The Ultimate Guide: Best Time to Visit Tanzania – Don’t Miss!
The best time to visit Tanzania
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what you want to do and see. Generally speaking, the dry season from late June to October is considered to be the best time for wildlife viewing. During this time, animals gather around limited water holes, making them easier to spot. However this is the best time for Tanzania Great Migration of Wildebeest across the Mara River.
Nevertheless, this is the peak tourist season, so prices can be higher and parks can be very crowded.
The short rainy season from November to December can also be a good time to visit, as the landscape is lush and green, and many migratory birds are present. This is also a quieter time for visiting Tanzania.
The long rainy season from March to May is generally not recommended for travel as the roads can be impassable and some lodges and camps may be closed. The humidity can also be high during this time, although this is the time where the price will be cheaper as the concentration of tourists is low.
Best time to see wildebeest migration
Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Beach Holidays:
For a beach holiday in Zanzibar, the best time is during the dry season, from June to October, when temperatures are warm and rainfall is low.
Another great time is the short dry season in January and February, which is perfect for combining with a safari.
Overall, the best time to visit Tanzania is from June to October this time is popular for Great Tanzania Migration Safari, but it’s important to research and consider your specific interests and needs before making a decision.
Sure! Tanzania is a large country with diverse climatic and ecological regions, so the best time to visit depends on where you plan to go and what you plan to do.
The Serengeti National Park, a top destination in Tanzania for wildlife viewing and the Tanzania Great migration, has its peak season from June to October. This is the best time to visit Tanzania because the dry weather makes it easier to spot wildlife, and the herds of wildebeest and other grazers congregate around the Mara River crossing to Kenya’s Masai Mara.
The Tanzania Great Migration is one of the most famous wildlife spectacles in the world, with over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving through the Serengeti ecosystem. Here’s a breakdown of the migration safari seasons in Tanzania:
Calving Season (January to March)
Location: Southern Serengeti and Ndutu Plains
Highlights: The wildebeest give birth to around 8,000 calves daily during this period. Predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are abundant, making it a best time to visit Tanzania for witnessing dramatic predator-prey interactions.
Best for: Photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those interested in seeing newborn animals and predator action.
Grumeti River Crossings (April to June)
Location: Central and Western Serengeti
Highlights: As the herds move northward, they cross the Grumeti River, where large Nile crocodiles await. The lush landscapes of the Serengeti provide a scenic backdrop to the migration.
Best for: Those who want to experience the start of the migration and see more remote parts of the Serengeti.
Mara River Crossings (July to October)
Location: Northern Serengeti and into the Maasai Mara (Kenya)
Highlights: The most famous part of the migration is the dramatic crossings of the Mara River, where the wildebeest face the threat of crocodiles and swift currents. This is the most popular time to witness the migration.
Best time in Tanzania: Travelers wanting to witness one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles.
Return to the Serengeti (November to December)
Location: Eastern and Southern Serengeti
Highlights: After spending time in the Maasai Mara in Kenya, the herds begin their return to the Serengeti, following the rains. This is a less crowded time, with great opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Best time in Tanzania: Avoiding high-season crowds and witnessing the migration on the move.
Each season offers a unique perspective of the Tanzania Great Migration and the Serengeti ecosystem. Depending on what you’re most interested in—river crossings, calving, or predator action—the timing of your visit can greatly influence your experience.
The Ngorongoro Crater, another highly visited spot in Tanzania, has a similar peak season from late June to October, as the dry conditions and concentration of wildlife make it easier to spot animals in and around the crater.
Similarly, the Tarangire National Park and Manyara National Park have dry conditions from June to October, making them great places for wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Kilimanjaro trekking:
For trekking and hiking, the best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season from June to October or from December to February, when the weather is typically clear and dry.
The ascent to Mount Kilimanjaro, for example, is best done in these dry months to maximise visibility and avoid slippery and dangerous conditions.
It’s important to note, however, that Tanzania is generally a year-round destination, with plenty to see and do even in the rainy seasons.
The short rains from November to December typically have less rainfall and are best time in Tanzania for birdwatching and seeing colourful plant life, while the long rains from March to May can offer serene and peaceful landscapes, wildflowers, and a chance to see newborn animals.
However, it’s important to be prepared for wet and muddy conditions if traveling during the rainy seasons.
