When to Go
Masai Mara in November: Short Rains, Green Plains and Low Crowds
The Masai Mara in November: the short rains begin, the plains turn green, resident predators stay active, migrant birds arrive and prices fall.
November brings the short rains to the Masai Mara. The migration herds have usually returned to the Serengeti, the plains turn green again, and the reserve becomes quiet, with good resident wildlife and some of the year’s best value.
Weather
Short rains typically fall as afternoon or overnight showers, with sunny mornings. Some roads can be muddy, but rarely for long.
Wildlife
The Mara’s resident lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, topi and plains game remain. Fresh grass brings new growth and young animals, and migrant birds from Europe and Asia arrive, making it a superb month for birders.
Crowds and prices
November is one of the quietest months in the Mara, and many camps offer low-season or shoulder rates. It is ideal for travellers who want space and value.
Who should go?
November suits repeat visitors, photographers who love green landscapes and dramatic skies, birders and travellers on a budget. If you want the migration herds, combine the Mara with the eastern or southern Serengeti, where the herds are heading.
Where to stay in November
The Mara offers three main bases, each worth considering in November. Camps inside the national reserve give the quickest access to the Mara River and the open plains. The private conservancies to the north and east limit vehicles and allow night drives, walks and off-road driving, which makes sightings quieter. The Mara Triangle, west of the river, is well managed and usually has fewer vehicles than the eastern reserve. Many travellers combine a conservancy with full days in the reserve.
Pros and cons of November
- Pro: Low crowds and lower prices
- Pro: Green plains and migrant birds
- Pro: Active resident predators
- Con: Afternoon showers
- Con: No migration herds in the Mara
A suggested trip
Three nights in the Mara combined with the eastern or southern Serengeti, where the herds are heading. Flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport take under an hour, or the drive takes five to six hours.
What to pack
A rain jacket, quick-drying clothes, a warm layer and binoculars for birding. Keep luggage to a soft bag of about 15 kilograms if you are flying.
Read our Kenya month-by-month guide.
We plan private safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, and write from time spent in these parks.
