Best Time To Visit Tanzania

Best Time to Visit Tanzania: A Month-by-Month Guide

Tanzania is a year-round destination, offering diverse experiences depending on the time of year. Whether you’re visiting for the Great Migration, a beach holiday in Zanzibar, or a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, understanding the best time to visit can enhance your experience. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you decide when to visit based on wildlife viewing, weather, and activities.

Overview of Tanzania’s Seasons

Tanzania experiences two main seasons:

  • Dry Season: June to October (best for game viewing)
  • Wet Season: November to May (split into short rains and long rains)
Season Months Weather Wildlife & Activities
Dry Season June to October Cool, dry, sunny Excellent wildlife viewing, especially in Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Ideal for climbing Kilimanjaro and relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches.
Wet Season (Short Rains) November to December Short, light showers Green landscapes, fewer tourists, Great Migration calving season begins in Serengeti.
Wet Season (Long Rains) March to May Heavy rains, humid Less ideal for game viewing, though lodges offer lower rates.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time to visit Tanzania for wildlife safaris is during the Dry Season (June to October). During these months, animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. The Serengeti is especially active, with the Great Migration reaching the northern parts by July.

  • Best Time for the Great Migration: June to October
  • Best Time for the Calving Season (Serengeti): January to March
  • Best Time for Birdwatching: November to April (the wet season when migratory birds arrive)

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January – March: The Calving Season

  • Weather: Warm with occasional short rains, especially in the Serengeti.
  • Wildlife: The southern Serengeti plains are teeming with life as the Great Migration calving season takes place. Thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators like lions and cheetahs.
  • Best For: Wildlife photographers, Great Migration calving, birdwatching.
Month Weather Highlights
January Warm, some rain Great Migration calving season
February Warm, mostly dry Best time for calving and predator action
March Beginning of long rains Good for birdwatching and fewer tourists

April – May: The Long Rains

  • Weather: Heavy rains, particularly in the southern and western parks, making some roads difficult to access.
  • Wildlife: Although the rains can make travel tricky, this is the green season. The parks are lush, and it’s a great time for photography, with fewer tourists and lower lodge rates.
  • Best For: Budget travelers, birdwatchers, and photographers seeking vibrant landscapes.
Month Weather Highlights
April Heavy rains, humid Green landscapes, lower rates
May Continued rains, lush vegetation Great for photographers, quieter safaris

June – October: The Dry Season

  • Weather: Cool, dry, and sunny – the most popular time to visit Tanzania.
  • Wildlife: Prime game viewing, especially in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire. The Great Migration moves north through the Serengeti, crossing into Kenya’s Masai Mara by August. The lack of water means animals congregate around rivers and waterholes.
  • Best For: Safaris, Great Migration, Mount Kilimanjaro climbing, Zanzibar beach holidays.
Month Weather Highlights
June Dry, sunny Start of the Great Migration (Serengeti)
July Cool, dry Great Migration, the best time for safaris
August Dry, pleasant Wildebeest crossings, perfect weather
September Warm, dry Continued migration, Kilimanjaro treks
October End of the dry season, warmer Excellent wildlife viewing, fewer crowds

November – December: The Short Rains

  • Weather: Short, sporadic rains, with plenty of sunshine in between.
  • Wildlife: This is the time when the Great Migration begins to move back south into the Serengeti for the calving season. Birdwatching is excellent as migratory species arrive.
  • Best For: Birdwatching, fewer tourists, and great value.
Month Weather Highlights
November Short rains, warm The green season begins, and birdwatching
December Short rains, mostly dry Great Migration returns to Serengeti

Best Time for Specific Activities

  1. Great Migration:
    • June – October: Best time to witness river crossings in the Serengeti and northern regions.
    • January – March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti plains.
  2. Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing:
    • Best time to climb: January to March, and June to October (dry, clear weather).
  3. Zanzibar Beach Holidays:
    • Best time to visit: June to October (cool, dry weather), December to February (warm, sunny weather).
  4. Birdwatching:
    • The best time for migratory birds: is November to April, when migratory species from Europe and Asia arrive.

Summary Table: Best Time to Visit Based on Activities

Activity Best Time to Visit
Great Migration (River Crossings) June to October
Great Migration (Calving) January to March
Birdwatching (Migratory Birds) November to April
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro January to March, June to October
Zanzibar Beach Holiday June to October, December to February
Budget Travel March to May (Green season)

 

The best time to visit Tanzania depends on your interests and what you’d like to experience. The Dry Season from June to October is the most popular time for safaris and wildlife viewing, particularly for the Great Migration and river crossings. However, the Wet Season offers beautiful green landscapes, calving season in the Serengeti, and great birdwatching opportunities, often with fewer crowds and better rates. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or wildlife, Tanzania has something to offer year-round.

