Best Time To Visit Tanzania
Tanzania through the seasons
The best time to visit Tanzania is during the drier months from June to October. This is when conditions are ideal for safaris, and you can also consider exploring regions such as the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro. The relatively lower temperatures, and the Great Migration of wildebeest and other animals adds to the allure of visiting Tanzania during this time.
While planning your Tanzania vacation, it is important to keep in mind that the country is located just south of the equator. Moisture can be very high in the coastal region, particularly in the regions around Arusha, and the island of Zanzibar. In the highlands of Tanzania, the humidity is lower.
Best Time To Visit
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we recommend
- Head early to Ngorongoro Crater and seek out the Big Five!
- If you are looking for peace and quiet, Pemba Island is the perfect spot
- Visit the Songo Songo Archipelago, an ecological hotspot for sea turtles and birds, for great diving experiences
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- Plan a trip to Selous to see the European migratory birds arrive
- Stroll through the winding streets of Stone Town market in Zanzibar. This is also the time that Swahili music festival, Sauti ze Busara, is held.
- This is best month to witness the wildebeest calving in south and central Serengeti
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- The early part of the month is a good time to visit Zanzibar – enjoy a Dhow Cruise, snorkel amid the coral reefs and savor sundowners as you watch a stunning sunset
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- This is among the wetter months on Zanzibar, but should you be there, head for a spice tour, during which you will learn about the famous spice trade of the historical island
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- With its wide variety of wildlife, Mikumi National Park is a popular game viewing destination, accessible through the year
- Look out for giant elephant herds, buffaloes and gazelles in the barren and harsh landscape of the Ruaha National Park
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- Explore the remote Katavi National Park
- In Zanzibar, head to the erstwhile prison for slaves, Prison Island and meet its current inhabitants – giant tortoises!
- Visit Jozani Forest in Zanzibar to meet endangered Red Colobus Monkey
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- Go chimpanzee trekking in the dense mountain forests of Gombe Stream National Park
- Explore Mahale Mountains National Park with its abundant wildlife, colorful tropical fish and birds
- Visit the trading city of Kilwa, which has the largest group of pre-colonial ruins in East Africa
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- It is around this time that the wildebeest and zebras move to the remote Northern Serengeti crossing Mara River, populated with giant Nile crocodiles.
- For a true cultural experience head to Nungwi, a bustling village of local Zanzibaris
- The dry season is the best time for moonlit walks in Lake Natron, one of the most alkaline landscapes in the world
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- Enjoy an exhilarating trek on towering Mount Meru
- Indulge in myriad sea activities in the warm colorful waters around Mafia Island
- Visit Pangani, a small Swahili outpost, for its spectacular beaches, and 200-300 million-year-old dinosaur fossils!
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we recommend
- There are hikes aplenty on the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain on the continent
- Unwind on the many beautiful beaches of Bagamoyo
- Catch the Bagamoyo Arts Festival during this month
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- Experience the night markets of Zanzibar!
- Try to catch the giant Nile Perch in Lake Victoria!
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- Explore the colonial past of Dar es Salaam, the main port in Tanzania on walking tour
- Head to Lake Eyasi for an off-the-beaten-track Tanzania experience
Best time to visit Tanzania by season
Tanzania has two distinct annual rainfall patterns and generally, there are two rainy seasons. The short rains occur between November and December while the long rains take place between mid-March and June. The warm Tanzanian summer lasts from mid-December until March. The cooler, dry winter occurs from June to October and the cool air during this time is perfect for viewing sunsets while sitting at the campfire with a warm cup of tea or cocoa! Tanzania’s mountains are notable exceptions to its complex but otherwise regular climate. Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru drop below freezing point.
These are the typical seasons for you to bear in mind as you plan your travel to Tanzania.
Long wet season: mid March – June
Winter: June – October
Short rainy season: November – December
Summer: Mid December – March
What to Pack for Tanzania Tours
Safari wear should be comfortable and casual. Evenings and early mornings can be chilly so warm sweaters are recommended. Low heeled comfortable sports or trekking shoes are the most suitable walking shoes should you intend joining any walking safaris. We recommend you bring warm clothes, including a fleece or light wool sweater and socks, to their normal safari gear. During the day it can get quite hot so don’t forget sunglasses and a high factor sunscreen, as well as a sun hat with a small brim.
Some specialist trips, i.e. mountain climbing, require extra items of clothing and footwear. Many hotels, lodges and camps have swimming pools so you are advised to bring swimsuits. Due to limited space in the vehicle and light aircraft, we advise you to keep your luggage to the minimum. We suggest you pack your luggage into a small bag of no more than 15 kilos – the luggage limit for local flights issued by the airlines. Almost all safari lodges and camps provide same day laundry service.
