Best Time to visit Tanzania

Best Time for a Tanzania Safari Holiday

Best Time to visit Tanzania for safaris

Best time for safaris and holidays in Tanzania

Ideally, the best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry seasons of the Year. These seasons are also known as peak and high seasons. That’s between January and March which is the high season and July to October, which is known to be the peak season, These season coincides with interesting events that happen in Tanzania, like the calving of wildebeests in February and wildebeest migration and crossings in July to October.

Tanzania offers a wide array of safari activities that you can engage in at any time of the year. But the most important aspects that attract tourists to Tanzania are the wildlife sightings, the holiday in Zanzibar, and summiting of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The Best Time to go on Safari in Serengeti is between June and October of every year. As this is the best time to see the wildebeest migration in Northern Serengeti National Park.

You can as well visit Ngorongoro Crater in all seasons, but when is the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater? Its between Jan and March. When the wildebeests are busy giving birth in Ndutu, alot of wildlife are also seen in Ngorongoro and these attracts lots of big cats since food is in plenty.

Visit Tanzania between January and March, to witness more than 8000 wildebeest calves being born daily. This is known as the start of a wildebeest life, as they look forward to conquering and trying to fight for their survival in the next few years they will live. It’s the best time to visit Tanzania, specifically the Ndutu Conservation Area, south of Serengeti.

You can as well be planning to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. With its own uniqueness and majestic views, this mountain offers an epic adventure to conquer at the right time. The Best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro is between Jan and March and between June to December. At least when the weather is not that wet, and not that hot.

Tanzania Safaris offers authentic safari experiences all throughout the year. Visit the famous Ngorongoro crater, or even the Tarangire National Park, or Fly to Zanzibar for a beach holiday, these can all be done despite rain or sun. But get the best facts to visit and plan accordingly to visit your desired destination in Tanzania.

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Month by month Tanzania guide

month by month tanzania safari guide

Below is a Month by Month Travel Guide to Tanzania in graphics form. The graphics show when is the best time to visit Tanzania and when it is not recommended to visit. This helps you to plan your safari well and easy since this will guide through in making some decisions that will influence your safari in Tanzania.

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Best Time To Visit Tanzania

brief travel guide to Tanzania for holidays

Generally, the best time to visit Tanzania is in the dry-season months of July – October when the parks are dry and wildebeest herds are in plenty, viewing is dramatic, easy, and action-packed.

LOW SEASON:

1^st April to June 15th and 15^th Nov to 15th Dec

During this Season, the herds are in Central & North Serengeti in April to June. The grass are tall and better time to spend with them.

In Nov, they wll have Migrated from the Masai Mara down back to the Serengeti National Park.

high SEASON:

Jan 10th to 1^st April and 1^st Nov to 15^th Dec

The best time to witness the calving of wildebeest calves in the Southern Serengeti. Ndutu Conservation area offers the best ground for calving of more than 8000+ Calves.

In April, they start moving up to Northern serengeti, and in Nov, they start moving down to Serengeti from Masai Mara.

PEAK SEASON:

15th June to 30th Oct, 15th Dec to 10th Jan

These are the best month to witness the dramatic migration and crossings in Serengeti and Masai mara with over 1.5 Million wildebeests crossing the Mara River.

It’s easier to spot them in Masai Mara Kenya and Northern Serengeti in Tanzania.

Detailed Month by month Travel guide

TANZANIA TRAVEL GUIDE - best safari guide to tanzania

The best time to visit Africa to see the beautiful savannah grasslands, wildlife, and culture is from January to April and June to November, during the drier hot months. The vegetation thins out and wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, and these seasons offer beautiful sightings due to the short grass.

Our Kenya Safaris are scheduled all through the year, but we best customize and tailor-make it for you. You will be lucky to visit Kenya during these seasons, and indulge in wildlife sightings, cultural experiences, and city tours.

The best time to visit Africa for wildebeest migration is from June to October of every year, and the best time to see the wildebeest calving is from January to April. Where more than 8000 calves are born daily, and also marks the start of the Wildebeest Migration. Stay in Ndutu Conservation Area, or the Southern part of the Serengeti National Park. You will be welcomed with an abundance of big cats and scavengers that hunt and scavenge for the rich food available in the region.

Uganda and Rwanda offer incredible sightings of the Silverback Gorillas and chimpanzees. The best time to visit Africa for gorilla trekking safaris is from Jan to April and August to October, during the dry seasons.

Overall, Africa is a year-round destination. Its varying climates provide good conditions for a visit to one region or another at every time of year.

January

Dry and Hot Season :- High Season

One of the best months in Tanzania to visit the Ndutu Conservation Area in Tanzania. The country is hot and dry after short rains in November and December. It’s easy to spot big cats and other wildlife species. Its also the best time to witness more than 8000 wildebeest calves i Ndutu and Serengeti South. Its the best time to visit out of the busy seasons.

