservation and big cats, November plays to your strengths: fewer crowds, photo-friendly light and budgets that stretch further. Share your dates and wishlist—we’ll tailor one of our November itineraries to you.