For a personalized itinerary or advice on the best time to visit, contact us today!

Top Tanzania Safari Destinations

Tanzania is home to some of Africa's most iconic and diverse safari destinations, offering an unparalleled wildlife experience. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the unique ecosystem of Ngorongoro Crater, each destination offers something special for every traveler. Whether you're tracking the Great Migration, spotting the Big Five, or exploring off-the-beaten-path reserves, Tanzania's national parks and game reserves provide an adventure like no other.

Here are the top safari destinations that should be on every traveler's list:

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Tanzania Safari and Trekking

Tanzania boasts Africa’s renowned parks, promising unforgettable luxury safaris. With expertly crafted itineraries, immerse yourself in the finest national parks for a tailored wildlife adventure.

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haruna h
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Incredible Safari Experience with Emanuel – Highly Recommended! My name is Harry, and I had an amazing safari experience organized by Emanuel from Lion View Tour. Emanuel was an excellent safari guide and driver—professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable. I truly enjoyed every moment and was lucky enough to see the Big Five! I arrived at Arusha Airport, where I was picked up right on time. We started with a city tour of Arusha and enjoyed some very delicious soup. Later, I stayed overnight at a beautiful lodge near Emanuel’s home. It was very clean, had a comfortable bed, and I felt completely safe. The next morning, we drove to Tarangire National Park for a full-day game drive, which was fantastic. Afterward, we continued to Karatu for an overnight stay, which was also very pleasant. The following day, we visited the Ngorongoro Crater—an absolutely breathtaking place with incredible wildlife. We spent the full day exploring and spotting animals. Next, we traveled to Lake Eyasi, where we stayed overnight and experienced something truly unique—the Hadzabe tribe. We met the bushmen, went hunting with them, and even caught two birds! We also tasted fresh honey straight from a beehive. It was an unforgettable experience watching them harvest honey without getting stung—truly fascinating and fun! On the same day, we drove back to Arusha Airport on time, and I caught my flight to Zanzibar without any issues. Thank you very much, Emanuel, for such a wonderful and well-organized safari. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for an authentic and memorable experience. Best regards, Harry
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Bert P
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Eine unglaublich großartige Safari! Unsere Safaritour mit Fahrer und Tourguide Emanuel von Lion View Tours hat unsere Erwartungen weit übertroffen. Wir können nur staunen, wie perfekt er über alle Tiere und Pflanzen Bescheid weiß. Und das alles in ganz prima deutscher Sprache! Er hat die ganze Tour (Kilimandscharo, Tarangire NP, Materunisee, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Eyasi-See, Arusha) so perfekt geplant und organisiert! Auch die von ihm ausgewählten Lodges waren super. Seine kleinen Seitentrips u.a. zu den Assai, Datoga oder Hadze (Bergwanderung mit Jagd) waren sehr spannend. Und sein Unternehmen Lion View Tours macht dem Namen alle Ehre: Natürlich jede Menge Löwen gesehen, ebenso alle anderen großen und kleinen Tiere. Emanuel: immer gute Stimmung, erzählt sehr viel zu Land und Leuten, wir haben enorm viel über Tansania gelernt. Also: Wenn Tansania, was uns mit allem drum und dran sehr gefallen hat, dann mit Emanuel Marite!
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Sabine S
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Der schönste Afrikaurlaub mit Emanuel Wir hatten den schönsten aller Afrikaurlaube mit dem besten Guide den wir je hatten. Er hat ein unglaubliches Wissen über alle Schätze Afrikas. Er konnte uns alles zeigen was wir schon immer sehen wollten und noch viel mehr. Er hat ein großes Herz, weiß für alles eine Lösung -er is der Beste.
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Alex
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Ein Traum von Afrika Eine Reise die ich nie vergessen werde! Emanuel unser Guide hat ein wahnsinnig gutes Fachwissen von den Tieren und der Natur. Wir hatten sehr viel Spaß. Ich werde wieder kommen!
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Michael
