Best Time to visit Tanzania

Best Time for a Tanzania Safari Holiday

Best Time to visit Tanzania for safaris

Best time for safaris and holidays in Tanzania

Ideally, the best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry seasons of the Year. These seasons are also known as peak and high seasons. That’s between January and March which is the high season and July to October, which is known to be the peak season, These season coincides with interesting events that happen in Tanzania, like the calving of wildebeests in February and wildebeest migration and crossings in July to October. 

Tanzania offers a wide array of safari activities that you can engage in at any time of the year. But the most important aspects that attract tourists to Tanzania are the wildlife sightings, the holiday in Zanzibar, and summiting of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The Best Time to go on Safari in Serengeti is between June and October of every year. As this is the best time to see the wildebeest migration in Northern Serengeti National Park.

You can as well visit Ngorongoro Crater in all seasons, but when is the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater? Its between Jan and March. When the wildebeests are busy giving birth in Ndutu, alot of wildlife are also seen in Ngorongoro and these attracts lots of big cats since food is in plenty.

Visit Tanzania between January and March, to witness more than 8000 wildebeest calves being born daily. This is known as the start of a wildebeest life, as they look forward to conquering and trying to fight for their survival in the next few years they will live. It’s the best time to visit Tanzania, specifically the Ndutu Conservation Area, south of Serengeti. 

You can as well be planning to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. With its own uniqueness and majestic views, this mountain offers an epic adventure to conquer at the right time. The Best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro is between Jan and March and between June to December. At least when the weather is not that wet, and not that hot. 

Tanzania Safaris offers authentic safari experiences all throughout the year. Visit the famous Ngorongoro crater, or even the Tarangire National Park, or Fly to Zanzibar for a beach holiday, these can all be done despite rain or sun. But get the best facts to visit and plan accordingly to visit your desired destination in Tanzania.

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Detailed Month by month Travel guide

TANZANIA TRAVEL GUIDE - best safari guide to Tanzania

January

Dry and Hot Season :- High Season

Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C

January offers an amazing opportunity to witness most of the wildlife species. One of the best months in Tanzania to visit the Ndutu Conservation Area in Tanzania. The country is hot and dry after short rains in November and December. It’s easy to spot big cats and other wildlife species. Its also the best time to witness more than 8000 wildebeest calves i  Ndutu and Serengeti South. Its the best time to visit out of the busy seasons.

What to do in Janury

Best for a Safari in Ndutu and South Serengeti For Wildebeest Sightings

You can do so much in Tanzania during this time of the year. Some of the best things to do are summit the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, go on a beach holiday vacation in Zanzibar, and enjoy a safari in any of the National Parks. But one of the unique events that happen in January is the birthing season of wildebeests in Ndutu.

Ndutu Conservation Area -Wildebeest Calving Season
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February

Dry and Hot Season :- High Season

Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C

February is a wonder month for a Tanzania Safari. During this month, the wildebeest birthing intensifies and you will witness lots of wildebeest being born after every minute. It’s also the best time to spot big cats in action as they enjoy time hunting down the calves since food is in plenty. The month tends to be hot and a bit dry and wet, as long rains start coming towards the end of the month to begin the wet season.

What to do in February

Best for a Safari in Ndutu For wildebeest Calving

You can do so much in Tanzania during this time of the year. Some of the best things to do are summit the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, go on a beach holiday vacation in Zanzibar, and enjoy a safari in any of the National Parks. But one of the unique events that happen in January is the birthing season of wildebeests in Ndutu. 

February - Best Time to Visit Kenya for Safaris
February - Best Time to Visit Kenya for Safaris

March

Dry and Hot Season :- High Season

Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C

In March, the weather tends to change, and the start of the wet season begins. Rain is expected to stay long in so many parts of the country including the Zanzibar beaches and the southern part of the country. The wildebeest’s calves and the adults start to move north towards the central side of Serengeti. The best time to spot them moves in herds. The best mode of transfer during this time is by flight, to avoid muddy roads.

What to do in March

Best for a Safari in Serengeti - Tarangire - Ndutu

During this month of the Year, March has nothing much to do due to the rainy season. The start of wet season begins in March. The long rains that stay from March to June, also make these season low in tourism due to the rough roads and fewer wildlife sightings. During this wet season, you can not hike the mountains or visit the beach. Though these are not limitations, you can still make them happen. Safaris are cheap and affordable during this season but recommended you fly.

