Knowing the best time to visit Tanzania on a wildlife safari is all about understanding your desires for an East African adventure. This captivating country offers an abundance of breathtaking wildlife, pristine tropical beaches, rich cultural experiences, and iconic landscapes.
However, certain times of the year are more favorable for indulging in Tanzania’s main attractions, making it essential to conduct thorough research.
Discover more about the country’s climate, seasons, and optimal times to visit Tanzania for an unforgettable experience.
Overall Best Time to Visit Tanzania
Tanzania’s tropical climate exhibits variations based on region and altitude, with fairly consistent temperatures year-round. However, it is crucial to note the distinct dry and rainy seasons that occur in the country.
Overall, the optimum time to visit Tanzania is widely regarded as the country’s extensive dry season, which spans from July to October.
Experience the breathtaking wonders of the Serengeti’s great migration, embark on an exhilarating Mount Kilimanjaro trek, and bask in the tropical beauty of Zanzibar Island’s beaches. These months offer a rare opportunity to witness nature’s spectacle, challenge yourself on an unforgettable journey, and unwind in paradise.
However, it is important to note that during these months, Tanzania experiences its peak travel season. Consequently, various destinations will be bustling with tourists, resulting in higher rates across the board.
For a more tranquil and serene experience, our team of African Travel Experts recommends a visit to this country during the shorter rainy season (end of October to December) or the shorter dry season (January to February).
We recommend avoiding the extended wet season from March to May, as it may bring about unexpected and intense rain showers that can disrupt your travel arrangements and planned 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.
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.
Best Time to See 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.
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 is 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 ahead 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!
