Seasonal Safaris Best Times to Visit Tanzania for Wildlife Viewing Tanzania is one of the best safari destinations in Africa and the world in general for wildlife viewing. Although a Tanzania Safari can be done at any time of the year, there are different safari Seasons in Tanzania (Best Times to Visit Tanzania for Wildlife Viewing). In general the Best Times to Visit Tanzania for Wildlife Viewing is during the dry season from late June to October.
It is also important to know that Tanzania has two distinct rainy seasons: April to May (the ‘long rains’) and November to December (the ‘short rains’). Although Safaris in Tanzania are still possible during the rainy seasons, it is also important to keep in mind that the country’s ‘long rains’ produce tropical downpours in the afternoons and some safari camps may close during this period.
Most safari areas in Tanzania experience warm days and cool evenings year-round. Whereas temperatures may drop to below freezing on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, the country’s Indian Ocean coast and lakeside regions are hot and humid all year round – offering ideal conditions for safaris in Tanzania.
Although the best time is during the dry month of the year, this solely can’t determine when you should visit Tanzania since the best time for a Tanzania safari will also depend on where you want to go and what you want to see. For first-time traveler, we recommend you visit Tanzania (the best time to go to Tanzania) is during the dry season, as wildlife is easier to track and spot. The Best Times to Visit Tanzania for Wildlife Viewing is important to know before you visit the country whether you’re visiting Tanzania for the first time or not.
Here is a complete guide to the Best Times to Visit Tanzania for Wildlife Viewing – Different Months of the year and what safaris are like in Tanzania
January To March
For those seeking a tropical beach holiday, January is one of the best times to visit Tanzania’s coast. The weather is favourable for most beach safari activities during this time of the year. Explore Zanzibar during this time and experience its powder-soft sand beaches, azure waters, and total relaxation in its beachside hotels. If you are a wildlife lover, January sees the migrating wildebeests move into the southern Serengeti to give birth to their calves.
February is however a little hot and humid, and it’s the start of calving season when thousands of wildebeest give birth to their young ones. Approximately 800,000 wildebeest calves are born to replenish the lost lives during the migration.
As March starts, it becomes extremely hot in Tanzania. Early in the month it tends to be dry, although the ‘long rains’ have in previous years come early. The landscape turns an otherworldly green which is a strong contrast to the brown texture of the terrain over the summer months of the year. For those looking for challenging adventures, March is also considered the best month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
April & May
April marks the start of the heavy rain in Tanzania and is by far the wettest month of the year. During this month, rains predominantly come in the form of afternoon thundershowers, it’s not unusual to have big storms at night, as well as plenty of grey days. The western and southern parks experience the highest humidity.
As we advance to May it is still very wet, but things do start to dry out towards the end of the month as June welcomes in the dry season. During May, the Great Migration is trekking from the southern Serengeti to the western corridor – gearing up for the spectacular river crossings.
June To August
June is dry, and marks the start of the peak season or best time of year to visit for Tanzania for wildlife safaris. During this month, the rains have come to an end, the savannahs are starting to change from green to yellow, and wildlife sightings improve as the vegetation slowly recedes and animals starting to concentrate around the water areas. By June the Wildebeest and their entourage gather at the Grumeti River, building up numbers before they attempt their death-defying crossings.
July is marks the peak safari season is in full swing - the best time to travel to Tanzania for ideal weather and excellent game drive opportunities. During this time, the Wildebeest and their entourage reach the northern parts of the Serengeti, getting ready for its main event: crossing the treacherous waters of the Mara River into Kenya
As August starts, it is still peak season for safaris in Tanzania as tourist crowds flock to the northern safari circuit (Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti) and Zanzibar.
September And October
September is still a dry month in Tanzania however tourist crowds begin to reduce. For those who wish to experience mountain climbing and hiking, September is another prime month for to conquer Kilimanjaro.
October marks the start of a rainy season dans it sees the building of thunderclouds.
November & December
Although November is associated with rain, it’s usually only periodic thundershowers in the afternoon. Tanzania is generally great for game viewing year-round, and this month is a good time to discover some off-the-beaten track destinations in Tanzania.
For those wishing to travel to Tanzania during December its important to know that this month falls in the middle of the ‘short rains.’ For birding enthusiast, December is the perfect month to witness migratory birds that arrive in various safari parks in Tanzania.
Plan your Tanzania Safari with us and experience life thrilling adventure as you explore various National Parks across the country. We offer various Tanzania Safari experience such as wildlife viewing tours, beachside escape tours, climbing adventures among others.
