Most people have heard of the Serengeti, but not everyone knows that it is in Tanzania. This remarkable wildlife reserve is, however, just one of the reasons to come to this great African country. Wildlife is certainly one of the main attractions for visitors to Tanzania, but there are also the Indian Ocean islands of Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro, unique cultures and stunning scenery. Here is our top 12 list of things to do.
November marks the true end of Tanzania’s long dry season – the end of October sees the seasons shift and the rain comes again to drench the thirsty land. At first, these will come as short, overnight storms that will tamp dust back into the ground and freshen up the landscape.
November is an underrated month to visit Tanzania. While many people want to visit during the dry season window, November is a transitional month where you can see the land change before your very eyes. Roads are still open and river flows are still low, meaning you can move about like it is the dry season.
While the time period from June to October consistently sees peak rates for hotels and resorts in Tanzania, November’s rains bring some relief. November is what we classify as ‘high’ season, which is not quite as popular as ‘peak’ season, but still more popular than ‘low’ season.
You’re therefore likely to find decent prices on accommodations in November as their operators understand that there will be a dip in tourism during this month. This also means that there is likely to be a decent array of options since fewer people are visiting.
Now that the rain has come back and begun drenching the land at the beginning of the green season, the Great Migration is on the move again. No longer confined to watering holes and large rivers that will cater to their millions-strong thirst, the herd can now move on to find food in the newly-green grasslands.
You are likely to find the Migration heading south, following the rain as it drenches the land. While dry season often sees them congregated up north and even in Kenya, November sees the herd move south and into the plains of the central Serengeti, where you’re most likely to spot them.
November is a decent month to go climbing Africa’s highest mountain. While the weather does become more rainy in November, as it is the beginning of the green season, the temperatures are still mild and the weather is not too disruptive. Mountain temperatures can get colder the higher you go, however, so dress warmly.
When ascending in November, you can expect short rainy periods in the early afternoons, but these often give way to clear skies and incredible views – so you need not worry that your sight from the peak will be obscured by clouds. During this short rainy season, you’re likely to take the Marangu or Rongai routes.
While the short rainy season has come about, this does not mean that animals will be few and far between. Indeed, lots of animals now begin moving outward, spreading themselves further afield instead of focusing on sparse watering holes. Migrations are common, especially with migratory birds returning to the parks of Tanzania.
If you are concerned about this, Ngorongoro has compact game densities year round, but all the northern parks hold something special. Tarangire National Park and others start warming up – the rains bringing new growth and humidity back to the forests of northern Tanzania, allowing the land to explode in colour.
While November is the beginning of Tanzania’s short rainy season, Zanzibar still gets its fair share of sunshine – 10 hours a day, usually. While there will be rainfall, these are usually short bursts that occur in the early afternoon, leaving lots of time to enjoy the beach.
November’s rains also come at the end of the long dry season, meaning that Zanzibar’s flora and fauna burst into life, giving the island a lush, verdant feel. The wind around the island in November is much softer, giving an incredible platform and still waters for diving around the island’s numerous reefs.
November is the beginning of a short, wet season. While it certainly doesn’t experience as much rainfall as April or May, there is enough to make the local flora bloom into magnificence. The weather also heats up in November, with daily highs of up to 32°C.
Every year around November, Pemba Island experiences a bit of a heatwave that lasts through December and well into February. While the rest of the country has a short rainy season followed by a green season, the Green Island isn’t ever without the beautiful foliage which gives it its nickname.
Like the more well-known parks up north, the southern parks experience a revitalisation in November. With the return of the rain in November comes the return of colour to these parks, which have been varying shades of brown and beige since June.
Animals begin to spread from their dense congregations around watering holes and rivers that were used to feed and sustain them in the dry months, now dispersing in search of newly-grown food sources from the rain. The heat will also increase throughout November, as the afternoon storms bring with them humidity.
February is a great time of year to visit Ruaha National Park if you are an avid birdwatcher. Migratory birds return in full breeding plumage, creating a beautiful display for bird enthusiasts. They feast on the array of insects available, which is wonderful for photos but you will definitely want to bring along some repellent.
The southern circuit is much less busy in February, so this is an ideal time to capitalise on some privacy while viewing wildlife in our lush parks.
Even though the rainy season of the last two months of the year has begun, November is still a very good time to visit Nyerere. After the animals of the park have been densely packed for the long dry season, November’s rains bring a general scattering of the wildlife, allowing you to see them in action and on the move!
November marks the end of the dry season and the beginning of Mahale’s wet season. The chimpanzees will begin their trek to higher and cooler climates in the peaks, while the November rain makes the vegetation around the lake teem with new life and growth!
Katavi is off the beaten track, allowing for greater privacy as you view the rivers, floodplains, and grasslands teeming with wildlife in January. If you pride yourself on taking the road less travelled, arrange to visit Katavi in January for your safari.
As November comes, so too comes the end of western Tanzania’s dry period. However, the wet weather does not come all at once so if you are keen on the best chance to see Jane Goodall’s Kasekela chimpanzees in the wild, November is your last chance of the year!
Asili Explorer is a sustainable travel agency that offers authentic and unforgettable adventures for curious travelers seeking meaningful experiences around the world.
The team is fully vaccinated against COVID.
