Best Time to Go on a Tanzania Safari
The best time to go on a safari in Tanzania depends on what you want to experience, such as wildlife viewing, the Great Migration, or enjoying a beach holiday in Zanzibar. Tanzania has two distinct seasons—wet and dry—and each season offers unique safari experiences. Below is a detailed guide to help you choose the best time for your Tanzania safari.
Best Time for General Wildlife Viewing
The dry season, from June to October, is the best time for wildlife viewing. During this period, animals congregate around waterholes and rivers, making them easier to spot, and the vegetation is sparse, improving visibility.
| Season | Months | Safari Experience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June to October | Wildlife congregates around water sources, clear skies, and fewer mosquitoes. | Best overall wildlife viewing, large herds, predators. |
| Wet Season (Short Rains) | November to December | Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and newborn animals. | Good for birdwatching, calving season for wildebeest. |
| Wet Season (Long Rains) | March to May | Heavier rains, some lodges close, but prices drop. | Fewer tourists, budget-friendly, beautiful green landscapes. |
Key Points:
- The dry season (June to October) is the best time for safaris, especially for wildlife viewing in major parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
- The wet season (November to December) offers lush scenery and the chance to see newborn animals, but wildlife can be more dispersed.
Best Time for the Great Migration
The Great Migration is one of the most iconic wildlife spectacles in Tanzania, involving over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, moving across the Serengeti in search of greener pastures. The timing of the migration varies, so here’s when and where you can see key events.
| Event | Best Time to See | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Calving Season | January to February | Southern Serengeti (Ndutu region) |
| Grumeti River Crossings | May to June | Western Serengeti |
| Mara River Crossings | July to September | Northern Serengeti |
| Return to Serengeti | October to November | Northern and Central Serengeti |
Key Points:
- July to September is the best time to see the dramatic Mara River crossings in the Northern Serengeti.
- January to February is the calving season, when thousands of wildebeest are born in the Southern Serengeti, attracting predators.
Best Time for a Safari in Northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire)
The Northern Circuit is the most popular safari region, home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. The dry season is ideal for game viewing, but each park offers something unique throughout the year.
| Park | Best Time to Visit | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park | June to October | Great Migration, predators, excellent wildlife viewing. |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Year-round | Big Five, dense wildlife population in a compact area. |
| Tarangire National Park | June to October | Large elephant herds, baobab trees, birdwatching. |
| Lake Manyara National Park | June to October (dry season), November to February (wet season) | Flamingos, tree-climbing lions, excellent birdwatching. |
Key Points:
- Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are best visited during the dry season, though the Ngorongoro Crater offers good game viewing year-round.
- Tarangire is particularly famous for its elephant migration in the dry season, but the birdlife is spectacular during the wet season.
Best Time for a Safari in Southern Tanzania (Ruaha, Selous)
The Southern Circuit, which includes Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve, offers a more remote and quieter safari experience. The dry season is still the best time to visit, but these parks are less crowded compared to the Northern Circuit.
| Park | Best Time to Visit | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Ruaha National Park | June to October | Large predators, elephants, fewer tourists, remote wilderness. |
| Selous Game Reserve | June to October | Boat safaris, crocodiles, hippos, fewer crowds. |
Key Points:
- The dry season (June to October) is ideal for visiting Ruaha and Selous, with abundant wildlife and fewer tourists.
- Boat safaris in Selous offer a unique way to see wildlife, especially hippos and crocodiles.
Best Time for Birdwatching
Tanzania is a fantastic birdwatching destination, especially during the wet season when migratory birds arrive. The wetlands of Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Selous are teeming with birdlife during this time.
| Best Birdwatching Season | Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Wet Season | November to April | Migratory birds, lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching conditions. |
| Dry Season | May to October | Resident bird species, better visibility due to sparse vegetation. |
Key Points:
- The wet season (November to April) is the best time for birdwatching, especially with migratory species arriving.
- Lake Manyara and Tarangire are prime birdwatching locations.
Best Time for a Beach Holiday in Zanzibar
For those looking to combine a safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar, the dry season is the best time to visit the islands for sun, sand, and snorkeling.
| Best Time | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June to October | Sunny, warm, and dry weather is ideal for beach activities. |
| Shoulder Season | November to February | Warm, but occasional short rains; fewer crowds. |
| Wet Season | March to May | Heavy rains, are not ideal for beach activities. |
Key Points:
- The dry season (June to October) is perfect for beach activities and diving.
- The shoulder season (November to February) offers fewer crowds and warm weather, though there may be occasional rain.
Tanzania Safari Seasons Overview
Here’s a summary of the best times to visit Tanzania for various activities:
| Season | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| June to October (Dry Season) | Best for general wildlife viewing, Great Migration, and fewer mosquitoes. | High season with higher prices and more tourists. |
| November to December (Short Rains) | Best for birdwatching, fewer tourists, and the Great Migration calving season. | Short rains may not significantly affect your safari experience. |
| March to May (Long Rains) | Best for budget travelers, lush landscapes, fewer tourists. | Some lodges and roads may close, and heavy rain can affect wildlife viewing. |
The best time to go on a Tanzania safari is during the dry season (June to October) for optimal wildlife viewing and the Great Migration. If you’re interested in birdwatching or experiencing Tanzania with fewer crowds, the wet season (November to December) offers unique advantages. For beach lovers, Zanzibar is best visited from June to October, with warm and sunny weather perfect for relaxing after your safari. No matter when you visit, Tanzania offers an incredible safari experience with its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich ecosystems.