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Lemala Safaris: honey badger crossing golden hills
A view across a crater floor with a candelabra tree on the slope in the foreground

Short rains

Tanzania in November

Showers turn the landscape green again. Herds begin drifting south, migrant birds return, and prices drop before the festive season.

Showery
For a safari
Showery
For Kilimanjaro
Mixed
For Zanzibar beaches
Birding
Main draw this month

Tanzania in November at a glance

Short rains, fresh green

  • The weather

    The short rains usually arrive in showers that refresh the grass without closing roads in most places. They are gentler than the long rains.

  • Where the herds are

    The herds turn back south through the eastern and central parts of the park, often via the Lobo area and the east side of the Seronera valley. The movement is spread out and quieter than the river crossings.

  • The parks

    Landscapes turn green within weeks and migrant birds arrive from Europe and Asia. Some southern camps close in the wet months, so check before you book.

  • Kilimanjaro

    The mountain is wetter and cloudier than in the dry windows, so most climbers choose other months.

  • Zanzibar and the coast

    Showers are possible on Zanzibar as the short rains arrive.

  • Crowds and rates

    A shoulder month with lower rates and good game viewing.

Planning a trip in November

  • Good for

    Birdwatching, Lower rates, Quiet parks

  • Watch out for

    Afternoon showers, and some remote camps are closed.

  • What to pack

    A light waterproof jacket, quick-drying layers and a camera dry bag.

Our verdict on November

November trades guaranteed clear skies for solitude, soft light and lower rates, and many returning guests prefer it for a second trip.

Safaris that suit November

Itineraries from our collection that list November among their best months, from the lowest starting price.

Compare with other months

Choose another month to see how it differs. The bars show how good each month is for a safari.

Questions answered

What travellers ask us

November trades guaranteed clear skies for solitude, soft light and lower rates, and many returning guests prefer it for a second trip.

The herds turn back south through the eastern and central parts of the park, often via the Lobo area and the east side of the Seronera valley. The movement is spread out and quieter than the river crossings.

The mountain is wetter and cloudier than in the dry windows, so most climbers choose other months.

A light waterproof jacket, quick-drying layers and a camera dry bag.

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