In short
- November is the green season in Kenya. Camps are quieter, the landscape is lush and the big cats are still easy to find.
- Thanksgiving 2026 falls on 26 November. To be on safari that week, you would fly out around 20 or 21 November.
- Short notice trips depend on availability. Send us your dates and we check the best camps the same week.
- Allow time for your Kenya electronic travel authorization. Apply as soon as you decide.
Many American families have the whole of Thanksgiving week free. A safari fits it well.
Thanksgiving 2026 is on Thursday 26 November. That is just over 4 weeks away, which is enough time to plan a trip if you act now.
We are a Kenyan owned luxury safari company in Karen, Nairobi.
Is November a good time for a safari in Kenya?
Yes. November sits in what many travelers call the green season, when short rains can fall and the land turns lush.
You will see fewer vehicles at sightings. The light is soft, the skies can be dramatic and the camps feel unhurried.
Rain is likely at times, but it often falls as short showers, usually in the afternoon. We cannot promise the weather, so we plan with flexibility.
What will you see in November?
The Great Migration herds have mostly moved south into Tanzania by this time. The Maasai Mara still holds plenty of resident wildlife.
- Lions, leopards and cheetah, which are easier to see with the grass short in places and fewer vehicles.
- Elephants and giraffe in good numbers.
- Young animals born in the green season.
- Excellent birdlife, including migrant birds that arrive from Europe.
Can you really book a safari this late?
Often, yes. November is quieter than July to October, so more camps have availability.
Short notice trips still depend on dates and camps. The best way is to tell us your dates, your group size and what you want to see. We check availability and come back with options.
How a Thanksgiving week safari works
Here is a simple shape for the week.
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Around 20 November | Fly from the USA to Nairobi |
| Around 21 November | Arrive, meet your guide and rest in Karen |
| 22 to 28 November | Your safari, including Thanksgiving Day on the 26th |
| Around 29 November | Fly home, ready for the week ahead |
Thanksgiving Day itself can be special. We can arrange a private dinner under the stars or a bush breakfast, if you wish.
Three journeys we would suggest
| Journey | Days | Why it suits Thanksgiving week |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Day Mahali Mzuri Ultra Luxury Safari | 5 | A short, rich stay for guests with limited time |
| 8 Day Ultra Luxury Maasai Mara Safari | 8 | Two exceptional camps in one week |
| 9 Day Luxury Kenya Safari | 9 | A full journey across Kenya's great parks |
How do you get from the USA to Nairobi?
New York has a nonstop on Kenya Airways, and other cities connect once. Read our guide to safari from the USA for routes and time differences by city.
After 1 November, Nairobi is 8 hours ahead of New York, 9 hours ahead of Chicago, 10 hours ahead of Denver and 11 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
What do you need before you travel?
You need a valid passport and a Kenya electronic travel authorization. Processing can take a few days, so apply as soon as you decide. Rules and fees change, so please check the official government portal.
If you also visit Tanzania, check the entry rules for that country.
Why plan a Thanksgiving safari with Ongeri Expeditions?
We are based in Nairobi, so we know the camps, the guides and the roads. Every journey is private, and we can change plans as the weather changes.
Written by Ongeri Experts of Ongeri Expeditions, a Kenyan owned luxury safari company in Karen, Nairobi. We visit every camp we sell, and we plan these journeys every week. Last checked 26 October 2026.