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Einmal Lion View immer Lion View Mit Lion View hatten wir die schönste Safari überhaupt. Wir sind seit vielen Jahren leidenschaftliche Tansania Urlauber und durch einen Freund aus Tansania auf Lion View aufmerksam geworden. Emanuel und Msiagi haben uns die wirklich schönsten Flecken Erde in Tansania gezeigt ohne Zeitdruck immer freundlich zuvorkommend absolut professionell und das zu einem vernünftigen Preis. Wir können jedem nur empfehlen der überlegt eine Reise in dieses wunderschöne Land zu unternehmen sich vorher an Lion View zu wenden und sich professionell beraten zu lassen! Emanuel und Msiagi Asante sana nakutakia maisha marefu Kristin und Michael
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Ozlem
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Great Safari Tour!!! We booked Emanuel because of a common friend In Switzerland who recommended us to do the safari tour with him. We can only confirm it that it was a good decision to do it so! He has a great personality who gives his best to make all his guests happy! He showed us around and explained us always about the country. We were two girls travelling alone and we always felt save during the trip! You should definitely do the tour with him! his german is quite good and also he speaks fluently english. After the trip, friends got jealous and want to book as well with Emanuel:) so highly recommended! Asante sana, Özlem, Ninorta
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Lena
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Best trip & best tour guide Im August diesen Jahres haben wir eine unvergessliche Reise in die Nationalparks von Tansania erleben dürfen. Mein Freund und ich haben 3 Tage lang die wunderschöne Landschaft und die Tierwelt Tansanias bestaunt. Im Nachhinein betrachtet sind wir traurig, dass wir nur 3 Tage gebucht haben, da es uns so sehr gefallen hat. Vor allem hatten wir riesen Glück mit unserem perfekt deutschsprechenden Tourguide Emanuel. Unabhängig von der sprachlichen "Barriere", die er sich eingenständig durch Youtube Videos beigebracht hat, war er ein unfassbar herzlicher Mensch, der immer unsere Bedürfnisse in den Vordergrund gestellt hat. Durch sein Know-How und die Art und Weise wie er die Safari gestaltet hat, können wir Lion View Tours nur jedem weiterempfehlen und falls wir wieder kommen sollten, dann nur noch mit Emanuel :) Vielen Dank für die einzigartigen und schönen Erinnerungen!
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Domi SF
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Trip to Paradise Wir haben diesen Sommer eine 3 tägige Safari durch verschiedene Parks in Tansania gemacht. Unser Guide Emanuel konnte perfekt deutsch und hat einem jeden Wunsch erfüllt. Er war sehr bemüht uns alle Tiere zu zeigen oder sie via Funk mit seinen Kollegen ausfindig zu machen. Er hielt sich an alle Vorschriften und man hatte keine Angst in schlechten Händen zu sein. Wir sind oft aus eigenem Interesse schon relativ früh zu den Parks gefahren, da dort die Chancen die Tiere in Aktion zu sehen sehr hoch sind. Alles in allem können wir uns nur nochmal bei Emanuel nur für die wunderschöne Zeit bedanken und ich hoffe das er mit seinem Lionsviewtours richtig durchstarten kann !
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Tatjana M
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Amazing Country & Tour Guide Emanuel is such a good person and the best guide in Tansania. We had an amazing Safari with him. He showed us so many things, plants and animals. Furthermore, we were singing and happily driving around - these were just unforgettable moments and will be memories forever! Emanuel showed us the great spirit of Tansania! We strongly recommand. Emanuel ist ein toller Mensch und der beste Führer in Tansania. Wir hatten eine super Safari mit ihm. Er hat uns so viele Dinge, Pflanzen und Tiere gezeigt. Außerdem haben wir gesungen und sind fröhlich herumgefahren - das waren einfach unvergessliche Momente und werden für immer in Erinnerung bleiben! Emanuel hat uns den schönen Spirit von Tansania gezeigt! Wir empfehlen ihn wärmstens weiter.
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Linda
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Safari 2019 Jambo!! Meine Kollegin und ich hatten vor 3 Jahren das Glück Emanuel als unseren persönlichen Tourguide zu haben. Es war eine Bereicherung durch und durch. Er zeigte uns die wunderschöne Tierwelt Tanzanias mit viel Insider-Wissen und erstaunlicher Beobachtungsgabe! Es wurde viel gelacht und gesungen. Wir waren super betreut und nebst der Natur, waren die Unterhaltungen und die Herzlichkeit von Emanuel ein riesen Highlight unserer Reise. Danke Emanuel für diese unvergässliche Erlebnisse! Hakuna Matata!
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