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The general rule in picking the right Tanzania safari is to consider whether you want to experience the famous northern circuit or the quieter southern counterpart. The northern circuit includes the Serengeti National Park. You could combine time here with a few nights on top of the Ngorongoro Crater to witness Tanzania’s absolutely phenomenal big-game regions. Alternatively, you could head to the southern circuit on your Tanzania safari holiday to experience the country’s charming ‘off-the-beaten-track’ wildlife regions, such as Ruaha National Park. And of course, you can never go wrong with adding on some time on Zanzibar, for some R&R on those exceptional beaches.
When to visit Tanzania
Tanzania is the envy of most safari countries, as you can visit this destination all year round. However, the best time to visit for wildlife is during the dry season, between June and October, particularly for the peak of the wildebeest migration. Below, you’ll find a month-by-month guide highlighting the best time to go on safari:
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
January - Best month to visit Tanzania
- The beginning of Tanzania’s short dry season, but with chances of rain in the afternoon.
- There‘s high availability in most areas in Tanzania in January, while rates are low.
- It’s the start of the Great Migration calving season, which is followed closely by high predator action.
- Landscape is fresh and green, with thousands of migratory birds.
- Wildlife can be harder to spot in the southern parks, as the foliage is so thick.
Low season
Max Temp 29 C
Dry
Calving season
Great for photography
Low rates
February - Best month to visit Tanzania
- February in Tanzania is hot and dry, a good month to visit as the country is less crowded and offers lower rates.
- It’s the middle of the wildebeest calving season, which is followed by a lot of predator action.
- Great month for birding, particularly in Nyerere (formerly Selous) and Ruaha National Park
- Wonderful opportunities to photograph newborns within the lush landscapes
- Hottest months of the year in Zanzibar (40 degrees), possibly too hot for some travellers.
Low season
Max Temp 29 C
Dry
Calving season
Hottest month
Mosquitoes in the south
March - Good month to visit Tanzania
- Tanzania in March is one of the wettest months of the year; March marks the start of the long rains.
- Many camps and lodges offer very good value for money.
- The scenery is lush, flowers are in bloom, and the cloudy skies only add to the dramatic backdrop for photographers.
- Fewer travellers in Tanzania in March means good availability of properties that remain open.
- Tropical afternoon downpours are the norm, so don‘t forget your waterproofs!
Low season
Max Temp 30 C
Hot and humid
Calving season
Birdlife
Lots of bugs around
April - Mixed month to visit Tanzania
- April is the peak wet season in Tanzania, as the long rains have set in.
- Property prices are a fraction of their costs in high season, sometimes even half.
- Both high humidity and mosquitoes can make travellers feel uncomfortable.
- All properties in the southern and western parks are closed/inaccessible.
- You might have the chance to take some amazing photos of the migration herds with their young.
Wet season
Max Temp 28 C
Heavy rain
Migration heads north
Low rates
Humidity attracts mosquitoes
May - Mixed month to visit Tanzania
- May in Tanzania is the last month of long rains; it starts to dry up towards the end of the month.
- One of the best times to see the great migration in Tanzania as the herds push north to better grazing grounds.
- Zanzibar sees the most and heaviest rainfall, which can continue for days on end.
- It’s a good month for keen birders, as many migratory bird species may be viewed.
- There are some exciting wildlife photography opportunities, especially in the Serengeti.
Wet season
Max Temp 27 C
Afternoon downpours
Mega-herd moving north
Migratory birds
Epic Serengeti photo ops
June - Good month to visit Tanzania
- Tanzania in June is the beginning of the dry season, with clear skies, plenty of sunshine, chilly mornings, and cool evenings.
- Plenty of wildlife highlights, including the wildebeest migration crossing the River Grumeti.
- Superb weather in Tanzania for both safari and beach holidays.
- Wildlife is easier to spot, as the bush is thinning and animals congregate around dwindling water sources.
- Little to no rain, which means fewer mosquitoes.
