When traveling to Tanzania, what’s the best time of year to visit? The answer really depends on your reason for going. If you’re on safari in Tanzania, you’ll want to avoid the rainy season that runs from mid-March to mid-May and focus on the dry season, which goes from June through October. However, if you’re interested in seeing animals up close without the crowds, then February and March are your best bet as most of the wildlife retreats into hiding during those months when there isn’t enough food around to support them all.

Best time for a safari in Tanzania : August through October

If you’re planning on experiencing Tanzania in all its glory, your best bet is to plan your safari during August through October. During these months, you’ll have access to less crowds and lower prices than most other times of year. If you’re hoping to avoid rainy weather, then mid-September through early October is best; if you prefer sunny skies without thunderstorms, then aim for late August and September.

Best time for a safari in Tanzania : January through April

This is often called the rainy season in Africa, but these months actually produce some of Africa’s best game viewing. The weather is perfect, with relatively cool temperatures and very little humidity. Animals congregate at water holes and salt licks during these months and are also more active, which means you’ll have more opportunity to spot them! So if you want to go on safari in Tanzania during your trip around Africa, look to book from January through April.

December to March

The dry season is December through March in most of Tanzania, which has its benefits: It’s cooler, so walking safaris are more pleasant. But that also means you’ll likely have to pack rain gear and mosquito repellent. In general, December-March is winter in East Africa; there’s even snow at Mount Kilimanjaro (the national park closes until mid-April). At lower elevations, from 2,000 feet above sea level and up to 10,000 feet above sea level (the peak of Mount Meru), fauna becomes scarce due to lack of water and alpine animals like eland show up looking for relief from colder temperatures down below. Also the hotels are also quite cheap during the dry season and this is the best time for budget safaris in Tanzania.

June to september

The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season. If you prefer more reliable weather, and fewer mosquitoes, then plan your trip for June through September. The downside of visiting in summer is that some parks are only open on special request. Furthermore, June and July tend to have higher prices than other months because those months draw international visitors from around Africa and beyond (they come not just to see Serengeti National Park but also to take part in cultural activities like Zanzibar Stone Town Carnival). The upside of traveling in summer, though, is that lodging rates are lower than during peak tourist season. June is known as long rains month in certain parts of Africa and that means park entry fees are cheaper.

May, but with rainier days

The best time to go on safari in Tanzania is May through September. During these months, you’ll enjoy dry weather and less chance of rain (especially since your Tanzanian safari will be in southern Africa). Plus, animals aren’t affected by seasonal shifts like birds are, so you can still see plenty of them on your Tanzanian safari. While there are some bugs that could bother you during other times of year, they tend to disappear in May/June. Another upside: not as many mosquitoes! The only downside is that these months have fewer hours of sunlight than other times of year, so pack some solar-powered gadgets and load up on coffee if you plan to stay out late at night.

July and August, but with less birds

It’s mid-winter in Tanzania and that means it’s best time to go on safari, right? Well, if you’re an ardent birder—or an avid birdwatcher in general—then yes. These are prime months for birding as many migratory birds flock to warmer climates. However, given that there are fewer tourists (and lower prices) at these times of year, July and August can be a good time to visit if you’re looking to save some money or avoid crowds. But we have one word of warning: Though there are indeed far fewer people here than during other times of year, you will still see many travelers around—especially in major cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

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.

Check out our article about the best time to view the migration safari.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the great migration in Tanzania is one of the best times to go on safari in Africa. As there are over 20 million wildebeest and zebra that roam throughout the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve from May to October. This annual event sees millions of migratory wildebeest search for fresh pastures when their former feeding grounds have dried up after the rainy season. It’s a truly amazing sight to witness, which makes it one of the best time to visit the great migration on safari in Tanzania.

When is the Great Migration?

You may have heard about one of East Africa’s greatest tourist attractions –The Great Migration Safari. Wondering when to see it? Most people come from December through March and it can be quite hot in that period. If you are visiting for business, you would want to avoid school holidays as well. A great way of timing your trip would be after Easter and towards May or June before school starts again. You will enjoy some rain showers then but there are fewer tourists than those months mentioned above.

