Best Time to Visit Tanzania – Month-by-Month Safari & Travel Guide

Tanzania is one of Africa's most breathtaking safari destinations, with iconic landscapes, incredible wildlife, and welcoming cultures. But to make the most of your adventure, understanding the best time to visit Tanzania is essential. Whether you're planning a Serengeti safari, a Mount Kilimanjaro trek, or a Zanzibar beach holiday, the timing of your trip can greatly enhance your experience.

This comprehensive month-by-month guide will help you decide when to go based on weather, wildlife migrations, and travel preferences.

Tanzania’s Climate Overview

Tanzania has a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. While safaris are available year-round, each season offers something unique:

• Dry Season (June to October): Best for wildlife safaris – animals gather near waterholes and visibility is high.
• Short Rains (November to mid-December): Light, refreshing rains – fewer tourists.
• Green Season (mid-December to March): Lush landscapes, great for birding and photography.
• Long Rains (April to May): Wettest months – fewer visitors, but parks are beautifully green.

Best Time to Visit for Wildlife Safaris

If you're looking to see the famous Big Five or witness the Great Migration, the dry season (June to October) is widely regarded as the best time to visit Tanzania for safaris.

• Serengeti National Park: July to October for the river crossings, January to March for calving season.
• Ngorongoro Crater: Excellent year-round, but June to October is driest.
• Tarangire National Park: Peak elephant viewing from July to October.

Month-by-Month Travel Guide to Tanzania

January – Calving Season in the Serengeti

Expect lush green landscapes and the start of the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti. Great time for predators and baby animals.

February – Great for Photography

Warm weather, clear skies, and dramatic wildlife moments as predators hunt newborns. A great time to visit if you love wildlife photography.

March – Quiet Before the Rains

Early March is still good for safari, but the long rains begin toward the end of the month.

April – Low Season Begins

Heavy rains begin, making some roads muddy and lodges less accessible. However, rates are low and parks are quiet.

May – Green and Serene

Still part of the long rains, but landscapes are lush and vibrant. Ideal for bird watchers.

June – Start of Peak Season

Dry season begins. Excellent wildlife viewing as vegetation thins. Great time to visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

July – Great Migration in Full Swing

One of the best times to visit Tanzania for the dramatic wildebeest crossings at the Grumeti and Mara rivers.

August – Prime Safari Season

Cool, dry weather and incredible game viewing make August one of the most popular months.

September – Less Crowded, Still Amazing

Perfect weather, continued migration activity, and fewer crowds than July–August.

October – End of Dry Season

Wildlife viewing remains strong, especially in Tarangire and Serengeti. The landscapes begin to transition.

November – Short Rains, Fewer Tourists

The short rains begin, creating dramatic skies and rejuvenated greenery. Great for photographers and budget travelers.

December – Festive Green Season

Expect fresh green vegetation and the return of migratory birds. Early calving begins late in the month.

Best Time to Visit Zanzibar

If you’re heading to Zanzibar after your safari, consider the following:

• Best Months: June to October and December to February (warm, dry, and perfect for beaches)
• Avoid: April and May (heavy rain)

Final Tips: When Should You Travel?

• For first-time safari travelers, June to October is ideal.
• For budget travel, April to May offers great deals.
• For bird watchers, November to March is perfect.
• For Great Migration enthusiasts, plan for July to September or January to March (calving).

Plan Your Trip with Simba Adventures

At Simba Adventures, we help you plan the perfect safari based on the best time to visit Tanzania for your interests. Whether you’re chasing the migration or relaxing in Zanzibar, our experts tailor every journey to your schedule and dreams.

Visit www.simbaadventures.com or contact us to start planning your unforgettable Tanzania adventure.