When is the Best time for a Safari in Tanzania?
If you’re planning a safari in Tanzania, the best time for a Safari in Tanzania is during the dry season, which usually lasts from late June to October. Tanzania has two distinct rainy seasons, the ‘long rains’ from April to May and the ‘short rains’ from November to December. During the long rains, there can be heavy tropical downpours in the afternoons which may cause some safari camps to close. The short rains usually bring only brief showers.
Tanzania’s safari areas typically experience warm days and cool evenings year-round, with the exception of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, where temperatures can drop below freezing. Meanwhile, the country’s coastal and lakeside regions tend to be hot and humid.
If you’re a first-time safari-goer, the dry season is generally the best time to visit Tanzania as wildlife is easier to spot and track. That being said, the ideal time to visit will depend on your interests and where you want to go. Understanding the difference between Tanzania’s safari high season and low season can help you plan your trip accordingly.
Month by Month Guide for a Safari in Tanzania:
The weather is generally hot and dry, and it’s a great time to see wildlife in the southern and western parks of Tanzania, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Selous. It’s also a good time for bird watching.
It’s still hot and dry in most of Tanzania, and it’s a great time to see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti.
The weather starts to cool down, and there might be some rain, especially in the northern parks like Tarangire and Arusha. It’s still a great time to see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti.
The long rains begin in Tanzania, and most parks become inaccessible due to muddy roads. However, this is a great time to visit the southern parks like Selous and Ruaha, which remain accessible and have great bird watching opportunities.
The rains continue, and most parks are still inaccessible. However, the green season is a great time for bird watching, and you can see many migratory birds in the northern parks like Lake Manyara.
The weather starts to dry up, and the wildebeest migration starts moving towards the western corridor of the Serengeti. It’s a great time to see the migration, as well as predators like lions and leopards.
The weather is dry, and the wildebeest migration is in full swing in the Serengeti. It’s also a great time to see other wildlife, like elephants and giraffes.
The weather is still dry, and the wildebeest migration is still in the western corridor of the Serengeti. It’s a great time to see predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
The weather starts to warm up, and the wildebeest migration starts moving towards the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara. It’s a great time to see river crossings and predators like crocodiles
The weather is warm and dry, and the wildebeest migration is still in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara. It’s a great time to see predators like lions and leopards.
The short rains start in Tanzania, and the wildebeest migration starts moving towards the southern Serengeti. It’s a great time to see newborn animals like zebras and gazelles.
The weather is warm and wet, and the wildebeest migration is in the southern Serengeti. It’s also a great time to see predators like lions and cheetahs. However, some parks may be inaccessible due to the rains.
There are numerous factors to consider when planning your safari in Tanzania, but one of the most important things to keep in mind is the best time to visit. Wildlife viewing opportunities are optimal during different seasons, depending on where you plan to stay and what you want to see on your vacation. To ensure that you make the most of your time in Tanzania, read on to learn more about the best time for a safari in Tanzania.
Dry Season: Pros and Cons
✓ Favourable weather
✓ Abundance of Wildlife
✓ Scenery looks like many images of Africa; vast, dry grasslands and animals around watering holes
✓ Holiday Seasons, and when most visitors have time-off
✓ Good weather for an evening swim in the swimming pool at your hotel/lodge
✓ Suggested time for a family vacation or honeymoon
✓ Popular tourist time
✖︎ Parks may feel more crowded/busy
✖︎ Accommodations are full-price (no discounts)
✖︎ The end of the dry season may be dusty – bring a bandana or handkerchief to help.
Rainy Season: Pros and Cons
✓ See Africa in a new way! Tropical climate with green forests and active animals
✓ Photographers especially enjoy capturing wildlife during the rainy season, and the contrast of colors looks amazing.
✓ Guests may receive low-season discounts
✓ Parks are not crowded and guests feel they are on a private adventure
✖︎ Some park roads may be inaccessible
✖︎ Likely to experience some wet days – but it does not rain all day and typically there is significant sun at some point each day
✖︎ Bring a rain jacket and shoes that are water resistant for your comfort
✖︎ In some parks the animals are more dispersed during the rainy season
When to See the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti
The wildebeest migration is an incredible natural phenomenon that takes place in the Serengeti ecosystem of Tanzania and Kenya every year. The exact timing of the migration can vary depending on the rainfall patterns and other environmental factors, but generally, the best time to see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is from July to October.
During this time, the wildebeest are usually crossing the Grumeti and Mara rivers, which can be a spectacular sight. The migration also provides opportunities to see predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs preying on the migrating herds.
Check out our article about the best time to view the migration safari.
