January

Now is a beautiful period to visit Tanzania. The hot weather, with occasional showers, creates perfect safari conditions. It’s the birthing and rutting season when the herds gather in the southern Serengeti, and thousands of wildebeest calves are born daily. Lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena, who prey on the vulnerable newborns, abound. The drama of life and death unfolds, offering incredible photographic opportunities. Another highlight of Tanzania in January is the birdwatching, as migrant species arrive from Asia and Europe, adding to the already impressive species list across Ruaha and Nyerere national parks. With lower tourist numbers and competitive rates, this is an excellent time to travel to Tanzania.

February

February continues in a similar feel to January, with excellent Migration viewing in the southern Serengeti and on the grass plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The weather remains warm, accompanied by occasional rains which typically do not negatively impact the game viewing but rather leave the air clear and perfect for photography. For birding enthusiasts, February continues to offer exceptional birding across both the northern and southern parks of the country. Although the southern Serengeti can get busy over this period, the rest of the parks are relatively quiet, offering an excellent sense of exclusivity.

March

March is another good month in Tanzania, although the first half is typically considered safer from a weather perspective. The are hot, with gathering storm clouds in the afternoon as the seasonal rains draw closer. The mega herds of the Great Migration are usually still on the southern plains, but some may be starting to move north and westwards. The predator action around the herds is still remarkable, and photographic opportunities abound. In southern Tanzania, the birding is particularly good ahead of the approaching rains, but wildlife can be quite dispersed by this time. The second half of the month is prone to showers, building in intensity as the long rainy season begins to take hold. Being a shoulder season, rates are usually very competitive and there are fewer tourists.

April

April is warm and the peak of the wet season, delivering frequent showers and nocturnal thunderstorms, and mostly grey days. The lush vegetation and the dramatic storm clouds add to the beauty of the landscapes, creating phenomenal photography opportunities between the rains. Despite these weather patterns, wildlife adventures are still possible. One of the highlights is the vast herds of wildebeest, which will now be moving from the southern breeding grounds in a northerly direction into the central and western plains of the Serengeti. Predator action continues to be exciting, and tourist numbers are exceptionally low with many camps closing for April and May as a result of the rain. Zanzibar is not a good choice for a beach experience as the island receives its heaviest rainfall of the year, accompanied by high humidity.

May

May is typically still very wet and muddy, with the rainfall beginning to ease in the second half of the month. The surroundings are lush and green, offering excellent birding and picturesque photography conditions. The herds of the migration are scattered through the west and central Serengeti, spread out and slowly moving in a northwards direction. In the Ngorongoro Crater, carpets of wildflowers begin to bloom, creating a visual spectacle and unique background to wildlife sightings. Visitor numbers are higher than April but still low, with many properties remaining shut for the month. Visiting Zanzibar for its beaches, or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, is not recommended due to the prevailing wet conditions.

June

June reveals a more temperate environment as the seasons transition from the period of long rains into the beginning of the dry season. Thousands of wildebeest and zebra will face their first major hurdle in the crossing of the Grumeti River, as they continue to make their way northwards through the central Serengeti and the Grumeti Reserve. Most properties will reopen in June as the drier weather makes for more favourable safari conditions. The weather on is also clearing, seeing warm and dry conditions, accompanied by moderate winds and sparkling seas. Travelling in the second half of June can often produce a perfect safari experience without paying the high season prices, which typically start in July.

July

July marks the start of the dry season and is a splendid time to travel due to the near perfect conditions. The skies are clear, and the landscape is beginning to dry out, forcing wildlife to stay close to permanent water sources. The herds of the Great Migration arrive in the northern Serengeti and begin to mass across the northern plains, with the first crossings usually beginning late in July. Countrywide, wildlife adventures are improving as the days dry, across Ruaha, Nyerere, the Lake Victoria region, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Tourist numbers and costs are at their peak, but the experience is breathtaking. Romantic Zanzibar and its white sands, turquoise waters, and rich cultures is perfect now. For the adventurous, July marks the start of good climbing conditions on Kilimanjaro, with dry weather making the ascent more achievable and pleasant.