Popular Trips to Tanzania
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Highlights of Northern Tanzania
Embark on an adventure through Northern Tanzania’s iconic parks, including Tarangire, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Witness vast herds, spot predators, and take in breathtaking landscapes on thrilling game drives. You will also experience the rich culture of local communities and relax in luxurious lodges. This journey can be tailor-made to suit your travel style…
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Tanzania: Safaris, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
Discover the best of Tanzania on this customizable 17-day journey. Go on thrilling game drives through the Central Serengeti, Arusha, Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks to spot lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, baboons and more. The region is also home to 400 species of birds, which makes it an amazing place for birdwatchers as well….
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Treasures of Northern Tanzania
This nine-day tour takes you through some of Tanzania’s finest wildlife reserves. Keep an eye out for lions, zebras, elephants and more as you explore Tarangire, Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro.
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Secret Southern Tanzania: Safari and Wildlife
Go off the beaten path on this luxury vacation in Tanzania, exploring the untouched wilderness in the far south of the country. Explore Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park in depth: enjoy morning, afternoon and nigh game drives, guided bush walks and boat cruises, accompanied by our experienced guides and trackers who know the…
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Tanzania: Luxury Safari & Barefoot Paradise
On this luxury safari in Tanzania, journey into the lesser-visited, pristine southern wilderness in Nyerere and Ruaha. After an overnight stay in Dar Es Salaam, take a short, hour-long flight to the Selous, Africa’s largest protected wildlife reserve. The meandering waterways of this region are home to huge herds of elephants, buffalos, lions, wild dogs…
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Tanzania, Botswana & Zambia: From Kilimanjaro to the Falls
This is the quintessential African safari vacation. The 15-day tour takes you across some of the continent’s best game reserves in Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia. Buckle up as you set out on the safari journey of your dreams, with stops at Arusha, Ngorongoro Plains, Northern Serengeti, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta and more. Bask in…
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Best Places To Visit
Northern Serengeti
Manyara & Ngorongoro
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Nyerere National Park
Ruaha National Park
Zanzibar
Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Tanzania? Before you travel, get your lowdown on all the essential details – from visa and entry to communications, internet, currency, cards, and health information.
Things To Do
Great Migration, the magical Serengeti National Park, fascinating indigenous cultures, and the spice islands of Zanzibar – discover the top ten things to do in Tanzania.
Safety
Tanzania as well as Zanzibar, are generally considered a safe destination for travel. As with all other destinations, all you need to do is follow these simple safety measures.
From the Blog
What Our Guests Say
What Our Guests Say
“We have just returned from a wonderful safari in Tanzania that exceeded our expectations. Alison Felfoldi and our trip coordinator Evans Alala were attentive in planning and creating an amazing experience. We are looking forward to planning our next adventure with Enchanting Travels.”
August 2025 Rating 5/5
“Just got back from two weeks in Africa. What a great trip. The first week was on Safari seeing all the wild animals. The second was sightseeing in Zanzibar and then Victoria Falls. Alison Felfoldi and Ruth Mbugua were incredible in arranging all of the details. The Hotels were great the venues were fantastic the guides were knowledgeable and all of the pickups and drivers were prompt and courteous.”
February 2025 Rating 5/5
“We just returned from an outstanding 3-week trip to East Africa. Our travel consultant did an outstanding job of putting together this trip for a friend and me. Everything went as smooth as glass. We saw an extraordinary number of animals and the accommodations were even better than pictured. Our personal guides were enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and kind, even assisting with all our check-ins. Every transport worked seamlessly. It was a great experience, we highly recommend Enchanting Travels!”
September 2025 Rating 5/5
“We made a family trip to Africa (Tanzania and Kenia) to celebrate my 50th Birthday. From day 1, Alison was great in understanding us and providing some great recommendations. She and Bovin (our local contact) made this trip a dream come true. They were always attentive, gave recommendations and heard all of our desires. When we had a question, they would have a quick answer. Thank you both for making this an amazing and unforgettable trip.”
May 2025 Rating 5/5
“From the advice we got from Peter when we booked our trip to the excellent execution of the details that Cyprian did, there was not a hitch. We were met by professionals who ushered us through customs and checked us into our flights. The itinerary was packed with memorable experiences of seeing animals, getting to know the people at the tent camps who were more attentive than we could have imagined. The tents were exceptionally clean, beds comfortable, the food outstanding and our overall experience was beyond our expectations. We could not have imagined going on this trip without Enchanting Travels and consider ourselves fortunate that we chose you.”
February 2025 Rating 5/5
“Every single detail of this trip was perfect and taken care of by the outstanding staff of Enchanting Travels. They made us feel like royalty.”
August 2024 Rating 5/5