Things to Do in Kenya in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Kenya
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Short rains season means lush, green landscapes without the heavy downpours of April-May. Showers typically last 30-45 minutes in late afternoon, clearing up for evening game drives. The countryside looks absolutely spectacular, and dust levels are minimal for photography.
- Excellent wildlife viewing as the Great Migration herds are in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara. You'll catch the tail end of river crossings at the Mara River, though numbers start thinning toward month's end as herds move south into Tanzania's Serengeti.
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after the October peak. Accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to July-October, and you'll find better availability at popular lodges without advance booking pressure. Flight prices from Europe and North America also dip before December holidays.
- Fewer tourists than the July-October high season, particularly noticeable in the second half of November. You'll have more breathing room at popular viewpoints and better chances of private or semi-private game drives, though Amboseli and Masai Mara still see decent visitor numbers early in the month.
Considerations
- Unpredictable rainfall patterns mean you might encounter muddy roads, particularly in conservancies and private reserves. Some seasonal camps in the Mara close for maintenance mid-to-late November, and a few remote tracks become temporarily inaccessible after heavy downpours.
- The Great Migration starts moving south into Tanzania's Serengeti around mid-November, so timing matters significantly. If you're visiting specifically for massive herds, early November is substantially better than late November when numbers in the Mara drop considerably.
- Coastal humidity at 70% feels sticky, especially in Mombasa and Diani Beach. The Indian Ocean coast experiences intermittent rain and the sea can be choppy with reduced visibility for diving and snorkeling compared to January-March conditions.
Best Activities in November
Masai Mara Game Drives
November offers that sweet spot where you can still catch Migration herds in the northern Mara during the first two weeks, with noticeably fewer safari vehicles than August-October. The short rains green up the landscape beautifully, making for stunning photography with dramatic cloud formations. Predator activity remains excellent as resident lions, leopards, and cheetahs are active year-round. Morning drives typically start at 6:30am when temperatures are coolest around 18°C (64°F), and afternoon drives work well as most rain arrives after 4pm. The grass height is manageable for spotting wildlife, unlike the tall grass of wet season peaks.
Amboseli Elephant Encounters
November brings fresh vegetation that draws Amboseli's massive elephant herds closer to lodges and viewpoints. The park's famous Kilimanjaro backdrop appears more frequently in November mornings before clouds build up around 10am, giving you those iconic photo opportunities. With 70% humidity, early morning starts around 6am offer the clearest views and most comfortable temperatures of 16-18°C (61-64°F). The swamps remain full from recent rains, concentrating wildlife around water sources and making game viewing predictable. Dust levels are minimal compared to dry season, which is easier on sinuses and camera equipment.
Nairobi Cultural Experiences and Museums
November's variable weather makes Nairobi's indoor attractions particularly appealing for afternoon backup plans when rain hits. The Nairobi National Museum offers excellent air conditioning during humid days, and the Karen Blixen Museum provides covered verandas for rainy afternoons. The Giraffe Centre works well in light rain as the platform is partially covered, and giraffes are actually more active in cooler, overcast conditions. Bomas of Kenya cultural performances run rain or shine in covered venues. Late November timing means you'll avoid school holiday crowds that pack these spots in August and December.
Lake Nakuru Flamingo and Rhino Viewing
November rains bring rising water levels that attract fluctuating flamingo populations to Lake Nakuru. While flamingo numbers vary based on algae levels, the park's southern white rhino and endangered black rhino populations remain reliably visible year-round. The varied terrain from lakeshore to acacia forest means productive game viewing regardless of weather. Rothschild giraffes, tree-climbing lions at Makalia Falls area, and leopards in the fever tree forests are November highlights. The 4-5 hour drive from Nairobi passes through the scenic Rift Valley with dramatic escarpment views enhanced by green season landscapes.
Lamu Old Town Walking Tours
The Swahili coast town of Lamu experiences warm November temperatures around 28-30°C (82-86°F) with occasional afternoon showers that cool things down nicely. The UNESCO World Heritage old town is best explored on foot in early morning from 7-10am before heat peaks, wandering narrow streets where donkeys remain the primary transport. November falls outside peak European winter visitor season, so you'll experience more authentic local life. The dhow-building yards, Swahili architecture, and waterfront markets operate normally, and the lack of cars makes the entire town pedestrian-friendly regardless of brief rain showers.
Mount Kenya Forest Hikes
November sits between rainy seasons on Mount Kenya, offering relatively stable weather for lower altitude forest hikes in the 2,000-3,000 m (6,562-9,843 ft) range. The montane forest is lush and green, waterfalls are flowing strongly, and you'll spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, elephants, and diverse birdlife. Serious summit attempts face challenging conditions, but day hikes and overnight trips to Met Station at 3,050 m (10,007 ft) work well with proper rain gear. Morning temperatures in the forest hover around 12-15°C (54-59°F), warming to 18-20°C (64-68°F) by midday. Afternoon clouds and occasional rain are typical above 2,500 m (8,202 ft).
November Events & Festivals
Lamu Cultural Festival
This annual celebration of Swahili culture typically happens in mid-to-late November, featuring traditional dhow races, donkey races, Swahili poetry competitions, and henna painting demonstrations. The festival showcases authentic coastal culture with taarab music performances, traditional dance, and local cuisine. It's grown from a small community event into a significant cultural gathering while maintaining genuine local character rather than tourist-oriented performances.