Dry season
Max Temp 27 C
Dry
Wildebeest mega herds
Add some beach time
Book in advance
July - Best month to visit Tanzania
- One of the best times to visit Tanzania. It‘s the middle of dry, peak season, with guaranteed warm weather and wonderful wildlife viewing.
- Peak season also means low availability, so make sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
- Wildlife highlights: Serengeti’s Great Migration herd, chimpanzees in Mahale, elephants in Tarangire.
- July is a very popular time to travel to Tanzania, so some areas can start to feel crowded.
- July is the driest month of the year, with very little rainfall, which can cause dusty roads.
Peak season
Max Temp 26 C
Dry
Wildebeest river crossing
Epic wildlife viewing
Book in advance
August - Best month to visit Tanzania
- The ultimate month for witnessing wildlife highlights paired with good weather in Tanzania.
- Days are dry and warm, while the nights are cool – the ideal safari weather.
- The south is less busy than the north offering equally impressive game viewing at this time of year.
- Wildlife congregates at the remaining water sources, making for superb game viewing.
- Large elephant herds are roaming around Tarangire National Park.
Peak season
Max Temp 27 C
No rain
YZ favourite month
Wildebeest river crossing
Book in advance
September - Best month to visit Tanzania
- The end of the dry season means that there are immense concentrations of wildlife gathered at scarce water sources.
- The Great Migration herds start heading back south from Kenya, so you might catch a river crossing.
- Northern parks can be very busy with lots of safari vehicles, especially the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
- September is one of the best months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Southern parks are less busy, so these are an amazing option for travellers hoping to avoid the crowds.
Peak season
Max temp 28 C
No rain
Wildebeest river crossing
Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
Book in advance
October - Best month to visit Tanzania
- The main parks are still in their peak season, so there’s limited availability of properties, and rates are high.
- This is one of the best times to travel to Tanzania for both safari and beach holidays.
- Days are warmer than in previous months, and clear, but rain is likely towards October’s end.
- Early October still sees the mega-herd spreading out across the entire northern Serengeti to the Maasai Mara.
- Vast concentrations of wildlife cluster around scarce water sources, making for great wildlife viewing.
Peak season
Max Temp 29 C
Dry
Mega-herd moving month
Add some beach time
Book in advance
November - Best month to visit Tanzania
- November sees the short rains begin in earnest in Tanzania. It tends to rain overnight.
- Availability of properties is good, with far fewer tourists around in the parks, and rates are lower.
- A major moving month, as the herds head through the Serengeti towards the southern short-grass plains.
- November is one of the best months for encountering whale shark off Mafia Island.
- As the rains start and the humidity increases, there are a few more mosquitoes around.
Short rainy season
Max Temp 28 C
Lots of rain
Mega-herd moving month
Low rates
Humidity attracts mosquitoes
December - Good month to visit Tanzania
- It’s the start of the ‘emerald’ season, with scenery becoming greener and more beautiful by the day.
- Wildebeest are preparing for calving season and large herds cover the Serengeti plains.
- Tanzania is a very popular destination for Christmas, so book early if you wish to travel during this time.
- Ideal time for birders, as thousands of migratory birds arrive.
- Zanzibar is very hot, dry, and humid in December, with temperatures soaring into the early 40s.
Short rainy season
Max Temp 28 C
Lots of rain
Difficult to predict
Great birdlife
Book in advance
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The top parks to explore on your Tanzania safari
Luxury Tanzania safari lodges and camps
From the height of luxury to the most authentic safari lodges, check out some of our favourite lodges and camps. We’ve included some of the best lodges in Tanzania and they range from great value to over-the-top opulence. All our safaris are tailored to you, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you see a property you want to stay in.
Top Tanzania trip ideas
All of our holidays to Tanzania are tailor-made, designed entirely to suit your needs and budgets. The sample trips below are intended to give you inspiration towards what is possible for your safari holiday.
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