Best Time to Visit Tanzania
When is the Best Time to Go to Tanzania?
The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is during the dry season from late June to October. Tanzania has two distinct rainy seasons: April to May (the ‘long rains') and November to December (the ‘short rains'). Generally, the 'long rains' produce tropical downpours in the afternoons, and some safari camps may close. The 'short rains' bring about the occasional brief shower.
Most safari areas in Tanzania enjoy warm days and cool evenings year-round. While temperatures drop below freezing on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, the country's Indian Ocean coast and lakeside regions are hot and humid.
The best time for a Tanzania safari depends on where you want to go and what you want to see. For first-time safari goers, the best time to go to Tanzania is usually during the dry season, as wildlife is easier to track and spot. Understanding the difference between the safari high season vs low season is a good place to start.
Tanzania Safari High vs Low Season
| High or Peak Season | Low or Green Season |
|---|---|
| About June to October (long dry season) | About January to March and November to December |
| Highest rates | Lowest rates |
| Need to book well in advance | No need to book too far in advance |
| Cool and dry weather | Hot and occasionally wet weather |
| Not many baby animals around | Lots of baby animals around |
| Not many migrant birds to see | Fantastic time for bird-watching |
| Most crowded | Least crowded |
| Good photography conditions | Greenest, most scenic landscapes with the best light of the year for photography |
When to See the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti
| Event | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Calving or Birthing Season | January to March |
| Intense Big Cat Action | January to March |
| Rutting (mating battles) | January to March |
| Grumeti River Crossings | May to July |
| Mara River Crossings | July to September |
Note: These dates are approximate. The Wildebeest Migration is a year-round circular journey, and river crossings cannot be precisely predicted, though they generally occur between May and September.
Month by Month Guide for Travelling to Tanzania:
- January to March: Good for tropical beach holidays, calving season for wildebeest with many calves born, hot and humid weather. March is prime for Kilimanjaro climbs.
- April & May: Wettest months with afternoon and nighttime storms, good value travel, and the Great Migration moving towards the western corridor by late May.
- June to August: Dry season starts, best time for luxury safaris and wildlife viewing; migration near Grumeti River in June and Mara River crossings in July-August.
- September & October: Less crowded, good for elephants and Kilimanjaro hiking, some rain and thunderstorms start in October.
- November & December: Short rains season, fewer tourists early in November, good for birdwatching in December and witnessing migration returning south.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about this tour.
1
What is the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari?
The best time for a safari in Tanzania is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife is easier to spot around waterholes and rivers. For the Great Migration, the best months depend on where the herds are—January to March for calving in the Southern Serengeti, and July to September for the river crossings in the north.
2
Do I need a visa, and what vaccinations are required?
Most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania, which can be obtained online (eVisa) or on arrival. A valid passport is required. Recommended vaccinations include yellow fever (mandatory if arriving from a yellow fever country), typhoid, hepatitis A, and routine vaccinations. Malaria prophylaxis is also advised.
3
Is Tanzania safe for tourists, and how should I stay safe?
Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, especially on safari. Basic precautions include avoiding walking alone at night in cities, keeping valuables secure, and following your guide’s instructions in wildlife areas.
4
What currency is used, and can US dollars be used?
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). However, US dollars are widely accepted in hotels, lodges, and for safari payments. It’s best to carry small denominations and newer bills (issued after 2006).
5
What wildlife can I expect to see on safari?
You can expect to see the 'Big Five'—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—along with giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs, hyenas, and a variety of bird species.
6
How long should a safari last, and can children go on safari?
A typical safari lasts 5 to 10 days, depending on the parks visited. Children are welcome on safari, though some lodges have age restrictions for game drives. Family-friendly safaris and private vehicles can be arranged.
7
What should I pack for a safari?
Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a good camera, and comfortable shoes. Warm layers are recommended for early morning and evening game drives.
8
Can I book a private safari and what types of accommodations are available?
Yes, private safaris can be arranged. Accommodation ranges from budget campsites and mid-range lodges to luxury tented camps and five-star safari lodges.
9
Can I drink the water, and is there Wi-Fi in lodges?
It is not recommended to drink tap water in Tanzania. Bottled or filtered water is provided at lodges and during safaris. Many lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi, though connectivity may be limited in remote areas.
10
What is the Great Migration and when can I see it?
The Great Migration is the annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems in search of fresh grazing. It can be seen year-round in different parts of the Serengeti, with the dramatic river crossings usually occurring between July and September.
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