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Best Time To Visit Tanzania

Best Time To Visit Tanzania

The Northern Tanzania safari circuit includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara but there is no right or wrong time to visit these favourite destinations. So what is the Best Time To Visit Tanzania?

During the dry season (late June to October) animals congregate near water sources, placing predators and their prey nearby making for excellent game viewing. Also, due to water shortages, the vegetation thins, improving the visibility of animals. Thus people crowding can occur during this time. If you wish to avoid crowds, you may elect to visit the parks of Northern Tanzania during the wet season. While the wet season (November to May) does not produce the same level of animal interaction, the general game viewing is still good in all parks during that time. The positives are the people crowds are gone and migratory birds have moved back into the area. If wildlife is your focus then you are best to visit in the dry season which roughly runs from late June through October. This is when game-viewing is usually at its best in terms of numbers and visibility too, as the long rains are over, the grasses are starting to die down, and water sources become more important to wildlife.

Late June through to October is also a good time to go to Zanzibar or visit any of the other islands and the coast, so it’s relatively easy to combine your holiday and experience both safari and beach. Kilimanjaro is another major attraction in Tanzania with many attempting the summit each year. The best times to climb are July to October or January to March, avoiding the main wet times. If you are looking for a time to avoid Tanzania that that would probably be the long rains that take place in April and May.

Best time to visit Tanzania, Month by Month

In January, the Ndutu Plains experience dry, hot weather with occasional nighttime showers. This period marks the calving season, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially towards the end of the month when wildebeest abound. The landscape is refreshed after rains, creating a picturesque setting for safari adventures and photography.

February brings further increases in temperatures, maintaining ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as trekking Kilimanjaro, embarking on safaris in both northern and southern parks, and indulging in beach holidays in Zanzibar.

The migration remains a highlight on the Ndutu Plains, offering prime opportunities for wildlife viewing. While short rains persist, they typically occur overnight, leaving days clear for exploration and adventure. Whether you seek the thrill of summiting Africa’s highest peak, the serenity of a safari, or the bliss of a beach getaway, February offers a diverse array of experiences to suit every traveler’s preferences.

As the migration starts heading west towards the Grumeti River, the temperatures are still very hot.

The beginning of the month is still great for trekking, safaris and beach trips. However, towards the end of the month, there is a higher chance of rain as Tanzania moves into the long rainy season.

In April, the long rainy season is in full swing. Travelling in this period is not advised, as torrential rains can affect planned excursions. 

Climbing Kilimanjaro is more dangerous during this season. Many lodges are also closed.

Just like April, May is a month of rain, so conditions are not ideal for travel. The lush vegetation, while beautiful, makes wildlife spotting more difficult. 

Towards the beginning of June, the long rainy season ends, and Tanzania is blanketed by verdant vegetation and is a great time for bird-watching.

By the end of the month, the savannah generally becomes drier and locating wildlife becomes easier. The migration begins heading north from Grumeti River in June. 

July marks the beginning of Tanzania’s peak travel season, drawing visitors eager to witness the migration and elephant gatherings at Tarangire National Park. While crowds flock to popular destinations, savvy travelers can escape both crowds and high prices by exploring remote parks like Ruaha and Selous on the southern safari circuit.

To secure preferred accommodations, booking early is advisable. Meanwhile, Zanzibar offers a pleasant respite from the mainland heat, with cooler temperatures and dry weather making it an ideal time to visit.

Despite the warmth during the day, evenings and mornings on the mainland can be cooler, especially during safari outings. Packing some warmer clothing ensures comfort during early morning drives and bush sundowners, enhancing the safari experience.

Dry and cool, August is a great time to visit Tanzania. 

Wildlife starts searching for water sources, making their movements predictable for guides, and giving you a greater chance of seeing The Big Five.

Flamingos also arrive in high numbers at Lake Natron, where they can find food and shelter at the otherwise eerie lake.

Diving enthusiasts are happiest in August to September, when the water is especially clearTurtles also hatch on the Indian Ocean islands.

The last month of the peak season, September can be quite busy, and prices are still high. The migratory herds of wildebeest and Zebra are spread out across the Serengeti.

Gushing from the Northern Serengeti in Kenya, The Mara River is their biggest obstacle.

Watching herds of wildebeest frantically swim across the crocodile-infested waters can be very exciting; there are often scenes of great fear and chaos, reminding travellers of the vicious circle of life on the African Plains.

Water visibility in Zanzibar and on the coast is clear, and you may observe turtles hatching. 

Although it is not peak season any more, October is still quite dry and a good time for trekking, safari, or enjoying Tanzania’s beaches.

The migration is now in Kenya, but there are still plenty of animals to see.

The short rainy season sometimes starts by the end of October, so the start of the month is better for travelling.

November heralds the beginning of the short rainy season in Tanzania, marking the start of the low tourist season that extends into early December. While some lodges may close during the long rainy season, most remain open during this time.

Showers tend to be brief and typically occur in the evenings, allowing for daytime exploration. As the landscape transforms into lush greenery, it becomes a haven for migratory birds, particularly those from the north, making it an ideal time for birdwatching in the safari parks.

Additionally, the migration gradually returns south from Kenya during this period, offering opportunities to witness isolated crossings. Along the shores of Zanzibar and Mafia, from November to March, visitors may also catch sight of whale sharks, adding an extra dimension to coastal adventures during this time.

Towards the middle of December, the short wet season is ending. There can still be some short rains throughout December to March, but these are usually overnight and only short.

It’s a great month for visiting Zanzibar, as the temperatures are slowly rising. The days around Christmas can be quite busy again and prices can rise, so booking ahead is advised. 

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