Best Time to Visit
Tanzania
Experience the awe of the Great Migration in the Serengeti, reach the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, and unwind on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. With Gamewatchers’ bespoke holiday packages to Tanzania, your journey will encompass these wonders and much more, tailored to your unique preferences.
Imagine witnessing the dramatic scene of wildebeest braving the Mara River, evading crocodiles, or embarking on serene walking safaris in the Serengeti, surrounded by the symphony of bird calls. Venture on game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater to track the Big Five or explore Nyerere National Park on boat safaris, spotting hippos, sable antelopes, and vibrantly colored birds. Discover the chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains National Park.
From the elephant-populated vistas of Tarangire National Park to the serene beaches and crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, and the majestic lions of Ruaha National Park, let us know what excites you. Travel at a pace and style that suits you, with the assurance that we’ll guide you to the finest experiences Tanzania has to offer.
Tanzania's month-by-month visit guide
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
Visiting in January
The Great Migration herds have reached the southern Serengeti, spreading out for calving amid warm, dry weather—a prime time for safaris. Mount Kilimanjaro climbs are feasible, though the peak may be crowded. Coastal Tanzania, including Zanzibar, offers an idyllic tropical beach escape. Inland, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater showcase the Great Migration. The weather is hot and sunny, ideal for safaris and witnessing wildebeest calving. Climbing Kilimanjaro remains favorable. Coastal and inland regions together present diverse opportunities for an unforgettable Tanzanian experience.
FEB
Visiting in February
The calving season kicks off in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, with thousands of wildebeest giving birth, drawing in active predators. Approximately 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in this period. The weather is hot and sunny, perfect for safaris, with a chance to witness calving in the southern Serengeti. Climbing conditions on Kilimanjaro are favorable. The February Great Migration in the Serengeti sees most wildebeest calving in a 2-3 week window, offering abundant predator sightings. The landscape is lush after short rains, making it an opportune time for climbing Kilimanjaro, though it may be crowded.
MAR
Visiting in March
In March, the long rains season commences, transforming the landscape into lush terrain in the Ngorongoro Highlands with short, sharp afternoon rainfall. This period is ideal for Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions, although wildlife viewing may become challenging due to the rainy season. Meanwhile, in Serengeti, the Great Migration begins its northward movement, providing a less crowded experience.
APR
Visiting in April
Tanzania experiences its primary rainy season peak in April with intense, continuous precipitation. Afternoon thundershowers and nocturnal storms are frequent, particularly in western and southern parks with high humidity. Despite wildlife dispersal due to rainfall, the Southwest Serengeti hosts the wildebeest rut, a notable highlight. April poses challenges for travel with muddy roads, affecting safari accessibility. However, this off-peak period offers discounted prices and fewer crowds, making it an economical time for those seeking value and tranquility in Tanzania tours and accommodations.
MAY
Visiting in May
In May, a mix of heavy rain and the conclusion of the rainy season affects inland areas. While early May remains wet, the latter part experiences drier conditions as the dry season begins in June. The Great Migration shifts from the southern Serengeti to the western corridor. Wildlife viewing is challenging, but the northern region offers good safari opportunities. Kilimanjaro climb conditions improve. The wet season persists, fostering active wildlife. This period is ideal for birdwatching and photography, capturing vivid colors in the skies as the long rains season concludes.
JUN
Visiting in June
In June, Tanzania enters its dry season, heralding prime conditions for luxurious safaris. The conclusion of the rainy season transforms the savannah from green to yellow, amplifying wildlife sightings. This period is ideal for Kilimanjaro treks. Moreover, June marks the onset of the Great Migration, potentially witnessed at the Grumeti River with animals preparing for daring crossings. The game reserve roads also dry out, facilitating easier travel for unforgettable safari experiences, especially in the Serengeti where the Great Migration unfolds.
