Things to Do in Nairobi in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Nairobi
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- November marks the start of Nairobi's long rains transitioning to drier weather - you'll catch the tail end of the wet season which means lush, green landscapes perfect for wildlife photography at Nairobi National Park without the dusty conditions of dry season. The grass is still short enough that animals are visible, but everything looks vibrant.
- Shoulder season pricing actually works in your favor - accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to July-August peak season, and you'll find tours to Maasai Mara and day trips have better availability with smaller group sizes. Book 2-3 weeks ahead instead of the usual 6-8 weeks for high season.
- The jacaranda trees are in full bloom throughout November, turning the city purple - Uhuru Highway, University Way, and the residential areas of Karen become genuinely stunning. Locals call it 'Jacaranda Season' and it's actually the best time for photography around the city.
- Temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities - mornings start cool at 15°C (59°F) which is perfect for early game drives (animals are most active), then warm to comfortable 25°C (77°F) by afternoon. You'll avoid both the cold of June-July and the intense heat that comes later in the dry season.
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days mean you need flexibility in your schedule - afternoon showers typically hit between 2pm-5pm and last 30-45 minutes. They're usually not all-day washouts, but they will disrupt outdoor plans. Safari game drives can get muddy, and some dirt roads in parks become temporarily impassable.
- November sits awkwardly between migration seasons for the Maasai Mara - the Great Migration has moved back to Tanzania's Serengeti by late October, so if seeing massive herds crossing rivers is your main goal, you're about 3-4 months too late. That said, resident wildlife viewing remains excellent.
- The humidity at 70% combined with afternoon heat makes midday exploration uncomfortable - that 25°C (77°F) feels closer to 28°C (82°F) when you're walking around the city center. You'll want to plan indoor activities or lunch breaks during the hottest part of the day between noon and 3pm.
Best Activities in November
Nairobi National Park Morning Game Drives
November is genuinely one of the best months for the park - the vegetation is lush from recent rains but not overgrown, and animals congregate around remaining water sources making them easier to spot. The park is less crowded than peak season, and morning temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F) mean active wildlife. You'll likely see lions, rhinos, giraffes, and if you're lucky, leopards. The backdrop of Nairobi's skyline against green plains is striking this time of year.
Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum Combined Tours
The Karen suburb area is spectacular in November with jacaranda blooms everywhere. The Giraffe Centre works well as a morning activity before it gets too hot, and the resident Rothschild giraffes are always active during feeding times. Combine it with the Karen Blixen Museum nearby - the gardens are particularly beautiful this time of year. The whole area feels less touristy in November compared to peak season.
Karura Forest Walking and Cycling
This 1,063-hectare urban forest is perfect in November - the trails are lush, waterfalls are flowing from recent rains, and the canopy provides shade during warmer afternoon hours. It's where locals go to escape the city, and you'll see Nairobi residents jogging, cycling, and picnicking. The 50 km (31 miles) of trails range from easy walks to longer cycling routes. Mornings are coolest and best for longer hikes.
Nairobi Food Market and Street Food Tours
November's pleasant evenings make outdoor food markets enjoyable - Toi Market on Saturdays, Maasai Market (rotates locations daily), and the evening food scene around Ngara and Eastleigh neighborhoods come alive. This is when you'll eat what locals actually eat - nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali, samosas, mandazi, and Swahili coastal dishes. The food scene has exploded in the past few years with night markets becoming more organized.
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Visits
The baby elephant feeding session at 11am is worth the hype - November timing works well because you can visit in the morning before afternoon showers typically arrive. The orphanage has been rehabilitating elephants for decades, and watching the keepers interact with baby elephants is genuinely moving. The site is small and visits are brief (about 1 hour), but it's one of those experiences that actually lives up to expectations.
Bomas of Kenya Cultural Performances
November's comfortable temperatures make the outdoor homestead village tours more pleasant than during hotter months. The afternoon cultural performances (weekdays 2:30pm, weekends 3:30pm) showcase traditional dances from Kenya's 42+ ethnic groups. It's touristy, yes, but it's actually well done and gives context to Kenya's cultural diversity. The homestead recreations show traditional architecture from different regions.
November Events & Festivals
Nairobi Restaurant Week
Typically runs in late November for 10 days - participating restaurants offer fixed-price menus (usually 1,500-2,500 KES for three courses) at upscale spots that would normally cost double. It's become a major food event with 50+ restaurants participating across Nairobi. Book tables ahead as popular spots fill up quickly. Great way to try high-end restaurants at reasonable prices.
Blankets and Wine
This monthly outdoor music festival happens on the first Sunday of November at Uhuru Gardens or alternating venues. It's where young Nairobians go for live music, food vendors, and socializing - think picnic atmosphere with Afrobeat, soul, and local artists performing. Gates open around 2pm, main acts start 5pm. Tickets are 2,000-3,000 KES. Very much a local scene rather than tourist-focused.