November rains
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 4
November rains
My cousin and I are planning a fall trip to Tanzania - probably 12 days or so in-country. She lives in Fla., I in New Orleans - both are quite humid and have afternoon rains, sometimes thunderstorms, nearly every day in the summer and spring. How bad are November rains likely to be - similar to our home climates or torrential downpours that could ruin the trip? We're seeing conflicting information.
Also, anything we should know being two women traveling in a Muslim country so we don't unintentionally offend or get ourselves in trouble?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Also, anything we should know being two women traveling in a Muslim country so we don't unintentionally offend or get ourselves in trouble?
Thanks for any help you can provide.
#2
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,354
The short answer is - no problems!
Short rains in Oct/Nov mean short downpours followed by sunny skies over the Northern Circuit.
For some seasonal forecasts go here:
http://www.meteo.go.tz/index.htm
To see a raincloud against African sky in the mighty Serengeti is a view you will never forget. During the short season you have nothing to worry about.
But to be absolutely sure, use a 4WD (Landcruiser or Landrover) when on safari - not a 2WD minibus.
Short rains in Oct/Nov mean short downpours followed by sunny skies over the Northern Circuit.
For some seasonal forecasts go here:
http://www.meteo.go.tz/index.htm
To see a raincloud against African sky in the mighty Serengeti is a view you will never forget. During the short season you have nothing to worry about.
But to be absolutely sure, use a 4WD (Landcruiser or Landrover) when on safari - not a 2WD minibus.
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
We've often traveled during the "short" rains in East Africa. These don't happen daily, but when then do, it's either a brief (30-min) thundershower mid-late afternoon, or showers overnight. What's nice about these is that there is no humidity afterwards - certainly a relief compared to FL or LA - and the rains settle the road dust. So November is good and the prices are "shouder season" rates, during November thru mid-December.
As far as being Muslim countries - only certain areas, those along the coasts of both Kenya and Tanzania. If your plans include stops here - Mombasa or Lamu in Kenya; Zanzibar or Pemba in Tanzania - just remember when walking around the towns to dress conservatively - slacks, crop pants, skirt and a top that covers the upper arm. Save the shorts/sleeveless or halter tops for your hotels here.
As far as being Muslim countries - only certain areas, those along the coasts of both Kenya and Tanzania. If your plans include stops here - Mombasa or Lamu in Kenya; Zanzibar or Pemba in Tanzania - just remember when walking around the towns to dress conservatively - slacks, crop pants, skirt and a top that covers the upper arm. Save the shorts/sleeveless or halter tops for your hotels here.
