Tanzania Unforgettable
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 clear. Turtles 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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Testimonies From Our Happy Clients
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Since I read a lot about Tanzania i decided to put in my backet list for this year which I save and fulfill to complete my goal of visiting Tanzania.... read more
I arrived Tanzania early this august alone and try to check with the local tour operator on the internet and found Boker adventures. I requested for a joining group to Serengeti national park and Ngorongoro that departure on early august and lucky enough i got one.
The agent was very active in responding and looks very professional on how to organize the joining group because he was very transparent.
The Serengeti was amazing and Ngorongoro as well, i saw a lot of animals like zebras, antelopes, lions, birds and so many. I was so surprised to see so many people visit the parks. I asked, and been told its a high season, hahaha. The guide was also very professional and calm to make sure everyone in the jeep have enough time to enjoy their interest
The hotels in the park were so nice, clean and meals was actually so delicious than i was expected.
I wish to say thank you so much and i really appreciate Boker Adventures efforts for making sure i fulfil may goal.
I recommend this agency for the best service and kindness team.
Thanks
Robert
August 25, 2023Happy and Joyful trip in Tanzania - My family and friends highly recommend Tanzania for tourism. This was because of the experience and good time we had after been organized with local tour company Boker Adventures.
... read more /> Peter and the team worked so hard to make sure we had an amazing trip since we arrived in Tanzania. The hotel were great with good services all the time.
The guides very experienced and knowledgable with the nature. We spent enough time in each park Tarangire, Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti park. We saw all big fives close enough.
The Zanzibar part was awesome, the beach sand was white clean and enjoyable. Marijani hotel was the best since we had brilliant view at the ocean.
We highly recommend for safari and zanzibar tour with Boker Adventures.
Regards
Marcus
August 29, 2022Unforgettable 12-day honeymoon tour! - My wife and I had an unforgettable 12-day tour for our honeymoon with Boker Adventures! I truly have no words to describe how amazing our experience was with Peter and... read more our exceptional guide Kanti.
Our wonderful itinerary included: hiking to Materuni Waterfalls and making traditional coffee with the Chagga tribe, staying with the Maasai, visiting 5 splendid national parks (Mkomazi, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara), and discovering Zanzibar island. Needless to say, every day was a thrilling adventure. I still have goosebumps just thinking about all the memorable places we visited and the lovely people we met.
Everything was so perfectly organized! Peter and Kanti were so professional, cooperative, flexible, efficient, and most importantly, welcoming and friendly. We felt like we were part of their family during the whole trip. They made sure that we had a perfect time and they paid attention to every single detail (including the romantic ones). To be honest, the trip was beyond my - already very high - expectations!
I recommend them 150% as a trusted agency for local tourism and authentic adventures in Tanzania!
From the bottom of my heart, a thousand thanks for making our honeymoon a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
We cannot wait to come back to Tanzania and do another trip with you (sooner rather than later).
Warmest regards,
Jade
August 13, 2022 -
Unforgettable experience!
Boker provide very professional guide and super friendly crew. Without their support I will never make this trip happen.
向导和挑夫很专业也很友好,给了我很多鼓励。
January 21, 2022First time booking a trip through Boker Adventures and it will not be the last. I traveled to Dar Es Salam from the US and took a trip to... read more Zanzibarwhile I was there. When I got back to Dar I wanted to go see Kilimanjaro while I was out there and so close to it from US. I only had 3 days left in TZ so I did not want to risk driving so I asked the concierge at my hotel if she could assist me in getting to Kilimanjaro and back before my flight left and she said yes. She called Peter (The owner of Boking Adventures) and that same night he came to my hotel, asked some questions about what I wanted to see, what was my time frame there and back, and what kind of hotel I wanted to stay in. I answered his questions and he put together a package for me that night and had my flight and hotel booked that night. The next morning he arrived at my hotel at 7am to take me to the airport and when I arrived at Kilimanjaro airport there was a driver waiting for me who took me to my hotel to drop bags, asked if i needed time to relax for a bit or if I wanted to go sight seeing asap. I wanted to go sight seeing. We dropped my bags and he took me around town, to a great BBQ restaurant, and several other places that day and back to my hotel. The next morning he picked me up at 9am and took me all over Moshi. We went to Kilimanjaro national park, Madango waterfall, a coffee tour, and lunch. It was an AWESOME time. Bill and David, my guides while I was in Kilimanjaro were AWESOME. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Bill took me to fly my drone and get the best food in Moshi. David gave me the history of the Chaga people (I hope I'm not butchering their tribe name) and David is very knowledgeable about the mountain and the history of the people in that region. The coffee tour was unbelievable. At one point I was like nah, I think Ill skip the coffee tour but I'm sooo glad I didn't. That was AWESOME. I got the biggest bag of coffee I could fit in my pack to bring back, along with two bacs of Coco. The experience of the temperature change from the base of the mountain to the starting point of the mountain climb was unbelievable, Its like going from 100 degrees to 45ish Fahrenheit, and your ears pop like you're on an airplane. I will never forget it. I did this last minute trip in September of 2021 and Ill be back in January 2022. I will definitely be contacting Peter again for a Serengeti trip and to see Arusha while I'm out that way. Thank you Peter, Bill, and last but definitely not least David.
