TANZANIA SAFARI: BEST TIME OF THE YEAR?
The decision is made: you will spend your holiday in Tanzania! Congratulations, you have made a perfect choice. You are now wondering when the best to go on a Tanzania safari is. Our answer is… it depends! It depends on what you want to see and do, if you prefer being alone in the national parks or if you like some company from other tourists.
Many people say that the best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, from June to October, or during our winter, from December to March. But according to us, there is no wrong time for your Tanzania safari: when to go to Tanzania depends on your preferences.
To help you decide when to visit Tanzania, consult about the activities, places, and animals you want to do or see.
The Best Time to Visit Tanzania – For the season
Tanzania is located in the southern hemisphere. That’s why when it’s summer in England or the USA, it’s winter in Tanzania! The different seasons in Tanzania are the dry season, the short rainy season, a new dry and hot season, and finally, a long rainy season.
The dry season.
From June to October, it’s winter in Tanzania; we call it the dry season. It hardly ever rains, and the temperatures are pleasant. The weather is warm, but you don’t suffer from the heat.
The short rainy season
often takes place in November and early December. It’s summer in Tanzania, and it’s getting boiling. It rains, especially at the end of the day, but does not rain as hard as during the long rainy season from March to May. What is the advantage of going on a safari in Tanzania during the short rainy season? There are fewer tourists and unique colors.
The hot and dry season
runs from December to February. It can be hot, very hot, especially towards the coast. It hardly rains. It is not advised if you generally suffer from the heat.
It runs from March to May. It rains often, and it is a bit less warm, but this, in my opinion, is not a reason not to visit Tanzania at that time of the year. Indeed, you are almost alone on the roads as most tourists do not come during this time of the year! Another fundamental reason to visit Tanzania during the rainy season is that you also have more chances to see zebras and wildebeests in the Serengeti National Park. Some parks are difficult to access because of the rain, but our guides know where to go! Tanzanian nature is beautiful during the rainy season if you love adventure and authenticity.
The Best Time to Visit Tanzania – for Activity
To observe birds
You can observe birds yearly, but you will probably see more birds during the rainy season.
Tanzania safari Best Time – animals and nature
Going on a Tanzania safari is possible all year round. You will not see the same animals, and the landscapes look different.
We often hear that the rainy season is not the best time to visit Tanzania, but it is not valid. On the contrary, in the rainy season, nature is the most beautiful, green, and flourishing. Many travelers prefer to go to the northern and central parks (Serengeti, among others) in the dry season, between June and October, and from December to February. The weather is nice, but you should know that it is also the peak tourist season: prices and occupancy rates of hotels, lodges, and camps are high.
What about diving and snorkeling?
You can dive and snorkel in Tanzania all year! To go swimming, we often recommend going in January and February or during the Tanzanian winter, July and August. The rainy season is also raging on the coast, and storms happen regularly, so it is not the most popular time for diving.
The best time to visit Zanzibar
The best time to visit Tanzania Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia is between June and September in the Tanzanian winter. On the Tanzanian islands, the climate is hot and humid, exceeding 30 degrees during the summer (from December to February). We recommend visiting Zanzibar between June and September during the dry season. It’s a bit cooler unless you enjoy the heat.
What is the best time of the year to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
All year round! Admittedly, it is less accessible at certain times of the year than at others (we think in particular of the rainy season). Note substantial temperature differences exist between the foot and the top of the mountain. It can freeze at the top even if it’s hot at Mount Kilimanjaro’s foot. February is often considered to be the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This is one of the hottest months, and the top temperature is not too cold. If you can not go there in February, know that the whole period from December to February is suitable for climbing on the roof of Africa!
Tanzania safari best time – For geographical area
Tanzania has different climates. Of course, the weather is not the same on the island of Zanzibar or in the Serengeti National Park at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro!
There are several best times to visit Tanzania. Many tourists like to go during dry, sunny seasons from January to March and July to October. However, if you want to meet fewer people on the road and suffer from heat, we advise you to go before or after the dry season in June or September. You will enjoy the great weather without being there during the high season.
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