Thanksgiving week is one of the easiest times for an American family to take a big trip. Many families have several days off, and a Tanzania safari fits well into that break. This guide gives you a 7-day plan across Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. It also explains what November is really like on the ground, so you know what to expect before you book. If you want a wider look at trip length, read our guide on how many days you need for a Tanzania safari from the US.

Why Thanksgiving Week Works for a Tanzania Safari

November sits between the busy dry season and the festive season rush. As a result, the parks are quieter, and the lodges often offer better value than they do from July to October.

The land is also green at this time of year. The short rains have started, so the plains look fresh, the skies are dramatic, and the birdlife is rich. For families, this means fewer vehicles at each sighting and more room to enjoy it.

There is one thing to plan for early. There are no direct flights from the US to Tanzania, so you need about a full day of travel each way. Because of this, we count the flying days separately and build the plan below around seven days on the ground.

What Is the Weather Like in Tanzania in November?

November is the start of the short rains. Showers are usually brief, and they often fall in the afternoon or at night. So game drives still run on most days, and you rarely lose a full day to rain.

That said, the weather is never fixed. Some days will be dry and bright, and others will bring a heavier shower. Pack a light rain jacket, a hat, and layers, because mornings in the highlands can be cool.

Where Is the Great Migration in November?

In November, the herds are moving back south through the Serengeti. They spread across much of the park during the month, and they reach the southern plains late in the month.

Because of this, the herds can be in a different place each year. No honest operator can promise an exact spot. What we can do is plan three nights in the Serengeti, so your guide has time to find them. Predators are also active at this time, and the green grass draws large numbers of plains game.

You can read more about the park on our Serengeti National Park page.

Your 7-Day Thanksgiving Safari Plan

This plan covers the classic northern circuit. It starts gently, builds toward the Serengeti, and gives you three nights in the park that matters most.

Day 1: Arrive and Rest in Arusha

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, then transfer to Arusha. Most guests land in the evening, so the plan is simple: eat, sleep, and recover. A good night's rest sets up the next morning well.

Day 2: Tarangire National Park

Drive to Tarangire for your first game drive. The park is known for its elephants and its giant baobab trees. In November the park is greener and the animals spread out more, but the baobabs and the elephants still make it a worthwhile start. Stay overnight near the park.

Day 3: Drive to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim

Today is a travel day with a gentle pace. You drive to the edge of Ngorongoro, where your lodge sits on the crater rim. The evening air is cool, and the views over the crater are a good reward after the road.

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater, Then On to the Serengeti

Descend into the crater early in the morning. The animals live inside the crater walls, so you can see a lot in a short time. Lions, elephants, buffalo and hippos are common, and there is a real chance of seeing a black rhino.

After a picnic lunch, drive on to the Serengeti. You can read more about the crater on our Ngorongoro Crater page.

Day 5: A Full Day in the Serengeti

Spend the whole day on game drives. You can go out early for cool light and active wildlife, and then return to the lodge in the heat of the day. Then you can head out again in the late afternoon. If Thanksgiving Day falls today, this is a lovely place to spend it.

Day 6: Another Full Day in the Serengeti

Use this day to follow the best sightings. Perhaps you will track the migration, or perhaps you will stay with a pride of lions or a leopard. The extra day matters, because big cats do not keep a schedule.

Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Departure

Enjoy a last morning drive. Then fly back to Arusha and connect to your flight home. You will have seen three of Tanzania's best parks in one week.

Where to Stay in the Serengeti With Kids

For families, we often suggest Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge. It sits on a ridge with wide views over the plains. The lodge lists a kids' club, children's activities, kid-friendly meals, and an outdoor infinity pool. So children have things to do between game drives, and parents can rest.

Rooms with space for the whole family go quickly in Thanksgiving week. Because of this, it helps to ask early.

Tips for American Families

• Book early. Thanksgiving week is popular with American families, and family rooms fill first.

• Keep game drives short with younger children. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times, and they are cooler too.

• Pack layers, a rain jacket, sun hats, sunscreen, and a pair of binoculars for each child.

• Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic well before you go. They can advise on vaccines and malaria prevention.

• Check your passport, and check the official Tanzania visa rules close to your travel dates.

• Tell us your travel dates and the ages of your children. We will plan the pace around them.

Can You Spend Thanksgiving Day on Safari?

Yes, and many families find it memorable. The best plan puts Thanksgiving Day in the Serengeti, with a morning game drive and a relaxed evening at the lodge. Tell us when you book that you are travelling for Thanksgiving. We will then ask your lodge about a special dinner, and we will plan a lighter day around it.

If you are travelling with younger children, our family safari guide covers the best parks, activities and lodges for families in more detail.

Plan Your Thanksgiving Safari With Kearsleys

We have been arranging safaris in Tanzania since 1948, and we plan trips for American families every month of the year. Tell us your dates and the ages in your group, and we will build a 7-day plan around them. You can browse our full range of Tanzania safari packages to see what we offer.