JUL
Visiting in July
July is the prime safari season in Tanzania, characterized by optimal weather and exceptional game drive opportunities. It’s an ideal period for combining Kenya and Tanzania safaris. The northern Serengeti hosts the Great Migration, as wildebeests prepare for Mara River crossings into Kenya. The month promises excellent weather, abundant sunshine, and minimal rainfall, enhancing wildlife viewing experiences. However, visitor traffic is high, particularly in core areas. Traveling in July offers superb weather, bustling game drives, and a front-row seat to the spectacular Migration, albeit with increased tourist activity.
AUG
Visiting in August
Tarangire offers excellent game viewing amidst the stunning backdrop of iconic baobab trees, providing a less crowded alternative to the Serengeti. August is a bustling period in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit and Zanzibar, featuring vibrant wildlife and the Great Migration crossing the Mara River. Despite high visitor traffic, it’s an optimal safari season with exceptional wildlife viewing. Mount Kilimanjaro is climbable, though crowded. Tarangire becomes a haven for elephant sightings, and Tanzania’s lake regions initiate the fishing season in September.
SEP
Visiting in September
In September, tourist crowds dwindle, making it an excellent time to visit Tanzania. Lower humidity and decreased mosquito activity enhance the experience. Mount Kilimanjaro conditions are optimal for hikers, while Tarangire National Park provides exceptional elephant sightings. Tanzania’s great lake regions usher in the fishing season. The Serengeti hosts the ongoing Migration, with the chance to witness thrilling river crossings. Climbing Kilimanjaro is favorable, though crowded. Tarangire remains a prime location for elephant viewing. Overall, September promises superb weather and wildlife sightings around permanent water sources.
OCT
Visiting in October
October in Mahale Mountains National Park offers prime chimpanzee encounters amid the onset of the first rains and thundercloud development. Lake Tanganyika reaches its warmest, perfect for aquatic pursuits. Arusha National Park becomes ideal for Mount Meru climbs, benefiting from excellent dry season weather. The month promises outstanding wildlife viewing around water sources. Kilimanjaro conditions are favorable, with lower visitor traffic. The end of the dry season in other areas provides optimal wildlife viewing, as short grass and scarce water concentrate animals. Thunderstorm clouds signal the imminent arrival of the rainy season.
NOV
Visiting in November
November is an underrated month for a Tanzanian safari, featuring periodic thundershowers in the afternoon. While weather can be unpredictable with the start of short rains, the northern parks offer excellent year-round game viewing. It’s an ideal time for off-the-beaten-track exploration. Kilimanjaro conditions may be challenging, but low visitor traffic is an advantage. The short rains season begins in November, marked by afternoon thunderstorms, creating a low season with favorable rates. The Serengeti sees the return of massive herds, following rains that spur new grass growth in the southern plains.
DEC
Visiting in December
In December, Tanzania experiences the ‘short rains,’ with the month’s initial period being tranquil before the festive season. Ideal for birdwatching, migratory birds populate Nyerere and Tarangire National Parks. The Great Migration returns to the southern Serengeti, perfect for witnessing the preparations for calving. Weather improves, though unpredictability persists. Wildlife viewing is optimal with the migration in the southern Serengeti. Kilimanjaro conditions vary. The first half of December is serene, contrasting the lively Christmas and New Year period. Tarangire remains a haven for bird enthusiasts, and the short rains conclude by month-end.
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ENQUIRY FORM
Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.
Rachel Chambers
Rachel Chambers
Rachel resides on the vibrant West Coast of Canada, specifically on Vancouver Island. She has a profound love for travel, having explored nearly 30 countries. However, it was a solo journey to Africa that truly ignited her passion. Upon stepping foot in Botswana for the first time, Rachel was captivated and knew she needed to explore more of the continent. Since then, she has ventured solo to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya, where she traveled with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps.
It was during these experiences that Rachel realized her desire to be a part of the Gamewatchers team.
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.comÂ
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.comÂ
Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.Â
