When to Visit Tanzania
When to Visit Tanzania : “Tanzania has a tropical climate that differs depending on region and altitude. The coast is hot and humid in general, whereas the low-lying parks are dryer and cooler. Tanzania is best visited during the dry season, which runs from July to October and coincides with the Great Wildebeest Migration”
What season is ideal for traveling to Tanzania? It’s a good question, but like most good questions, the answer can be challenging due to the fact that different regions of Tanzania offer different attractions at various times of the year. Although there isn’t really a right or wrong time to visit this beloved nation, the dry season (from late June to October) tends to be the busiest for a Tanzania safari tour complete with all the trimmings.
Animals gather near water sources during this dry season, bringing predators and prey into close proximity and making for an exciting game-viewing safari experience. The vegetation thins as a result of the water shortages, which enhances animal visibility. However, it’s important to keep in mind that during these favorable times, certain reserves may become crowded. Then, What if you want a Tanzania safari tour that isn’t crowded? The preferably time would be between the months of March and May, or even during the brief dry season between the end of December and February.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TANZANIA: BY SEASON
Tanzania is in the southern hemisphere. Because of this, Tanzania experiences winter when it’s summer in England or the USA. Tanzania experiences four distinct seasons: the dry, the short rainy, the new dry and hot, and the long rainy.
The dry season: Tanzania experiences winter, or what we refer to as the dry season, from June to October. The weather is pleasant, and it rarely rains.
The short, rainy season: Usually occurs in early December or November. Tanzania is experiencing its hottest summer on record. Even though it rains, especially in the evenings, it is not as intense as it is during the extended rainy season from March to May. What are the benefits of taking a Tanzanian safari during the brief rainy season? Fewer tourists and incredible colors.
The hot and dry season: between December and February. In particular, near the coast, it can get very, very hot. A little rain falls. Not suggested if you frequently experience heat exhaustion.
The long rainy season: Between March and May. The fact that it rains frequently and gets a little cooler is, in my opinion, no deterrent to traveling to Tanzania during that time of year. Since most tourists avoid this time of year, you are practically alone on the roads! You have more opportunities to see zebra and wildebeest in the Serengeti National Park during the rainy season, which is another very important reason to travel to Tanzania during that time. Due to the rain, some parks are difficult to reach, but our guides know where to go! If you enjoy genuine exploration, the rainy season in Tanzania offers stunning views of the country’s natural beauty.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TANZANIA: BY ACTIVITY
A list of some popular tourist attractions in Tanzania is briefly summarized below. Hopefully, this will make planning easier while shedding light on some of the less well-known areas.
The Best Time to See the Great Migration in Tanzania
The Great Migration, which traverses Serengeti National Park, is Tanzania’s main draw. The vast open plains of this national park are traversed by nearly 2 million animals annually, the majority of which are wildebeest, zebra, gazelles, and antelopes. As these animals attempt to flee the waiting crocodiles and other predators, their crossing of the Mara River is the dramatic high point of this journey.
If you’re deciding when to visit Tanzania, don’t miss this spectacle, which has been called the greatest wildlife phenomenon on Earth. Even though the Great Migration occurs for most of the year, its peak occurs from late June to August, making these the best months to view this phenomenon. But given that it’s also peak migration season, it should come as no surprise that people love doing this activity! As a result, Serengeti National Park and the nearby safari lodges may be very crowded at this time.
These are also the months when safari and flight costs increase, and camps can sell out up to a year in advance. This means that if you want to travel to Tanzania in June, July, or August, you must make advance plans and secure a reservation.
The Best Time for a Wildlife Safari in Tanzania
If you aren’t set on seeing the Great Migration at its peak, there are other times to visit the reserve that may suit you better. The Serengeti National Park is a year-round safari destination. In short, the type of wildlife you hope to see will largely determine the best time for a Tanzania safari in the Serengeti.
The calving season, which lasts from January to March, is a fantastic time to go on a safari and see young wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes, as well as lion cubs and even elephant calves. Even seeing calves born is common. Expecting stampeding herds or exciting river crossings is not realistic, given that this is not the best time to observe the migration in motion.
The ‘green season’ in Tanzania, which lasts from November to March, is ideal for birdwatching because migratory species arrive in their tens of thousands. Compared to the height of the great migration, there will be fewer tourists and lower prices during this time, though there may be some rain.
The ‘long rain’ season (March to May) is the least popular time to go on a safari in Tanzania because heavy rains can make it difficult to see wildlife. This is the time of year to purchase the best safari deals, though, if you’re looking for them.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ZANZIBAR ISLAND
You almost certainly want to unwind on some of the idyllic white-sand beaches on the island of Zanzibar, so you don’t want rain to spoil your plans. Therefore, the long dry season of the archipelago, which lasts from July to September, or the short dry season, which lasts from January to February, are the ideal times to visit the island.
Before the rains come back in March, Tanzania’s “short dry season” can also be a great time to travel to the Spice Island, which is located off the coast of Stone Town. You’ll be rewarded for waiting out a few showers with fewer people around and great deals on prices during Zanzibar’s brief rains in November and December, when downpours are typically followed by blue skies. We advise you to reconsider your plans only during the prolonged rains in April and May, when the island can experience a lot of rain.
THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB MOUNT KILIMANJARO
When to attempt this enormous hike is a crucial choice to make if you’re thinking about climbing “Kili,” as this mountain is affectionately known. The views will be ruined, the trek will be miserable, and most importantly, this high-altitude ascent will be twice as difficult in bad weather on Mount Kilimanjaro!
Due to this, we advise avoiding the rainy season because you run the risk of wading through mud and, as you ascend in altitude, encountering fog and drizzle. At this time, it frequently gets cold and snows on the summit as well.
For these reasons, Select Adventure Safari experts typically suggest that the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is between December and mid-March and mid-June and the end of October, when it is the warmest and driest of the year.
You can expect more comfortable hiking conditions and amazing photo opportunities during these times because of the clear skies, beautiful scenery, and sunshine. Not to mention, if the weather is good up on the mountain, you have a much better chance of making it to the top! But be advised that these are also the busiest months, so make reservations early!
TANZANIA SAFARI BEST TIME: BY GEOGRAPHICAL AREA
Tanzania has a variety of climatic conditions. Of course, the weather on the island of Zanzibar, in the Serengeti National Park, and at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro won’t be the same!
Between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius are the norm along the Tanzanian coast, which experiences a humid equatorial climate. In contrast, a temperate tropical climate prevails in the highlands and inland regions. The daytime temperatures are pleasant in the large parks of the north, but don’t forget to pack a jacket for the evening because it gets chilly at night.
Tanzania is best visited at various times of the year. Many tourists prefer to visit during the dry, sunny seasons of January to March and July to October. However, if you want to meet fewer people on the road and avoid the heat, we recommend traveling before or after the dry season in June or September. You will enjoy the beautiful weather without having to travel during peak season.
Knowing when to go will make your Tanzania safari tours more fulfilling and fruitful. In addition, we offer the best Tanzania travel guide to assist you in planning your safari trip. We have done our best to provide you with an overall picture of the best times to visit Tanzania.
Speak with one of our Select Adventure Safari experts for more guidance on organizing your trip to Tanzania and to discover some of the best safari discounts. Based on your plans and preferred activities, our team can give you advice on the best time to visit Tanzania. We have the knowledge to assist you in planning the trip of a lifetime. What are you still holding out for? Start making travel arrangements by contact us at Select Adventure Safari.