Tanzania Migration Safaris

In a typical year, over a million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra undertake an epic journey across Tanzania to reach areas with better grazing in search of fresh pastures. This migratory phenomenon known as The Great Migration has put Tanzania on top among Africa’s safari destinations. As most people start planning their holiday vacation for next year – make sure you include a trip to witness The Great Migration in your travel plans! It should be easy enough with numerous tanzania migration safaris available from September through November (the actual migration period).

Which park should I choose?

If you want to do a great migration safari in Africa, there are two main destinations: Kenya and Tanzania. Both parks offer great opportunities for wildlife photography, but as a photographer I’ll tell you that my favorite destination is definitely Arusha National Park in northern Tanzania. With more than 3 million acres of beautiful landscapes that are frequented by large animals like elephants, wildebeest and zebras, it’s not hard to see why Arusha National Park ranks as one of Africa’s most visited parks. If you’re thinking about visiting, I highly recommend spending at least three nights in an off-the-beaten-path base camp location.

3-Day Serengeti Migration Safari

During a typical great migration safari you will travel in a semi-private vehicle, allowing for plenty of game viewing in addition to your guide and driver. Averaging about 24 hours per day on safari, over three days, you’ll be exposed to some of Africa’s most iconic animals. If you are lucky, your trip may coincide with an elephant crossing ceremony or other spectacular wildlife encounters. All meals are included throughout your Serengeti Migration Safari vacation.

5-Day Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Conservation Area Tour

Many locals and tourists alike refer to Lake Manyara as an oasis in what feels like a long, dusty road. And when you’re here, it’s easy to see why: clear waters make for great views of hippos and elephants; copious bird life makes for great photo opportunities; and wide open savannah welcomes lions and other predators at night. You can see all of these things on our 5-day safari option that visits Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park (and its neighboring wildlife sanctuary), as well as taking a hot air balloon ride over Ngorongoro Crater.

The Great Migration Safari, also known as Masai Mara Migration Safari happens in Serengeti National Park and is one of wildlife’s greatest spectacles. During July, August and September; over a million wildebeest and countless other animals head south into Tanzania through Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, on their way back from grazing in greener pastures of Northern Kenya. This herd of herbivores travels thousands of miles each year in search for fresh grasslands due to seasonal droughts in their northern homes.

To get the full benefit of your Safari Tanzania experience; you should try to coincide your safari with the migration season. When hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra migrate from southern Serengeti to northern Serengeti (and vice versa) in search of greener pastures. The migration season generally takes place during July and August; but the best time to visit will vary depending on which kind of safari you are doing and the specific locations you are visiting.

What to wear & pack on your Tanzania safari can be intimidating; especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or its customs. You don’t want to go over-the-top, but at the same time, you don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed and put on whatever was on the floor. I’ve got your back with this complete guide to what to wear on safari in Tanzania.

When is the best time to visit Tanzania?

Most people head to Tanzania in East Africa to see the natural beauty of the Serengeti, the Great Rift Valley, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mt. Kilimanjaro, which at 19,340 feet is the highest peak in Africa. Because Tanzania’s climate can be unpredictable, you may have a few questions about what to expect in terms of weather when visiting this beautiful country.

January through March are considered to be peak viewing months in Tanzania, although you can spot wildlife year-round. More than 400 species of birds and over 100 species of mammals live within its borders. So if you’re a birder or looking for big game, Tanzania should be at or near the top of your list. These are also ideal times to take safaris because roads remain passable and water levels within national parks stay low enough that visitors don’t damage animal habitats while driving through them. If wildlife watching isn’t what gets your adrenaline pumping, it might still be a good idea to travel during these months due to lower temperatures and humidity; spring rains generally begin in April/May.

What If It Is Raining On The Day Of My Safari In Tanzania?

