What is the best time for a safari in Tanzania?
What is the best time for a safari in Tanzania?
Tanzania is home to a myriad of attractions—from spectacular wildlife destinations like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to towering volcanoes like Kilimanjaro. The best time depends on your interest. But generally, the best time for a Tanzania safari is from June to October. That doesn’t mean it’s the only best time: we discuss that in detail in this article. Let’s dive in.
June to October.
Tanzania experiences pleasant weather for safaris from June through October. During this time, the country receives less rainfall and low humidity. With these weather conditions:
- The trails in wildlife reserves are dry, favoring smooth game driving.
- The vegetation is thin, with short grass and clear visibility in the wilderness.
- The scarcity of water draws animals to known reliable water sources.
- The wildebeest migration crosses the rivers—a favorite scene for nature lovers.
For such a reason, most visitors prefer this time. And they come in big numbers, resulting in high traffic in famous spots. Crowds are common in the Serengeti during this season as everyone vies for a front-row seat to witness the dramatic Mara River crossings; the same is true for Ngorongoro Crater.
Traffic is also common on Mount Kilimanjaro because many hikers prefer to hike Africa’s highest mountain when hiking conditions are favorable, from June to October, because:
- There are dry trails for easy ascent and descent.
- There are clear skies for a beautiful sunrise view at the peak.
- There are no frequent rains.
How to get the most out of your June-October Tanzania safari.
We truly accept that during the dry season, Tanzania gets so busy with safaris and hiking. But shall we avoid this good time? No, because not all of us have any free time apart from this. So, we’ve prepared three insider tips to enjoy your safari even when visiting famous parks like the Serengeti.
1. Visit in the shoulder months.
The traffic is always higher in July and August. These two months come with a high volume of safari vacationers and hikers. Plan your visit in June when the number is yet to catch up, or between September and October when everyone is leaving the country.
2. Explore untouched parts.
Here, we mean those places within famous parks where just a few people happen to be. For instance, many people visit the central and northern Serengeti in July and August. You can visit the southern, eastern, and western regions instead.
3. Visit hidden places.
If the competition is high in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, then swap them for little-known, pristine gems like Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks. These parks offer unique safari experiences beyond traditional game drives, including boat cruises, fly camping, and night safaris.
4. Hire a private jeep.
On a private jeep, you decide where to go and when. This allows you to avoid crowded areas because most safari cars stay in those places to save gas. So, if you have a car rental, you will avoid all these. However, we recommend hiring a local guide who knows the rules.
January to mid-March.
Tanzania experiences a short dry season, from the very early beginning of the year to mid-March. There’s less rainfall, more sunny days, and low humidity. Temperatures, however, may rise to 32°C (90°F) on some days in February, making it the hottest month.
What to do on your January-March Tanzania safari?
There are plenty of things to do during this period, including
Watching the Great Migration. The animals are in the southern grazing grounds of Serengeti and Ndutu. They give birth to about half a million calves, with births peaking at 8,000 calves a day.
Wildlife viewing. Game viewing is exceptionally rewarding during this time. There are fewer visitors even in famous parks. The green forests and lush plains are a scenic backdrop for gorgeous photos.
Birdwatching. Many birds (including migratory species) are breeding. That said, birders can enjoy melodies and striking bird coloration. Monoculars or binoculars are a good idea.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This is the best time to hike this magnificent peak with just a few climbers, if any. And on remote routes like Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Lemosho, it will just be you and the crew.
Attending the Sauti za Busara Festival. This event happens every February in the idyllic Zanzibar Archipelago. Here, you will dance and sing beautiful African genres. It’s a fantastic way to complement your wildlife safari.
November and April to May.
These months are wet, with heavy downpours falling frequently, causing slippery mud in the trails. The vegetation is also thick, so it can be a challenge to spot wild animals. But there are plenty of birds.
For such a reason, we recommend this time only if you’re okay with getting rained on. We also recommend taking bug repellent and antimalarial medications because the chances are higher.
December
December can be wet in the early starts, but it becomes drier in the middle through the end. But it’s a peak month. People come to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Therefore, we advise you to book early.
The bottom line.
And there you have it. We are here to answer any further queries you may have. Our seasoned safari experts will answer your questions very soon. If you are ready for an adventure in Tanzania, call our experts to start planning.