Where To Go on an African Safari in August
Best Time To Visit Tanzania For Safari - March

April

Wet Season :- Low Season

Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C

In April, the rains intensifies in most parts of Tanzania, making it hard to travel. Roads become impassable and hard to drive through them. Although it’s the best time to visit for a luxury safari and enjoy exclusive safari holidays, it will be hard to spot wildlife and enjoy sightings. The best way to safari during this season is by choosing our flying safaris. The wildebeests keep on moving north, staying around Seronera and the Eastern part of Serengeti. 

What to do in April

Best for a Safari in Central Serengeti - Ngorongoro - Tarangire

During this month of the Year, April has nothing much to do due to the heavy rainy season.  The long rains that stay from March to June also make this season low in tourism due to the rough roads and fewer wildlife sightings. During this wet season, you can not hike the mountains or visit the beach. Though these are not limitations, you can still make them happen. Safaris are cheap and affordable during this season, but it’s recommended that you fly.

Best Time To Visit Tanzania For Safari - April
Best Time To Visit Tanzania For Safari - April

May

Wet Season :- Low Season

Temperatures:- High of 20°C and lows of 14°C

In May, the rains continue to intensify in most parts of Tanzania, making it hard to traverse the different parts of the country. Roads become impassable and hard to drive through them. Although it’s the best time to visit for a luxury safari and enjoy exclusive safari holidays, it will be hard to spot wildlife and enjoy sightings. The best way to safari during this season is by choosing our flying safaris. In some cases, the month tends to be hot and wet, offering the best chances to enjoy safaris by road.  

What to do in May

Best for a Safari in Central Serengeti - Ngorongoro - Tarangire

May has nothing much to do due to the ongoing rainy season from March. The long rains continue to pound most parts of the country. Although the month can be hot sometimes, the rains are common. May is still the low season for tourism due to the rough roads and fewer wildlife sightings. In May, you can hike the mountains or visit the beach. Safaris are cheap and affordable during this season, but recommended that you fly, or you can enjoy a 4×4 Land Cruiser jeep safari. Enjoy the rough roads and muddy patches.

Best Time To Visit Tanzania For Safari - May
Best Time To Visit Tanzania For Safari - May

June

Wet Season :- High Season

Temperatures:- High of 25°C and lows of 17°C

June offers a friendly environment and weather for a comfortable safari in Tanzania. The months tend to be cold and wet as the rains reduce, making the safari experience favorable. Although the cold season starts off in June and towards July. The wildebeest migration starts to form, and herds move closer to crossing points in Grumeti and other areas almost to the Mara River. It’s also best to tick that bucket list to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. The weather is favorable for doing some more excursions such as balloon safaris. 

What to do in June

Best for a Safari in Central Serengeti - Ngorongoro - Tarangire - Kilimanjaro

May has nothing much to do due to the ongoing rainy season from March. The long rains continue to pound most parts of the country. Although the month can be hot sometimes, the rains are common. May is still the low season for tourism due to the rough roads and fewer wildlife sightings. In May, you can hike the mountains or visit the beach. Safaris are cheap and affordable during this season, but recommended that you fly, or you can enjoy a 4×4 Land Cruiser jeep safari. Enjoy the rough roads and muddy patches.

Best Time To Visit Tanzania For Safari - June
Best Time To Visit Tanzania For Safari - June

July

Cold and Wet Season :- Peak Season

Temperatures:- High of 25°C and lows of 17°C

July starts the peak season of safaris and tours in Tanzania. This month is best visited for the wildebeest crossings in Northern Serengeti. The month is a bit cold with lows of 15 degrees, which marks the winter season. The rains would have ended in June, but the cold season makes it a bit challenging for most people. You spot big cats, wildlife species, and much more, especially in the national parks. 

What to do in July

Best for a Safari in Central Serengeti - Ngorongoro - Tarangire

July is the best month for the wildebeest migration, hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro, and engaging in most activities that this country offers. Witness the wildebeest crossings up north in Serengeti towards the end of July. Visit the Ngorongoro Crater and enjoy sightings of wildlife. There is much you can do in July. 

Best Time To Visit Tanzania For Safari - July
Best Time To Visit Tanzania For Safari - July

August

Dry and Hot Season :- Peak Season

Temperatures:- High of 25°C and lows of 17°C

One of the best months of the year for wildlife sightings and safari holidays in Tanzania. August is hot and dry in most cases. The temperatures are high at 26 degrees, making it easy to spot most wildlife species. Big cats are easily spotted this month. The temperatures are high, 26 degrees, making it very hot. It’s also the best time to visit various popular safari destinations in Tanzania, such as Zanzibar, for beach holidays.

