Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a Safari
Understanding Tanzania’s Climate
Tanzania’s climate varies from humid and tropical on the coast to drier and cooler inland. Safaris are affected mainly by rainfall patterns and animal movements, especially the Great Migration.
Tanzania has two major seasons:
- Dry Season (June to October)
- Wet Season (November to May), which includes the short rains (Nov–Dec) and the long rains (March–May).
Best Time for General Safari Game Viewing
June to October (Dry Season)
- Animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.
- Grass is shorter, and visibility is excellent.
- Fewer mosquitoes and less humidity.
- Parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire are at their best.
- Weather is sunny and pleasant, especially for first-time safari-goers.
Best Time for the Great Migration
- December to March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti; lots of baby animals and predator action.
- April to May: Migration moves towards the central Serengeti but is harder to follow due to rains.
- June to July: Wildebeest and zebras gather in the western corridor – the famous river crossings start around June/July.
- August to September: Dramatic river crossings at the Mara River (northern Serengeti).
- October to November: Herds start moving back south to the Serengeti plains.
Best Time for Bird Watching
November to April
- Migratory birds from Europe and North Africa are present.
- Parks like Lake Manyara and Tarangire are birding hotspots.
- Many resident species are nesting and in vibrant breeding plumage.
Best Time for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
- January to March: Colder but clearer skies.
- June to October: Warmer and drier, busier months.
Best Time for Beach Holidays (Zanzibar, Mafia, Pemba Islands)
- June to October: Dry, sunny, and less humid – perfect for post-safari relaxation.
- December to February: Also good, though it can be hotter.
Month-by-Month Overview
| Month | Highlights |
|---|---|
| January – February | Great Migration calving season, good for Kilimanjaro climbs. |
| March | Start of long rains; fewer tourists but some parks get muddy. |
| April – May | Heavy rains; many lodges close; lush scenery, good deals if you don’t mind rain. |
| June | Dry season begins; ideal for safaris. |
| July – August | Peak safari time; best for the Great Migration river crossings. |
| September – October | Excellent game viewing; still dry. |
| November | Short rains start; landscapes get greener; fewer crowds. |
| December | Short rains continue early, but the end of the month is festive and good for safaris. |
Final Thoughts
The best time to visit Tanzania for safari depends on what you want:
- To see the Great Migration river crossings? Go in July to September.
- To avoid crowds and find better deals? Try the shoulder seasons (November or March).
- To see baby animals and big predator action? Visit in January and February.