August

August remains a peak tourist period and an outstanding time, as the climate is milder and the dry season persists. The clear skies offer stunning vistas and pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. The month’s main attractions are the Great Migration, dramatic Mara River crossings and abundant wildlife. Outside of the northern Serengeti, sensational adventures await across most of Tanzania’s parks as wildlife congregates close to waterholes and rivers. Ruaha, Nyerere, the Lake Victoria region, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are some of the finest sanctuaries for wildlife experiences. Romantic beach getaways in Zanzibar are perfect, and the weather on Mount Kilimanjaro is dry and stable. During peak season, rates are at their highest, and crowds prevail.

September

September is a beautiful month to visit Tanzania, as the dry and sunny conditions continue, offering an ideal environment for enjoying a multitude of safari experiences. The herds of the Great Migration are predominantly still in Kenya, but will start to venture southwards as the month progresses. An experience in Rubondo National Park in Lake Victoria in search of the chimpanzees is perfect now, as the fruit trees are in season and chimps tend to be stationary for longer whilst feeding. In southern Tanzania, walking conditions in Ruaha are amongst the best in Africa as the land is in the grip of the dry season. The dry weather extends to Mount Kilimanjaro, creating excellent hiking conditions. Peak season continues, with high prices and plenty of travellers.

October

October is a transitional month as the dry season comes to an end and the period of short rains is introduced. Most of the month is usually still hot and dry, creating ideal conditions for game drives and walking safaris. Towards the end of the month, the humidity begins to climb, and afternoons will increasingly become cloudy, building in intensity until the first rains arrive. The last of the river crossings in the Northern Serengeti typically happen in October as the herds make their way south. Although one of the best months in Tanzania, there are noticeably fewer travellers on the ground, further improving the safari experience for those who travel. Southern Tanzania is at its driest, creating perfect conditions for walking safaris. On Rubondo, the fruit trees are still in season, meaning the chimpanzee linger longer whilst enjoying the abundance of food. Expect peak season prices to still be in effect in most areas, but with significantly fewer travellers.

November

By mid-November, the rains have usually started and the landscape is rapidly becoming green and lush. Most of the day is typically warm and dry, increasing in humidity after lunch as the afternoon shower approaches. The showers are brief, lasting just an hour or so, refreshing the landscape and the wildlife, as well as removing the dust from the air, creating wonderful light for photography against a backdrop of moody skies. The wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is ongoing but the herds are very spread out as they make their way towards the southern plains. The month presents excellent value for money as rates are lower and visitors are fewer, but the game viewing is still prolific. On Zanzibar, it is warm and humid, but afternoon showers can affect visibility for diving and snorkelling. You can climb Kilimanjaro; however, be prepared for cold and wet conditions. The trails can be muddy and slippery, and the summit can be snowy. November is a month of contrasts and surprises in Tanzania and a rewarding time to travel.

December

December is another transitional month as the weather moves from the period of short rains into the hot and dry conditions typical of January and February. Early in the month can be quite wet and muddy, but the days usually improve as the month wears on. December rates tend to be lower, until the festive period begins which typically sees a spike in pricing. The herds of the Great Migration begin to congregate in the south, enjoying the nutritious grasses in preparation for calving season. Zanzibar is hot and humid, with occasional showers, while Kilimanjaro is cold and wet. The festive peak season sees an influx of travellers, but the rest of the month offers pleasant safari experience without the crowds.

Tanzania is a year-round destination for wildlife lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers. Whether you want to witness the Great Migration, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, bask on the Zanzibar beaches or immerse yourself in the local cultures, there is a perfect time to visit this diverse and beautiful country. Talk to our expert team, who can tailor an itinerary to suit your preferences and budget. Contact us today, and together we’ll ensure your safari dreams come true.