The Best Time for a Tanzania Safari

Planning a Tanzania safari is a thrilling adventure with incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. To ensure you have the best experience, it's important to pick the right time to visit. Tanzania has different seasons, each offering unique opportunities. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best times to go on a safari in Tanzania, including an overview of the seasons, weather conditions, price considerations, and our recommendations to help you plan an unforgettable safari getaway. Whether you want to witness the Great Migration or prefer a more budget-friendly trip, this guide will assist you in planning your dream safari.

• Dry Season (June to October)

  Weather

  • Dry and cool; ideal for safari.

  Wildlife Viewing

  • Excellent. Animals gather around water sources.

  Temperatures

  • Pleasant daytime temperatures, cooler nights.

  Price Points

  • High due to peak tourist season.

  Recommendations

  • This is the best time for safaris in Tanzania. Consider visiting Serengeti for the Great Migration.

• Green Season (November to May)

  Weather

  • Wetter with occasional heavy rains, especially from November to December and April to May.

  Wildlife Viewing

  • Still good, but animals more dispersed.

  Temperatures

  • Warm and humid.

  Price Points

  • Lower accommodation rates; budget-friendly.

  Recommendations

  • If you prefer fewer crowds and lower costs, consider visiting during the green season. Tarangire National Park is great for elephant sightings.

• Calving Season (January to March)

  Weather

  • Dry and pleasant, but you may experience occasional showers.

  Wildlife Viewing

  • Ideal for witnessing the wildebeest calving season.

  Temperatures

  • Comfortable.

  Price Points

  • Moderate; some discounts available.

  Recommendations

  • For a unique experience, visit the Southern Serengeti to witness the wildebeest birthing and predator activity.

• Short Rains Season (November and December)

  Weather

  • Short, heavy rains, with occasional overlaps with the green season.

  Wildlife Viewing

  • Still possible, but some areas may be less accessible.

  Temperatures

  • Warm with occasional downpours.

  Price Points

  • Mid-range.

  Recommendations

  • It's still a reasonable time for safaris, but be prepared for rain and potential travel disruptions.

• Long Rains Season (April and May)

  Weather

  • Continuous heavy rains, typically overlapping with the green season.

  Wildlife Viewing

  • Challenging due to thick vegetation and flooding.

  Temperatures

  • Warm with high humidity.

  Price Points

  • Lowest; some lodges and parks may be closed.

  Recommendations

  • Not recommended for safaris as conditions can be difficult.

January

Perfect for a tropical beach holiday on Zanzibar's powder-soft sand beaches. It's also a great time to witness the Wildebeest Migration in the southern Serengeti as herds give birth to their calves.

February

Hot and humid with the peak of the calving season. Thousands of wildebeest calves are born, attracting numerous predators. The plains are full of new life.

March

Extremely hot, with early signs of the 'long rains.' The landscape turns lush green. It's an ideal month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with fewer crowds.

April

The wettest month of the year with frequent thundershowers and some big storms. Despite the rain, this is a great time for budget travellers as many lodges offer lower rates.

May

Early May is still wet, but it starts to dry out towards the end of the month. The Great Migration begins to move from the southern Serengeti to the western corridor.

June

Dry and busy, the best time for luxury safaris. The vegetation recedes, making wildlife sightings easier. The Wildebeest Migration may be at the Grumeti River.

July

Peak safari season with ideal weather and excellent game viewing. The Great Migration reaches the northern Serengeti, preparing for the Mara River crossing into Kenya.ay you tell your story online can make all the difference.

August

Peak season continues with fantastic wildlife viewing. The Great Migration crosses the Mara River. Tourist crowds flock to the northern safari circuit and Zanzibar.

September

Fewer tourists and no rain. A great month for climbing Kilimanjaro and seeing large herds of elephants in Tarangire National Park. Fishing season starts in the great lakes.

October

Start of the short rains with occasional thunderstorms. Best time for chimpanzee encounters in Mahale Mountains National Park and warm waters in Lake Tanganyika. Ideal for climbing Mount Meru in Arusha National Park.

November

An underrated month for safaris with periodic afternoon thundershowers. Great for game viewing in northern parks and exploring off-the-beaten-track destinations.

December

Middle of the 'short rains' with a quieter beginning and a busy festive season. Perfect for birdwatching as migratory birds arrive. The Great Migration returns to the southern Serengeti.