November is East Africa’s short-rains month and a good-value time to travel. Uganda’s low-season permits apply (gorilla US$600, Kibale chimp US$200), Rwanda’s 30% permit discount starts again (with Nyungwe or Akagera stays), landscapes turn green, and Palearctic migrant birds arrive. Rain usually falls in short afternoon showers, and the migration herds move south into the Serengeti.
Key takeaways
- Uganda low-season permits: gorilla US$600, chimp US$200.
- Rwanda 30% gorilla permit discount from November (conditions).
- Short rains, usually in afternoon showers.
- Migrant birds arrive: a great birding month.
- Migration herds move south through the eastern Serengeti.
November is the month of the short rains in East Africa. Brief showers turn the landscapes green again, dust settles, and prices fall. For gorilla trekkers and birders, November is one of the best-value months of the year.
Uganda: low-season permits return
Uganda’s low-season rates apply again in November: US$600 for gorilla tracking and US$200 for Kibale chimp tracking, payable at booking and non-reschedulable. With fewer visitors, it is a great time for two gorilla treks, as on our 5-day double gorilla trekking safari. Read the gorilla permit guide.
Rwanda: permit discount season
Rwanda’s 30% gorilla permit discount for November to May applies when you combine Volcanoes with stays in Nyungwe or Akagera; conditions apply.
Kenya and Tanzania
The migration herds move south through the eastern Serengeti as the short rains arrive, heading for the calving grounds. The Masai Mara is quieter, with excellent resident wildlife. Landscapes are fresh and green.
Birding
November is outstanding for birders. Palearctic migrants arrive from Europe and Asia, wetlands fill with waders and many residents breed. See our 7-day Uganda birding safari.
Weather and what to pack
- Warm days with short showers, usually in the afternoon.
- Waterproof jacket, boots and gaiters for forest treks.
- Insect repellent and a dry bag for electronics.
Why travel in November
- Lower permit prices in Uganda and discounts in Rwanda.
- Quiet parks and good availability.
- Green landscapes and fresh light for photography.
November at a glance
| Country | Conditions | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | Short rains | US$600 gorilla permits |
| Rwanda | Short rains | Permit discount season |
| Kenya | Short rains | Quiet Mara |
| Tanzania | Short rains | Herds heading south |
| Zanzibar | Short showers | Good-value beach stays |
Birding in November
November is one of the best months for birding in East Africa: migrants from Europe and Asia arrive in large numbers, and many resident species breed in fresh plumage.
Events and holidays
Kenya’s Lamu Cultural Festival is usually held in November, celebrating Swahili culture with dhow races, donkey races and traditional music in Lamu Old Town.
Costs and value in November
November is one of the best-value months of the year: Uganda’s gorilla permits drop to US$600, chimp permits to US$200, and many lodges offer green-season rates. In Rwanda, combining Volcanoes with Nyungwe or Akagera can reduce the gorilla permit by 30%.
A sample November journey
Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe and walk the canopy walkway, relax at Lake Kivu, trek gorillas in Volcanoes with the discounted Rwandan permit, then cross into Uganda for a second, low-season gorilla trek in Bwindi.
Who November suits: budget-conscious gorilla trekkers, birders and photographers who enjoy dramatic skies. It is also a good month for travellers who prefer quiet parks and small trekking groups. Bring waterproofs and a flexible attitude, and you will be rewarded with green scenery and some of the best value of the year.
Frequently asked questions
Is November a good time for gorillas?
Yes, for value: Uganda’s permit is US$600, and Rwanda’s discount scheme starts again. Trails can be muddy.
Does it rain all day in November?
Usually not. Short rains tend to fall in afternoon or evening showers.
Where is the migration in November?
Moving south through the eastern and central Serengeti towards the southern plains.
Is November good for birding?
Excellent: migrants arrive from Europe and Asia and many residents breed.
Is Zanzibar good in November?
Generally yes, with short showers; December is drier.
Can I combine November gorillas with Zanzibar?
Yes. Zanzibar usually has only short showers in November, and flights connect easily via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
Is November a good month for photography?
Yes. Rain clears the dust, skies are dramatic and the landscapes are fresh and green.
Are all lodges open in November?
Yes, almost all lodges and camps are open, and many offer green-season rates. A few seasonal camps in Tanzania move to new locations as the herds head south.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