Although Tanzania has two rainy seasons, you shouldn’t worry about your upcoming safari in case of bad weather. Most safaris take place during September, October and November which are considered dry months in Tanzania. The rainy season lasts from December to March and only brings showers with localized thunderstorms or heavy rainfalls – nothing that you should be concerned about. By planning your trip between June and August, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy an African sunset even if it rains! Tanzanian baboons love to hang out in trees after it rains as well; they catch free rides down rivers as they flow into Lake Victoria!

WHAT KINDS OF CLOTHES ARE RECOMMENDED FOR SAFARI?

In order to be prepared for anything, it’s a good idea to create a packing list in advance. And by in advance, we mean well before you even think about packing. You’re going on a safari! And while you might think that you can just show up in your street clothes, and you’ll be fine…that isn’t really how it works. Safari clothing is special. Your clothes need to breathe but protect from sunburn; be lightweight enough for you not to get too hot during the day, but also durable enough so they don’t rip as soon as you brush against some branches or scratch at something with your fingernails. To help out with all of that, I want to give you some tips about which kinds of clothes are best suited for an African safari.

RECOMMENDED SAFARI CLOTHING TO BRING

Here’s the basic travel gear to pack before you leave the house:

1. Phone charger 
2. portable phone charger 
3. Water bottle 
4. Socks 
5. Underwear 
6. Medicines 
7. clothes / swim gear / trek gear
8. walking shoes 
9. One pair of sandals or flip-flops
10. sleeping bag
11. toiletry bag

HERE ARE THE TOP THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU ON A SAFARI:

1. SPF Protection

Because safaris occur in open-air vehicles and often include water excursions, you’ll want to be sure your skin is protected from harmful UVA/UVB rays. A good broad-spectrum sunscreen (with SPF of at least 30) is a must. You can also supplement with a sun-protective lip balm or lip gloss that contains SPF. If your expedition involves snorkeling or swimming, bring waterproof sun protection like zinc oxide sunblock or go for a water-resistant option so you don’t have to worry about sweating it off midtrip. And remember, it’s not just UV light you need to protect yourself from in Africa—it’s also exposure to dust, smoke and pollution.

2. Camera accessories

In addition to a camera, you’ll need other equipment that may include binoculars, lenses, a tripod and mosquito repellent. Binoculars are not just for wildlife-watching. You’ll need them if you want close-up views of mountain scenery as well as any animals—big or small—you see along your route. They can also be used in place of or in conjunction with a telephoto lens. You don’t have to invest in top-of-the-line optics; like many other cameras, binoculars come with an adjustment feature that allows you to alter the focus when using them. In terms of lens selection, most safari destinations offer at least one spot where photography is possible: river crossings.

3. Chapstick & Lip Balm

Chapstick/lip balm is a must-have. Not only will it help keep your lips hydrated, but it will also protect them from windburn. The sun can be extremely damaging to lips, so I recommend using chapstick with an SPF of at least 15. If you’re not into wearing chapstick (or if it’s simply too hot for that), try using a tinted lip balm instead! Chapstick makes your lips appear thinner because its color contrasts against your natural skin tone and doesn’t fully cover your lips. Try looking for tinted lip balms in mauve or coral hues that will make you feel like you aren’t wearing any makeup at all—just naturally thick and full lips!

4 What Shoes Are Best For A Safari Trip To Tanzania?

Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking while you’re out on safari; it’s important that your shoes are up for the challenge. Be sure they fit comfortable and look like you can take them from city streets to countryside trails without issue. Many people ask, What are my best shoes for a Safari trip?

The answer is simple. The kind that keep your feet dry and blister free when traveling in and out of game vehicles, walking long distances over rough terrain, keeping your feet cool when it’s hot, and warm when it’s cold. And more importantly still, they must protect you from thorny brush along with protection from insects such as scorpions and snakes as well as large amounts of bacteria if you happen to step in (or fall into) mud puddles! Safari boots have been specifically designed so that they meet all these requirements while still providing comfortability while being worn throughout long days of walking.

Are you ready for a safari? Hope this article of What to wear & pack on your Tanzania safari will help you organise your next safari in the best condition.