Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Safari and Adventure

serengeti migrations

Like many other travellers, you are out to have the best experience on your vacation and great timing does the trick, so you now have this question in your mind “when is the best time to visit Tanzania?”

The best time to visit is largely dependent on what you want to visit & how you want your visit to be. All this can be largely influenced by the weather at your time of visit

Throughout the year you can visit Tanzania attractions but it is during the dry season (June to October) that is regarded by many as the best time to visit Tanzania

Why June to October is the best time to visit Tanzania?

  • First of all, the skies are clear and most day is sunny (perfect weather for your stay)
  • Secondly, animals are easier to spot as with water shortages the vegetation weakens thus improving the visibility of animals who will be concentrated at water sources
  • Furthermore, this period will cover the two highlights of the migration “The Grumeti river crossing” and “The Mara river crossing”
  • Easy mobility, moving around is easier when it is dry unlike rainy season
  • Moreover, it is the perfect time to hike The Kilimanjaro as it’s favourable weather and more summit chances
  • fewer mosquitoes unlike the rainy season which is a favourable condition for mosquitoes
  • easier to do group tours, group activities, and greater parties
  • lastly, there are plenty and more options for activities to do during the dry season

Few considerations against this period

  • Prices are high
  • Many travellers as it is peak season, if your preference is a quiet trip
  • Very dusty roads

Other favourable times to visit Tanzania

November to March

November

  • it is expected to be dry, sunny and with fewer travellers so it is a great time for a visit
  • little chances for short rains which are expected in December & January

December

  • the great wildebeest migration herds are back in the Serengeti
  • weather will be between sunny and short rain showers (to reduce the dust)
  • the scenery starts to get greener & beautiful
  • small peak season around festival season

January to February

  • the great wildebeest migration calving season, this is yet another highlight of the migration with about half a million new-borns through this period
  • it is also an excellent time for predator action
  • the scenery is green and beautiful

March

  • this is a grey time, not clear if it will be dry or perhaps the rainy season will begin
  • almost end of wildebeest calving season

April to May

this is probably the least favourable time to visit Tanzania as it is expected to be the rainy season therefore very difficult to move around or enjoy the sun

but there are some advantages for this period

  • lower rates
  • green and beautiful
  • migratory birds are present and bird watching is at its best
  • fewer travellers (low season)