When is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Wildlife Safaris
One of the top questions travelers ask is ‘When is the best time for a safari in Tanzania?’
While there are popular tourism seasons, other factors depend on one’s personal preference.
Knowing the best time to visit Tanzania on a wildlife safari really is all about knowing what you want to get from your East African adventure. With wonderful wildlife, tropical beaches, incredible culture, and iconic landscapes, this beautiful country has so much to offer.
But there are certain times of year that are better for enjoying Tanzania’s main attractions, so it pays to research.
Weather is key.
Other destinations may have traditional summer, winter, fall, and spring seasons, but Tanzania is situated near the equator and the Indian Ocean, meaning that its weather patterns are equatorial and tropical.
There are two distinct seasons in Tanzania: wet and dry. The wet season is the rainy season, while the dry season is sunny and sometimes hot
Overall Best Time to Visit Tanzania
Tanzania has a tropical climate that varies by region and altitude. Temperatures in Tanzania are consistent throughout the year, but the country has distinct dry and rainy seasons which are important to pay attention to.
Overall, the best time to visit Tanzania is during the country’s long dry season, which falls between the months of July and October.Â
These are considered the best months for seeing the famous Great Migration in the Serengeti, trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, and enjoying the tropical beaches of Zanzibar Island.
However, these months are also Tanzania’s peak travel season, which means everywhere will be busier, you’ll be sharing your holiday with more tourists, and you’ll be paying higher rates too.
So, if you’d prefer to have a more quiet and peaceful experience, our team of African Travel Experts suggests visiting this country during the short rainy season (end of October to December), or the short dry season (January to February).
We also recommend avoiding the long-wet season from March to May because, at this time of year, the rains can be sudden and heavy, affecting travel plans and activities!
However, it does get a little more nuanced than this, and when to go to Tanzania really depends on what you want to do during your trip.
Best Time to Witness the Great Migration in Tanzania
Tanzania’s headline attraction is the Great Migration, which takes place across Serengeti National Park.
Every year, almost 2 million animals – mostly wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, and antelopes – cross the open plains of this vast national park in search of water holes and food. Their crossing of the Mara River is the climax of this journey and is filled with drama, as these animals try to escape the jaws of waiting crocodiles and other predators.
Most people come to this amazing country because they want to take a wildlife safari through the beautiful Serengeti National Park, see the world-famous wildebeest migration, hike Mount Kilimanjaro or explore the beach paradise of Zanzibar.
So, to help you plan your perfect trip, we’re going to explain when is best to visit Tanzania for each of these brilliant options.
Cited by some as the greatest wildlife phenomenon on earth, this spectacle is not to be missed if you’re considering when to go to Tanzania.
Though the Great Migration has been happening for much of the year, late June to August herald its peak, making these the best months to see this natural phenomenon. However, this is also migration peak season, and it goes without saying that this bucket list activity is popular! As such, it can get very crowded in Serengeti National Park and the surrounding safari lodges at this time.
Safari and flight prices also go up during these months too, and camps can be fully booked up to a year in advance. This means you’ll need to plan and get a booking early if you want to travel to Tanzania in June, July, or August.
Best Time for a Wildlife Safari in Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park is a year-round safari destination and if you aren’t fixated on seeing the Great Migration at its peak, there are other times to visit the reserve that may suit you better.
In short, the best time for a Tanzania safari in the Serengeti really depends on what wildlife you’d like to spot.
January to March is calving season – a great safari opportunity to see young wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes, as well as lion cubs and even elephant calves. It’s even common to see calves being born! However, this is not the best for seeing the migration on the move so don’t expect stampeding herds or dramatic river crossings.
Tanzania’s ‘green season’, between November and March is a fantastic time for birdwatching, as migratory species arrive in their thousands. There will be fewer visitors during this time compared to the peak of the great migration, along with lower prices, although there may be some rainfall.
The ‘long rain’ season (March to May) is the least popular time to take a Tanzania safari, as heavy rains can disrupt wildlife viewing. However, if you’re looking for the best safari deals, this is the time of year to pick them up!
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