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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

Most Ideal

Low Season

overview

January is warm in Tanzania, with the average day time temperatures around 84°F and high humidity levels. But a lot depends on where you choose to visit – The Ngorongoro Crater, for example, is at a higher altitude, so it is much cooler here than other parts of the country.

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

overview

The weather pattern is similar to January – warm, humid days with nearly eight hours of sunshine with varying rainfall, depending on the part of the country you are visiting. This is also one of the best months to see the wildebeest calving!

we recommend

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

overview

Tanzania’s long rainy seasons usually begin around this time, so expect heavier rains across the country from around mid March and high humidity levels. Some roads do become inaccessible around this time, so factor that in while planning your trip.

we recommend

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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The rains are in full flow during April and the humidity levels are very high. Several regions can be inaccessible, so once again, it is important to factor this while planning your trip.

we recommend

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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While May continues to be part of the long wet season in Tanzania, the intensity of rainfall can vary. This is usually around the time thousands of wildebeest, zebras and their newborns start crossing the crocodile-infested Grumeti River in Serengeti, and this extends till July.

we recommend

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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June is the start of the best season to visit Tanzania so make your bookings early! The skies are clear, there is a fair amount of sunshine and you can expect temperatures to range between 59-80°F.

we recommend

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

overview

This is winter in Tanzania with clear, warm days. This is also one of the driest months in the country and you can expect lows in the 50s.

we recommend

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

overview

Expect largely warm and dry days, with maximum temperatures in the early 80s.

we recommend

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

overview

The weather in September is largely similar to that in August. Expect nearly eight hours of sunshine and nighttime lows of 59 °F.

we recommend

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!

overview

This is the last of the dry months before the short rainy season begins. You can expect dry, warm conditions through the month, but be prepared for increasing bouts of rainfall as November nears.

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

overview

This the start of the short rain season in Tanzania, but the amount of rainfall can vary. The wildebeest continue their migration south, to the plains to take advantage of the moisture, so planning a visit to the parks in Serengeti could be something that you can factor in. This is also the start of the fishing season.

we recommend

Experience the night markets of Zanzibar!
Try to catch the giant Nile Perch in Lake Victoria!

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Expect some rains in December but with reduced intensity. Wildebeest will also be flocking to the plains of the Serengeti, so this is a great time to book your safari there! But Tanzania can get busy around Christmas and New Year’s so plan well in advance!

we recommend

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

Laze on the snow white sands of Zanzibar, Tanzania, Africa

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.

Enchanting Travels - Tanzania Tours - Selous Hotels - Lake Manzi Camp Selous - Boat Safari 3

Popular Trips to Tanzania

Highlights of Northern Tanzania

9 Days from $4,790 USD / person

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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Two Elephants standing under the backdrop of a mountain

Tanzania: Safaris, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar

17 Days from $11,390 USD / person

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

9 Days from $9,990 USD / person

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

8 Days from $10,190 USD / person

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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Enchanting Travels - Tanzania Tours - Selous Hotels - Lake Manzi Camp Selous - Game Drive 4

Tanzania: Luxury Safari & Barefoot Paradise

13 Days from $10,890 USD / person

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

15 Days from $17,190 USD / person

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

With countless predators including lion, cheetah, leopard, more than two million wildebeest, half a million Thomson’s gazelle, and a quarter of a million zebra, the Serengeti has the greatest concentration of wildlife on our planet.

Serengeti (Northern)

Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is stunningly beautiful. Further on, the Ngorongoro Crater has one of the highest wildlife densities on earth.

Manyara & Ngorongoro

Discover the crown of Tanzania! With an altitude of 19,340 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa, the highest freestanding mountain in the world, and one of the largest volcanoes.

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Discover an untouched gem! A scenic flight to Selous offers a wonderful birds’ eye perspective of the many waterways of Africa’s largest protected wildlife reserve, home to roaming elephant populations, wild dogs, and some of the last black rhino.

Nyerere National Park

Your true wilderness! As Tanzania’s largest national park, Ruaha is a wonderful bastion with its undisturbed wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.

Ruaha National Park

Head to the spice islands! The lure of Zanzibar is legendary and worthy.

Zanzibar

Best Time To Visit Zanzibar

Discover

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.

Tanzania Travel Guide

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.

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.

Is Tanzania Safe

From the Blog

North or South: Which is the best Tanzania Safari?

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Discover the best Tanzania safari for your African vacation with these travel tips from our experts.

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Kenya or Tanzania: Which Wilderness Safari is the One for You?

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Have you been dreaming of an Africa safari tour but can’t decide between Kenya or Tanzania? Let’s help you choose the perfect wilderness safari destination for your luxury African tours.

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What Our Guests Say

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.

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Joan McCumby

USA

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.

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Michaela June

USA

From the moment we first started planning the trip to the moment we got on the plane to go home, we felt so cared for. Our trip coordinator, Cyprian, was the best!!! We always knew what was going on, and he was never more than a call or text away. The game drives were unreal and we got so close to the animals. The food was delicious and the chefs were top notch. The servers at every lodge, who were mostly young men, were so kind and wonderful. All the staff were warm and welcoming. The sun downers were amazing. It’s an unexplainable feeling to watch elephants walking by while sipping on a cocktail. All the guides were so knowledgeable. We always felt safe, secure, and happy. The lodges were in nature, but contained every necessity required to feel luxurious. The experiences, such as visiting and feeding Baraka, the blind rhino, will last a lifetime. This was the most amazing trip ever!

Rating 5/5

Jessie Sabino

USA

We booked with Enchanting Travels because they were attentive, and took the time to understand what we wanted in a vacation! We felt confident the entire team would work as hard as the sales staff, and we were right – they did!! From the moment we made our 1st payment to the moment we walked off the plane at home, we felt confident in our decision to book with Enchanting!

Rating 5/5

Peter Loeppky

Canada

The best travel experience we’ve ever had. Great itinerary, superb staff. Looking forward to our next trip with Enchanting Travels.

Rating 5/5

William Schaefer

USA

We thoroughly enjoyed working with Enchanting, our coordinators made planning and enjoying our once-in-a-lifetime African safari adventure so easy and effortless.

Rating 5/5

Anish Khanorkar

USA

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