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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- 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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- 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
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….
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.
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…
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…
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…
Discover the beauty of Northern Tanzania on this 10-day luxury tour. From the crowning glory of Tanzania, the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, to the diversity of wildlife in Northern Serengeti, the tour offers plenty of opportunities to quench your taste for adventure. Experience highland walks and bush picnics in Ngorongoro and gaze at the surreal baobab…
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Best Places To Visit
Serengeti (Northern)
Manyara & Ngorongoro
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Nyerere National Park
Ruaha National Park
Zanzibar
Best Time To Visit Zanzibar
DiscoverTravel 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
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