What to do in January

Best for wildebeest calving

You can do so much in Tanzania during this time of the year. Some of the best things to do are summit the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, go on a beach holiday vacation in Zanzibar, and enjoy a safari in any of the National Parks. But one of the unique events that happen in January is the birthing season of wildebeests in Ndutu.

February

Dry and Hot Season :- High Season

February is a wonder month for a Tanzania Safari. During this month, the wildebeest birthing intensifies and you will witness lots of wildebeest being born after every minute. It’s also the best time to spot big cats in action as they enjoy time hunting down the calves since food is in plenty. The month tends to be hot and a bit dry and wet, as long rains start coming towards the end of the month to begin the wet season.

What to do in February

Best for wildebeest calving

March

Wet Season :- High Season

In March, the weather tends to change, and the start of the wet season begins. Rain is expected to stay long in so many parts of the country including the Zanzibar beaches and the southern part of the country. The wildebeest’s calves and the adults start to move north towards the central side of Serengeti. The best time to spot them moves in herds. The best mode of transfer during this time is by flight, to avoid muddy roads.

What to do in March

Best for affordable safaris

During this month of the Year, March has nothing much to do due to the rainy season. The start of wet season begins in March. The long rains that stay from March to June, also make these season low in tourism due to the rough roads and fewer wildlife sightings. During this wet season, you can not hike the mountains or visit the beach. Though these are not limitations, you can still make them happen. Safaris are cheap and affordable during this season but recommended you fly.

April

Wet Season :- Low Season

In April, the rains intensifies in most parts of Tanzania, making it hard to travel. Roads become impassable and hard to drive through them. Although it’s the best time to visit for a luxury safari and enjoy exclusive safari holidays, it will be hard to spot wildlife and enjoy sightings. The best way to safari during this season is by choosing our flying safaris. The wildebeests keep on moving north, staying around Seronera and the Eastern part of Serengeti.

What to do in April

Best for affordable flying safaris

During this month of the Year, April has nothing much to do due to the heavy rainy season. The long rains that stay from March to June, also make these season low in tourism due to the rough roads and fewer wildlife sightings. During this wet season, you can not hike the mountains or visit the beach. Though these are not limitations, you can still make them happen. Safaris are cheap and affordable during this season but it’s recommended you fly.

May

Wet Season :- Low Season

In May, the rains continue to intensify in most parts of Tanzania, making it hard to traverse the different parts of the country. Roads become impassable and hard to drive through them. Although it’s the best time to visit for a luxury safari and enjoy exclusive safari holidays, it will be hard to spot wildlife and enjoy sightings. The best way to safari during this season is by choosing our flying safaris. In some cases, the month tends to be hot and wet, offering the best chances to enjoy safaris by road.

What to do in May

Best for affordable road and flying safaris

May has nothing much to do due to the ongoing rainy season from March. The long rains continue to pound most parts of the country. although the month can be hot sometimes, the rains are common. May is still the low season for tourism due to the rough roads and fewer wildlife sightings. In May, you can hike the mountains or visit the beach. Safaris are cheap and affordable during this season but recommended you fly or you can enjoy a 4×4 land cruiser jeep safari. Enjoy the rough roads and muddy patches.

June

Wet Season :- Low Season

June offers a friendly environment and weather for a comfortable safari in Tanzania. The months tend to be cold and wet as the rains reduce, making the safari experience favorable. Although the cold season starts off in June and towards July. The wildebeest migration starts to form and herds move closer to crossing points in Grumeti and other almost to Mara River. It’s also best to tick that bucket list to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. The weather is favorable to do some more excursions such as balloon safaris.

What to do in June

Best for affordable road and flying safaris

June is a favorable month for wildlife sightings in Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, and other major wildlife protected areas in Tanzania. You can as well summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, engage in a coffee tour in Karatu, or even enjoy a balloon safari in the Serengeti. With the lush green savannah grassland, the bushes are dense, and the grass is tall enough not to spot wildlife. Hence best for a luxury holiday vacation to just enjoy camps amenities.

July

Cold and Dry Season :- Peak Season

July starts the peak season of safaris and tours in Tanzania. This month is best visited for the wildebeest crossings in Northern Serengeti. The month is a bit cold with lows of 15 degrees, which marks the winter season. The rains would have ended in June, but the cold season makes it a bit challenging for most people. You spot big cats, wildlife species, and much more, especially in the national parks.

What to do in July

Best for Wildebeest Crossings safaris

July is the best month for the wildebeest migration, hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro, and engaging in most activities that this country offers. Witness the wildebeest crossings up north in Serengeti towards the end of July. Visit the Ngorongoro crater and enjoy sightings of wildlife. There is much you can do in July.

