Tanzania offers the unexpected as the country has an excellent safari service along with some outstanding wildlife destinations. Whether you are interested in nature, culture, study or leisure you can find a breathtaking attraction that will amaze you. The suitable moment to make a safari in Tanzania depend on the activity you want to do and getting experience you dreamt of but if you are a true wildlife enthusiast the Tanzanian game is best visited all year round.
If you are asking yourself on the best time to visit Tanzania, the following reasons and explanation are the answers to your question;
WEATHER CONDITION
Tanzania has a tropical climate that varies by region and altitude. The coast is generally hot and humid while the low lying parks are dryer and cooler.
The country experiences dry and wet season,
- The dry season is mostly experienced from the late June to October and the average high temperature in the country during the dry season ranges from 300c to 950 This is the best moment and chance for viewing the great animal migration in Serengeti.
- The wet season also is categorized into two rainy seasons;
1; Short rains that range from November to December.
2; Long rains that range from March to May.
The two rainy periods as listed result to difficulties when conducting safaris though they are the best moments for photographic tours.
DESTINATION TO BE VISITED
- The Northern Circuit parks can be visited all year round while the Southern and Western Circuit parks visited during the dry season from June to October and this include Katavi, Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks.
- Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater offer good wildlife viewing throughout the year while June and July are the best months for seeing the migration and February is the best month for the wildebeest calving.
MONTH BY MONTH
JANUARY
On this month the temperature starts to raise after the short rains in November and December hence being a fair dry and hot period. Visiting Tanzania on this month especially when it is close to the ending you will have a great experience of seeing wildebeest because it is a calving season on the Ndutu plains whereby the predator actions are high at this time.
EVENT: Zanzibar Swahili Festival.
FEBRUARY
While the temperature continues to raise, there is still a great chance of seeing wildebeest migration in Ndutu plains. February is one of the best months for trekking in Kilimanjaro Mountain, conducting safari in the Northern and Southern attractions and as well planning for beach holiday in Zanzibar.
EVENTS
- Zanzibar Swahili Festival.
- Wildebeest Calving in Serengeti.
- Sauti ya Busara.
MARCH
There is still a chance of seeing the great migration because this is when it starts heading West towards the Grumeti Rivers. Because this lies at the beginning of the year hence being the best period for trekking safaris and beach trips although towards the end of the month it might be raining.
EVENT: Nyama Choma Festival in Zanzibar.
APRIL
This is the Northern Circuit in Tanzania experiences long rains hence making hardships for excursion though this is the best moment for photographers who need attractive and unique pictures because it is not hot, not shinny and the rains can make you picture more special.
MAY
This is also the month of long rains hence making hardships for excursion though this is the best moment for photographers who need attractive and unique pictures because it is not hot, not shinny and the rains can make you picture more special.
JUNE
Green vegetation starts to flourish and the savannah becomes drier hence making it suitable for bird watching, spotting wildlife easier and by the end of the month migration starts heading north from Grumeti River.
JULY
The beginning of the peak season for travelling in Tanzania, Migration is experienced in Northern Serengeti while a lot of elephants gather at Tarangire National Park. The area is cool favorable for trekking, safaris and beach tours. This is the period when accommodations come across high traffic of bookings whereby the only way to overcome this is by making bookings as early as possible.
NOTE: July is an overcrowded month in the Northern Circuit hence resulting to the rapid increase in price so if you are not interested with crowds and high season prices you can plan a trip(s) and visit the attractions including parks found in the Southern or Western Circuit which are; Ruaha, Kitulo, Nyerere, Katavi, Saadan and Saa Nane National Parks.
AUGUST
Wildlife starts searching for water hence being the great time for seeing the great animal migration, the big five and large flocks of flamingoes at Lake Natron.
EVENT: Maasai Festival in Arusha.
SEPTEMBER
The peak season marks the end and the migratory herds of wildebeests as well Zebras are spread out across the Serengeti but also it is the best time to visit Zanzibar and its coasts where you may observe turtles hatching.
EVENT: Kili Trail Marathon.
OCTOBER
The areas are quite dry hence being the best month for trekking, safaris and as well refreshment on the Zanzibar beaches.
EVENT: Swahili International Tourism Expo.
NOVEMBER
This is one of the months where the whale sharks can be seen on the shores of Zanzibar and Mafia. Short rains are experienced during this period and it is the best time when you can spot migratory birds.
DECEMBER
Towards the end of December, the short wet season is ending. This is also the best month for visiting Zanzibar as the temperature is slowly rising although the days around Christmas can be quite busy and result to price increase henceforth early booking is advised.