September 16, 2021Me, my beloved wife Jessica and our son James decide climb Mt Kilimanjaro via Lemosho route and 4 days safari with Boker Adventures Company this month August and manage to... read more make it to the Uhuru Summit.
This has been possible without the best time organized by Boker Adventures Company. The guides were very friendly and cooperative all time since we started climbing. They checked our health every morning and evening before we slept to make sure me and my families are healthy well. They pushed us to the limit and courage us especially on the night before summit. We were almost about to given up at Stella point but Juma, Rashid and Mudi (Guides) inspired us to kept trying. Uhuru peak it’s was the best and beautiful place to be as the zone was covered with ice with amazing view, so we took photos with my family for best memories.
The cook was so nice and knows to cook varieties of healthy food and on time, we never climbed empty stomach, he make sure we get warm and fresh food everyday though I was so surprised how faster he is to make food at every point. Thank you for the Abbas the cook. Also porters were really strong and powerful, they were walking very fast as all the time we reached at the camp we found them already there waiting for us with all big duffle bags. They were doing a great job.
After descending back we overnight in moshi and next day travel to tarangire national park, Ngorongoro and Serengeti National park. We were so happy to see animals close on their natural nature. We managed to see all big fives and birds. The guide English was brilliant and had a big knowledge about animals and birds. After safari we went straight to the airport with our guide. Thanks you so much Erasto ( tour Guide)
On behalf of my family I wish to acknowledge the effort and hospitality Peter the director and your team for endless updates you shared with us from booking our flight, hotels and all tour until the last day. Your hard working team is the result of your success.
I will always recommend you as a trusted company for tourism in Tanzania.
Thanks
Charlse Donald.
August 19, 2021 -
We had the best trip ever after Climbing. Communication with Peter was great, he replies immediately and answers every question. That makes planning your safari very easy, thank you!
As... read more we arrived in Arusha, Peter met up with us at the hotel to arrange all the details. We had a look at the car the day before the safari, so we knew that everything was fine and we had a reliable car. Everything, from the very first contact to our last day on safari was simply amazing. We are so glad we chose Boker Adventures, the driver Mudi was such a nice guy, a very good driver who is very patient and knows a lot about safaris. We would always choose Boker Adventures for our next trip, it is a very reliable company, we would always support again. Thank you Peter & Mudi for making our safari a real authentic experience!!
November 15, 2020Kilimanjaro climbing is one of our best adventures we did this year 2020. It was so challenging because of the COVID breakdown but we truly appreciate Boker Adventure team for... read more their courage and make us fulfill our dream.
They took all precautions to COVID since Airport by checking our temperature and provide us with the mask though after that day we opt to stay without a mask as we saw everyone around town without a mask so we did not want to be different from others. This has been like born again on the other universe since we did not think this was true but finally it is.
We did Machame 7 days and it went very well, the food was fine and delicious, the guides were brilliant, kind, and very supportive including the porters who were there to assist with our backpack every time. we truly appreciate that as well and without you guys, we couldn't reach our dream.
We highly recommend people visit Tanzania as it is a safe place in the world to visit. Thanks, Peter and your team for good work.
See you soon.
October 1, 2020husband and I decided to break the fear and decide to travel to Tanzania during this pandemic period. We booked since last year but our government stopped people from traveling... read more and the lockdown was in all counties.
Soon after the government allows people to travel at their own risk we decided to rebook our trip. Boker Adventures were okay with us to reschedule the trip for us.
We did mt Kilimanjaro climbing and 3 days safari which was unbelievable. During Trek, everything was super okay from the guides who were taking all precautions against COVID like make sure we have sanitizer every time, wash our hand in every camp. Social distance was not a big deal as we wanted to get close to the crew most of the time and to kill the fear. I was so surprised as when I saw people happy, free-minded about this pandemic up there. The preparation and food were very okay with us and the porters were very helpful.
There where very few people than I was expecting, we understand that was due to COVID but hopeful things will be okay soon.
After the climb, We slept in Arusha so as we can catch up early in the morning to start our three days safari. The jeep was awesome. In fact, we have never been in a big jeep like the one we use for safari. Same to the trek, in the parks, we visit Ngorongoro and Serengeti people where very few, I guess animals were so relaxing this time as it was not crowded. The guide knowledge about fauna and flora was brilliant hence we were interested much in the fauna and flora found in the park. The animals were close enough and we got good pictures as well.
We inspire those who have fear about COVID to kill it and travel, in Tanzania it's different, very different with other countries, well done Mr president for your courage of daring to kill fear among your people.
Thanks to all Boker Adventures team who make this possible for us to travel and do a safari and Kilimanjaro climbing. We highly recommend Boker Adventures Company for Tourism in Tanzania
September 17, 2020
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