Best Time To Visit Tanzania

Best Time to Visit Tanzania: A Month-by-Month Guide

Tanzania is a year-round destination, offering diverse experiences depending on the time of year. Whether you’re visiting for the Great Migration, a beach holiday in Zanzibar, or a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, understanding the best time to visit can enhance your experience. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you decide when to visit based on wildlife viewing, weather, and activities.

Overview of Tanzania’s Seasons

Tanzania experiences two main seasons:

• Dry Season: June to October (best for game viewing)
• Wet Season: November to May (split into short rains and long rains)

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time to visit Tanzania for wildlife safaris is during the Dry Season (June to October). During these months, animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The Serengeti is especially active, with the Great Migration reaching the northern parts by July.

• Best Time for the Great Migration: June to October
• Best Time for the Calving Season (Serengeti): January to March
• Best Time for Birdwatching: November to April (the wet season when migratory birds arrive)

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January – March: The Calving Season

• Weather: Warm with occasional short rains, especially in the Serengeti.
• Wildlife: The southern Serengeti plains are teeming with life as the Great Migration calving season takes place. Thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators like lions and cheetahs.
• Best For: Wildlife photographers, Great Migration calving, birdwatching.

April – May: The Long Rains

• Weather: Heavy rains, particularly in the southern and western parks, making some roads difficult to access.
• Wildlife: Although the rains can make travel tricky, this is the green season. The parks are lush, and it’s a great time for photography, with fewer tourists and lower lodge rates.
• Best For: Budget travelers, birdwatchers, and photographers seeking vibrant landscapes.

June – October: The Dry Season

• Weather: Cool, dry, and sunny – the most popular time to visit Tanzania.
• Wildlife: Prime game viewing, especially in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire. The Great Migration moves north through the Serengeti, crossing into Kenya’s Masai Mara by August. The lack of water means animals congregate around rivers and waterholes.
• Best For: Safaris, Great Migration, Mount Kilimanjaro climbing, Zanzibar beach holidays.

November – December: The Short Rains

• Weather: Short, sporadic rains, with plenty of sunshine in between.
• Wildlife: This is the time when the Great Migration begins to move back south into the Serengeti for the calving season. Birdwatching is excellent as migratory species arrive.
• Best For: Birdwatching, fewer tourists, and great value.

Best Time for Specific Activities

1. Great Migration:
   • June – October: Best time to witness river crossings in the Serengeti and northern regions.
   • January – March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti plains.
2. Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing:
   • Best time to climb: January to March, and June to October (dry, clear weather).
3. Zanzibar Beach Holidays:
   • Best time to visit: June to October (cool, dry weather), December to February (warm, sunny weather).
4. Birdwatching:
   • The best time for migratory birds: is November to April, when migratory species from Europe and Asia arrive.

Summary Table: Best Time to Visit Based on Activities

The best time to visit Tanzania depends on your interests and what you’d like to experience. The Dry Season from June to October is the most popular time for safaris and wildlife viewing, particularly for the Great Migration and river crossings. However, the Wet Season offers beautiful green landscapes, calving season in the Serengeti, and great birdwatching opportunities, often with fewer crowds and better rates. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or wildlife, Tanzania has something to offer year-round.

For a personalized itinerary or advice on the best time to visit, contact us today!