WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SAFARI IN TANZANIA?
Best Time To Safari In Tanzania / Image: @dawnw73
Picking when to go to Tanzania for your safari is difficult; some want to dodge the rainy season, while others have made it their mission to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
June to September has always been labeled the best time to safari in Tanzania because it's the dry season. It's also a lot easier to observe wildlife and see them clearly due to the favorable conditions. You don't have to worry about taking a jeep through a flooded area or having your camp close at short notice.
Not everyone gets time off during these months, but that doesn't mean a safari in Tanzania is entirely off the cards, although it may be more challenging.
We've put together this post with everything you need to choose the ideal time to go on your dream safari, from seasonal information to the best months; it's all here to read.
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Climates In Tanzania
Tanzania is quite a large country, which, coupled with its proximity to the equator, has contributed to its three distinct climate zones.
Central Tanzania is the most desert-like of all the regions, with hot temperatures all year round and arid landscapes. Since rainfall is so limited here, this area has very little wildlife and vegetation. As a result, this region typically won't be included on most safari routes.
To the west of the country is where you'll find lower temperatures, more noticeable seasonal changes, and heavier rainfall. It can get quite chilly at night in areas with this cool mountain climate, like the Southern Highlands. Lesser-known safari destinations like Lake Tanganyika are in this pocket of Tanzania too.
The eastern coastal regions and the northern parts of Tanzania experience a subtropical climate with hot and humid conditions for the majority of the year and regular rainfall, which is especially evident during the wet season. This is where you'll find the most popular safari spots, including the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
A Breakdown Of The Seasons In Tanzania
Tanzania experiences two main seasons every year. These include the dry season - the best to visit, and the rainy season, which is split into a heavy rainy season called Masika and a light rainy season called Vuli.
The Dry Season (June to October)
Tanzania's dry season lasts from the end of June all the way through to October. This is the best time to do a safari for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, most of the country gets warm weather with cool evenings and very little rainfall. You can expect temperatures from 54℉ to 77℉, which leads to mild days but some chilly nights. For the most part, you can look forward to clear skies and plenty of sunshine.
The lack of rainfall also means that there are much fewer mosquitos than usual, which is always a huge plus.
In addition to the excellent weather, the dry season is particularly attractive for visitors because of the ease of spotting animals during these months. Most animals tend to congregate around rivers, and the many water pools scattered around northern Tanzania make the Big 5 quite simple to find.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Tanzania During the Dry Season
Pros
Temperatures are generally very pleasant.
There is very little rainfall.
Many animals are easy to see.
You'll have excellent opportunities for photographs.
You're much more likely to see both Mara and Grumeti river crossings.
Cons
This is the most expensive time to visit.
It tends to be quite crowded in many areas.
As it's the most popular time to visit, many tours are fully booked well in advance.
Best Time To Safari In Tanzania / Image: @pieterbouwer
The Rainy Season (November to May)
The wet season runs from November until May, with the rain starting to pick up in late October.
This signals the beginning of Vuli, Tanzania's light or short rains, which typically take place throughout the month of November and finish up in January. Temperatures during this time tend to sit between 75℉ and 82℉, and although the humidity starts to get a little higher, it's rarely uncomfortable or muggy.
Tanzania's heavy or long rain season, called Masika, sets in from mid-March until May, after a dry spell in the north and along the coast. Frequent downpours and high humidity make safari conditions more uncomfortable and unpredictable during this season, but the landscapes are green and vibrant.
Naturally, because of the unfavorable weather conditions in Tanzania around this time, there tends to be fewer crowds and quieter parks.
A drier but quiet period takes place at the beginning of each year. January and February are the best times to catch the animals during calving season. This means you'll see a whole host of baby animals and witness battling males competing for the attention of a mate. These months are also the top season for bird-watching.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Tanzania During the Rainy Season
Pros
There are great deals available, and you can expect reduced prices.
With far fewer people visiting, the parks are much less crowded.
Even if you decide to book your safari at short notice, there'll likely still be plenty of availability.
This is the best time of year for bird-watching safaris and spotting baby animals.
The scenery is fantastic, with glowing grasslands making up much of the landscape.
Cons
The rain can interfere with your schedule and ability to spot wildlife, though this is more relevant for the months with the heaviest rainfall, from March until May.
High temperatures and humidity can be unpleasant at times.
If there is a significant amount of rainfall, some roads may flood and become impassable.
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The Best Time of Year to See the Great Migration in Tanzania
Every year, typically between late June and early October, millions of hooved animals make the journey from the southern Serengeti to the Masai Mara in Kenya. They're shortly followed by zebras and gazelles, which allow the wildebeests to take the lead in the search for water and the finest grass. This event is known as the Great Migration.
As the largest animal migration event on earth, this is one of the most spectacular sights to witness and a highlight for many high-season safari trips, though you may need some luck on your side to see the Great Migration for yourself.
Predicting the exact timing of the Great Migration is not always easy, but you'll be in with a brilliant chance to see this phenomenon in action during a July safari. Visiting in August is your top opportunity to catch the endless herds crossing the Mara River. This is seen as one of the most challenging parts of the journey for a lot of the animals and where many people can capture their iconic migrations photos. For this reason, these months are considered the best time to safari in Tanzania.
By the time October rolls around, the rains have picked up again, and the wildebeests start to make the 500-mile journey back to the south of the Serengeti.
Like any event that relates to wild animals, there's no guarantee that you'll be able to get a glimpse of the wildebeests crossing the Mara or Grumeti River.
That being said, visitors during July and August will still have a great chance of catching the herds moving north from the southern Serengeti. Anyone heading on safari during October can watch the animals return to the south if they venture into the north of the Serengeti.
Best Time To Safari In Tanzania / Image: @valeriarossi96
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Month for a Safari?
Almost any time between late June and early October is a fantastic time for a safari, but the months of July, August, and September are considered to be the best. This is due to the mild weather, limited rain, and ease of animal spotting.
Will My Safari Get Canceled if the Weather Is Bad?
Safaris very rarely get canceled. If the rain is relatively light, it will have little to no impact on your trip. Though your guide will work to stick to your itinerary as best as possible, heavy rains might lead to a change in schedule as some roads may become inaccessible. Or you may need to wait it out at your camp a little longer than normal.
Conclusion
As you can see, while there are certainly a number of months that are regarded as the best time to safari in Tanzania, you won't have to worry about missing out entirely if you can't travel between June and October.
If the high season isn't an option for you for one reason or another, a visit during January or February will be the next best thing. The same goes for anyone planning a trip between October and December, where rains tend to be on the lighter side.
Although the low season can be a riskier option due to the regular downpours, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch the wildlife in action. It's also worth keeping in mind that tours are a fraction of the cost compared to the busier months, making it a much more budget-friendly alternative to travel between March and May.
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