August

Cold and Dry Season :- Peak Season

One of the best months of the year for wildlife sightings and safari holidays in Tanzania. September is hot and dry in most cases. The temperatures are high at 26 degrees, making it easy to spot most wildlife species. Big cats are easily spotted this month. The temperatures are high 26 degrees making is so hot. It’s also the best time to visit various popular safari destinations in Tanzania such as Zanzibar for beach holidays.

What to do in August

Best for Wildebeest Crossings safaris

August tends to be a busy month, with lots of tourists and guests visiting Tanzania, some for safari holidays and others for business. The country receives enough guests making safari destinations crowded. You witness the wildebeest crossings or spend some nights on Zanzibar beach, the best time to hike and summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, and also the best time to spot great wildlife sightings in Ngorongoro crater.

September

Cold and Dry Season :- Peak Season

One of the best months of the year for wildlife sightings and safari holidays in Tanzania. August is hot and dry in most cases. The temperatures are high, making it easy to spot most wildlife species. Big cats are easily spotted this month. The temperatures are high 26 degrees making is so hot. It’s also the best time to visit various popular safari destinations in Tanzania such as Zanzibar for beach holidays.

What to do in September

Best for Wildebeest Crossings safaris

September tends to be a busy month, but the number of guests reduces from August, with lots of tourists and guests visiting Tanzania, for safari holidays. The country receives enough guests making safari destinations crowded. You witness the wildebeest crossings or spend some nights on Zanzibar beach, the best time to hike and summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, and also the best time to spot great wildlife sightings in Ngorongoro crater.

October

Cold and Dry Season :- Peak Season

The peak season ends in October. The Month is still hot and dry but short rains usually arrive toward the end of the month. It’s a better month to enjoy wildebeest sightings and crossings with fewer crowds in the reserves and parks in Tanzania. The month is quiet and just easy to relax. The Temperatures are still early even during rainy days. The weather is favorable for Mt. Kilimanjaro hiking and as well a holiday in Zanzibar beach.

What to do in October

Best for Wildebeest Crossings safaris

If you are looking to enjoy activities in October in any part of Tanzania, book your safari to be in October. It offers off-the-beaten-track safari experiences, hiking of Mt. Kilimanjaro, you can fly to Zanzibar for your beach holiday and you can visit the Ruaha N. park for wild dogs and the pride of lions. Easy to drive through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

November

Wet Season :- High Season

In November, the rains are little and not much as compared to the long rains in Feb to May and June, but then welcome a cold season of June and July. The temperatures go down from a high of 22 Degrees to a low of up to 18 degrees. a better month to experience a comfortable luxury safari while the plains are green and lush. The grass are tall making sightings hard.

What to do in November

Best for affordable road and flying safaris

November offers a good chance to enjoy safaris and some other activities. The month is hot and wet, but the rains usually end during this month. You can visit the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and other premium parks in Tanzania. You will be lucky to spot wildlife such as big cats and other species. It’s also a good month to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru.

December

Cold and Dry Season :- High / Peak Season

December is the month of festivities, the Christmas holidays, and the New year. Lots of people plan for a family safari or a beach holiday during this time. The month is hot and dry. Making a perfect month for a beach holiday in Zanzibar. The start of December is noted to be the high season, but as the months close to the festivities, the Peak season comes in.

What to do in December

Best for Wildebeest Crossings safaris

Since December is a festivity month, we recommend you book both a wildlife safari and a beach holiday. These best suit families looking to close the year in a refreshing manner. You can as well visit other premium safari parks in Tanzania such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Tanzania Safaris Travel FAQs

Best Time to travel to Tanzania Q&A

If you have any questions regarding the Best Time to travel to Tanzania for Safaris, you may find your answer below in our most frequently asked questions. However, don’t be afraid to get in touch if your query is not included in order for our experts to help you design your best Kenya & Tanzania Safaris.

Our team is happy to help discuss any of our safari packages, destinations, or general information, so you have peace of mind! Get in touch with us now.

What is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?

What is the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania?

The best time to visit Tanzania is from July to October when the country is hot and dry. This coincides with the migration river crossings, however, all the parks offer amazing wildlife sightings at this time as the grasses and bushes are short and not dense.

What is the rainy season in Tanzania?

There are two rainy seasons—the heaviest rains (called masika) usually fall from mid-March to May, and a shorter period of rain (called vuli) occurs from November to mid-January. The dry season, with cooler temperatures, lasts from May to October.

What are the hottest and driest months in Tanzania?

From June to October, it’s the hot and dry season. It hardly ever rains and the temperatures are pleasant. The weather is warm but you don’t suffer from the heat. It’s also the best time for a beach holiday. The temperatures are favorable and suitable for an amazing safari holiday in Tanzania.

What is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the dry season, from July to September, which is a very popular time to travel and visit Zanzibar Island. However, it’s worthwhile traveling at most times of the year, with temperatures between 28°C and 34°C and the sun shining makes it better.

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