What is The Best Time of Year
to go on Safari to Tanzania?
However, there is plenty to experience outside of these months and the best time to visit will depend on the activities you are interested in and the wildlife you'd like to spot. Tanzania's seasons and wildlife numbers are governed by the rains, so your experience will vary dependant on when you choose to travel.
Located just south of the Equator, Tanzania has generally dry, warm weather. The exception is from mid-April to mid-June when the main rains arrive. Tanzania also sees some rain for part of November. These November “short rains” don’t really interfere with your safari. The coast and Zanzibar receive more rainfall and are hotter and more humid than the inland safari regions.
Below we share a month-by-month seasonal guide, and respond to your most popular Tanzania safari questions.
You really can’t beat January for your trip to Tanzania. First of all, it’s time for the Great Migration: two million wildebeest, zebra, and antelope are moving en masse across the Serengeti accompanied by large prides of by now well-fed lion, licking their lips. There are also large numbers of animals to see at Nyerere National Park (previously called Selous), in particular giraffe, zebra, and buffalo.
Birth is a remarkable thing, whatever the species, and visiting Tanzania in February you’ll be first on the scene as wildebeest calves take their first faltering steps in this world. In a matter of weeks some 600,000 calves will be delivered. See the wildebeest birthing in the Ngorongoro Crater before moving on to track chimpanzee through the Mahale Mountains. This incredible combination of experiences is easy to enjoy in February.
In March the great migration continues as the wildebeest, zebra and antelope start to move northeast across the plains. You could sit and wait for them in one place, but it’s far more exciting to journey with the animals on a mobile camping safari, getting a new viewpoint each day. We also recommend game drives and canoeing in the Selous, combined with the beaches and history of Zanzibar post safari.
Thunderstorms add drama to April and May days, but rains are far from constant and when it does come it makes the temperature pleasantly cool. At the same time, the wildebeest are forced through the rising Grumeti River, dicing with death as the crocodile snap from below. Tree-climbing lion and large herds of elephant move across to the shores of Lake Manyara.
In June the migrating herds continue through the beautiful forested western corridor towards the Mara River. Travelling with them is a remarkably tranquil experience. A chance to be quiet, take stock, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world. Incorporate this into your safari along with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is a wildlife hotspot year-round with 20,000 animals living on the cater floor.
July onwards is high season in Tanzania as the temperature’s comfortable with excellent wildlife viewing. The migration’s moved to the remote northern Serengeti, but we can arrange for you to stay there — far beyond other tourists — on a game-rich private reserve. You can also take advantage of the cooler climes to enjoy an adventurous walking safari with Andrew Molinaro at Ruaha or sleep out beneath the stars in the Nyerere National Park (previously called Selous).
Bring the kids and spend your summer holiday at Mkombe’s House, a stunning private home perched on the edge of a kopje in the northern Serengeti. You’ll be far from human crowds but the migrating herds — which is after all what you’ve come to see — will be all around you. You might also want to spend a few days based at Oliver’s Camp in the Tarangire watching the elephant migration.
Tanzania’s dry season begins to show in September and October, vegetation is dying down, water levels low, and the wildlife moving to the deeper watering holes. Game viewing conditions are excellent at this time and as it’s dry you’ll have easy access to the remote southern reserves by plane. Katavi, Mahale, and Ruaha are all reachable by light aircraft. It’s also the perfect time to climb Kilimanjaro.
Photographers love November in Tanzania as thunder and lightning storms rip across the Serengeti. Lightning bolts flash and illuminate the landscape by night. In daylight hours there’s still plenty of sunlight and the migrating herds turn south in search of fresh pastures on which to graze. The new grass is irresistible for antelope, who in turn attract families of cheetah, stalking and catching their prey with aplomb.
Wake up on Christmas morning to guaranteed big herd game viewing from Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. The crater stretches 10 miles wide and 20,000 animals have made it their home. It’s a place to indulge yourself and be pampered: make good use of your private butler, extensive wine cellar, and the offer of in-room massages. Finish with a week watching the waves of the Indian Ocean crash onto a pristine beach.
What Temperatures Can we Expect On Safari in Tanzania?
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What is Tanzania Like During The Summer, Christmas Holidays And Easter Holidays?
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What Are The Weather Patterns On Zanzibar And Along The Coast?
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Why Travel with Journeysmiths
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
100% Happy With Every Part
"We had a perfect safari holiday which was down to Ross with all the hard planning of our itinerary. I would recommend anyone who wants to go to Africa to book with Journeysmiths because the all round expertise, knowledge of the country, and leaving nothing to chance is exceptional. 100% happy with every part of our holiday, thank you Ross for giving us the relaxation and confidence to just enjoy our holiday."
Looking for Inspiration?
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are truly spectacular settings filled with great herds and big cats. We take you far from the crowds and minibuses with your own private guide, staying in exclusive accommodation. Families with older teenagers will love the wildly remote Selous, Ruaha and Mahale, where you can walk, canoe and even track chimpanzees. Round it off on exotic Zanzibar.
We’ve collated a list of our ten favourite Tanzanian experiences to show you what’s possible in this incredible country.
At Journeysmiths we take you out into the wilds to enjoy all kinds of activities with expert, personable guides. Read our top ten Tanzania family safari experiences.
The best time to visit Tanzania will depend on the activities you are interested in and the wildlife you'd like to spot. Read our month-by-month seasonal guide, and responses to your most popular Tanzania safari questions