Things to Do in Kenya in November

November Weather in Kenya

25°C (77°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Short rains period begins - dramatic afternoon thunderstorms clear quickly, leaving cooler evenings perfect for game drives and outdoor dining
Green season pricing kicks in mid-November - safari lodges drop rates by 30-50% compared to peak season while wildlife viewing remains excellent
Migration transitions create unique wildlife opportunities - witness massive herds moving between Maasai Mara and Serengeti as November marks the start of southern movement
Perfect weather window for Mount Kenya climbing - clear morning conditions with afternoon cloud cover providing natural shade for technical routes above 3,500m (11,483 ft)

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon downpours can cancel scheduled bush walks and disrupt internal flight schedules - always have indoor backup plans
Some remote conservancies become temporarily inaccessible - certain Samburu and Laikipia area roads may close for 24-48 hours after heavy rains
Beach conditions at the coast are variable - Diani and Watamu experience choppy seas and occasional strong winds that limit water sports

Best Activities in November

Maasai Mara Wildlife Photography Safaris

November offers the perfect storm for photographers - dramatic cloud formations create stunning backdrops while the Great Migration's southern movement provides action shots. Morning game drives (6:30-10:30am) feature golden hour lighting with animals most active before afternoon heat. The short rains wash dust from vehicles and vegetation, creating vibrant green backdrops impossible during dry season.

Booking Tip: Book conservancy access through licensed operators 14-21 days ahead. Expect pricing of $400-600/day including vehicle and guide. Morning slots fill fastest - afternoon drives often canceled due to weather. Look for operators offering weather guarantees and flexible rescheduling.

Amboseli Elephant Research Experiences

November's green season brings Amboseli's famous elephant families closer to lodges as they feast on fresh grasses. Clear morning views of Kilimanjaro (5,895m/19,341ft) occur 70% of mornings before afternoon clouds roll in. The Amboseli Trust for Elephants conducts active research this month, offering unique insights into family dynamics during abundance season.

Booking Tip: Research-focused experiences typically cost $350-500/day through certified operators. Book 10-14 days ahead as educational programs have limited spots. Morning departures essential - afternoon programs often weather-dependent. See current research tour options in booking section below.

Lake Nakuru Flamingo Spectacles

Recent rains concentrate algae blooms that attract over 2 million flamingos to Lake Nakuru in November - one of nature's greatest shows. Early morning visits (7-9am) offer best photography before heat creates shimmer effects. The lake's alkaline waters reach perfect concentration levels this month, creating the pink carpet effect that made this location famous.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Nairobi cost $180-280 including transport and park fees. Book 7-10 days ahead through operators with reliable 4WD vehicles - some access roads become muddy. Photography-focused tours include specialized blinds and longer stops at optimal viewpoints.

Mount Kenya Technical Climbing Routes

November provides ideal conditions for Point Lenana (4,985m/16,355ft) ascents with morning clarity and afternoon cloud protection. The Sirimon-Chogoria traverse becomes accessible as trail conditions improve with recent moisture. Technical routes on Batian and Nelion face optimal rock conditions - rain cleans holds while temperatures remain comfortable for multi-pitch climbing.

Booking Tip: 5-day technical climbs cost $800-1200 through certified mountain guides. Book 3-4 weeks ahead as permits require advance processing. Look for operators providing weather updates and flexible summit day timing. Essential to verify guide credentials with Kenya Mountain Guides Association.

Tsavo East Red Elephant Photography

November's dust-settling rains reveal Tsavo's famous red elephants in their truest colors - iron-rich soil creates the distinctive rust coating that defines this population. Galana River flows increase, concentrating wildlife around permanent pools. The 13,747 sq km (5,308 sq mile) park becomes incredibly photogenic with dramatic storm backgrounds and enhanced visibility.

Booking Tip: Multi-day safaris cost $300-450/day including accommodation. Book through operators with Tsavo expertise 14-18 days ahead. Request flexible itineraries for weather contingencies. Look for camps near Galana River for consistent wildlife viewing during afternoon storms.

Lamu Island Cultural Heritage Tours

November brings perfect conditions to Kenya's Swahili coast - reduced tourist crowds and cooling sea breezes make exploring Lamu Old Town comfortable. Traditional dhow sailing conditions improve as monsoon transitions create favorable winds. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers authentic cultural immersion without peak season crowds, and local artisans are more available for extended interactions.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours cost $80-150/day including dhow transfers and guide services. Book 7-10 days ahead through locally-registered operators. Combine with 2-3 night stays for full immersion. Afternoon cultural programs continue despite brief rain showers as most activities occur in covered traditional buildings.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Maasai Cultural Festival Season

November marks traditional Maasai ceremonies celebrating the short rains' arrival. Communities in Kajiado and Narok counties perform thanksgiving rituals and cattle blessing ceremonies. Authentic cultural experiences become available through community conservancies, offering insights into traditional weather prediction and seasonal livestock management practices.

Throughout November

Kenya Coffee Harvest Celebrations

November coincides with the main coffee harvest in central Kenya's highlands. Kiambu, Muranga, and Nyeri counties host farm-to-cup experiences where visitors participate in picking, processing, and tasting ceremonies. This seasonal opportunity provides direct farmer interactions impossible during other months.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof daypack cover - afternoon showers arrive suddenly and last 20-45 minutes, protecting camera gear and electronics is essential

Quick-dry safari pants in khaki or olive - cotton takes too long to dry in 70% humidity, synthetic blends dry within 2-3 hours

Lightweight rain jacket with pit zips - temperatures remain warm (24-25°C/75-77°F) during storms, ventilation prevents overheating

SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, equatorial sun penetrates cloud cover

Merino wool long sleeves - perfect for early morning game drives (starting at 6:30am) when temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F)

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - essential for walking safaris and cultural village visits on muddy terrain

Microfiber towels that dry in 4-6 hours - standard towels remain damp for days in November's humidity

Silica gel packets for camera equipment - protect lenses and electronics from moisture damage in safari vehicles

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - increased moisture brings out mosquitoes, particularly active during dusk game drives

Packable down vest - mornings at altitude (above 2,000m/6,562ft) can drop to 12°C (54°F) before sunrise

Insider Knowledge

Book internal flights for morning departures only - afternoon thunderstorms cause 40% of flight delays and cancellations between 2-6pm daily

Request ground floor rooms at safari lodges - November's humidity makes stairs exhausting and you'll want quick access to outdoor areas when rain stops

Carry cash in small bills (500-1000 KES notes) - ATMs in remote areas often run out during holiday season buildup, and vendors struggle with change

Pack malaria prophylaxis even for highland destinations - increased rainfall brings mosquitoes to elevations typically considered low-risk above 1,800m (5,906ft)

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling tight connections through Wilson Airport - afternoon weather delays create cascading flight disruptions, allow minimum 3-hour buffers

Bringing only one pair of shoes - even waterproof boots need 24-48 hours to fully dry, pack backup footwear for consecutive walking days

Assuming all parks remain accessible daily - some conservancy roads close temporarily after heavy storms, always have alternative destinations planned