What to do in August

Best for a Safari in Central Serengeti - Ngorongoro - Tarangire

August tends to be a busy month, with lots of tourists and guests visiting Tanzania, some for safari holidays and others for business. The country receives enough guests, making safari destinations crowded. You witness the wildebeest crossings or spend some nights on Zanzibar beach, the best time to hike and summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, and also the best time to spot great wildlife sightings in Ngorongoro Crater.

Best Time To Visit Tanzania For Safari - Zanzibar Beach - August
Best Time To Visit Tanzania For Safari - Wildebeest Migration - August

September

Dry and Hot Season :- Peak Season

Temperatures:- High of 25°C and lows of 17°C

One of the best months of the year for wildlife sightings and safari holidays in Tanzania. September is hot and dry in most cases. The temperatures are high, making it easy to spot most wildlife species. Big cats are easily spotted this month. The temperatures are high 26 degrees making is so hot. It’s also the best time to visit various popular safari destinations in Tanzania such as Zanzibar for beach holidays.

What to do in September

Best for a Safari in Central Serengeti - Ngorongoro - Tarangire

September tends to be a busy month, but the number of guests reduces from August, with lots of tourists and guests visiting Tanzania, for safari holidays. The country receives enough guests, making safari destinations crowded. You witness the wildebeest crossings or spend some nights on Zanzibar beach, the best time to hike and summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, and also the best time to spot great wildlife sightings in Ngorongoro crater.

Bush to Beach Safaris - Kenya Bush to Beach Safaris - Bush to Beach Safaris in Kenya - Kenya Safaris - Bush to Beach Kenya Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Jabali Private House - Ruaha

October

Dry and Hot Season :- Peak Season

Temperatures:- High of 25°C and lows of 17°C

The peak season ends in October. The Month is still hot and dry, but short rains usually arrive toward the end of the month. It’s a better month to enjoy wildebeest sightings and crossings with fewer crowds in the reserves and parks in Tanzania. The month is quiet and just easy to relax. The Temperatures are still early even during rainy days. The weather is favorable for Mt. Kilimanjaro hiking and a holiday on Zanzibar beach.

What to do in October

Best for a Safari in Serengeti - Ngorongoro - Ruaha

If you are looking to enjoy activities in October in any part of Tanzania, consider booking your safari for that month. It offers off-the-beaten-track safari experiences, including hiking on Mt. Kilimanjaro. You can fly to Zanzibar for your beach holiday, and visit the Ruaha N. park for wild dogs and the pride of lions. Easy to drive through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. 

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Best Time to Visit Tanzania - Zanzibar

November

Dry and Hot Season :- Peak Season

Temperatures:- High of 22°C and lows of 17°C

In November, the rains are little and not much as compared to the long rains in Feb to May and June, but then welcome a cold season of June and July. The temperatures go down from a high of 22 Degrees to a low of up to 18 degrees. a better month to experience a comfortable luxury safari while the plains are green and lush. The grass are tall making sightings hard.  

What to do in November

Best for a Safari in Central Serengeti - Ngorongoro - Tarangire

November offers a good chance to enjoy safaris and some other safari activities. The month is hot and wet, but the rains usually end during this month. You can visit the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and other premium parks in Tanzania. You will be lucky to spot wildlife such as big cats and other species. It’s also a good month to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru.

Serengeti Safaris - Serengeti National Park Safaris
Serengeti Sojourn Camp

December

Dry and Hot Season :- High Season

Temperatures:- High of 25°C and lows of 17°C

December is the month of festivities, the Christmas holidays, and the New year. Lots of people plan for a family safari or a beach holiday during this time. The month is hot and dry. Making a perfect month for a beach holiday in Zanzibar. The start of December is noted to be the high season, but as the months close to the festivities, the Peak season comes in. 

What to do in November

Best for a Safari in Central Serengeti - Ngorongoro - Tarangire

Since December is a festivity month, we recommend you book both a wildlife safari and a beach holiday. These best suit families looking to close the year refreshingly. You can also visit other premium safari parks in Tanzania, such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. 

Ruaha National Park - Tanzania Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Ngorongoro Crater - Tanzania - Cheetah Safaris

Pack For a Purpose

Cheetah Safaris is a serious advocate of sustainable safari practices in Africa. As part of our efforts and initiative, we engage and support schools and children who need knowledge to better their lives. The best gift a child can be given is education, skills, and creativity. 

In this case, we request our guests booking with us, to bring an extra back of supplies. This can be in terms of books, sports materials, and any other items that would change the lives of these kids. 

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Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we’ll always adapt them to suit you.

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