Worst and Best time to Visit Tanzania for Safari - A Month By Month Guide
Getting to decide the worst and best time to visit Tanzania for safari depends on what you want to do on this destination. It also depends on what you want to see and budget. In addition, this is proven by the high and low seasons. There are plenty of rains in the low seasons and harder to have animal sightings in Tanzania National Parks. In contrast, the high seasons in Tanzania are characterised by clear weather ad it is easier to spot animals in Tanzania. During the high season, there are many tourists travelling to Tanzania hence the safari costs in Tanzania including lodge fees are high. This is also because of the high competition for resources for Tanzania safari tours including accommodations, transportation and more. Alternatively, in the low seasons, there are a few tourists in Tanzania. So, there is low competition for resouces hence low safari Tanzania costs.
Tanzania is ranked among the top most visited Africa safari tour destinations in East Africa. So, this is due to the various Tanzania safari attractions which are found in the country. The republic of Tanzania is known to be home of some of the most visited destinations in Africa. In addition the most prominent include the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the exotic island of Zanzibar. Also, the land is filled with vast savannahs, stunning wildlife, and pristine beaches on top of those attractions.
However, your experience can vary greatly depending on the time of year you visit Tanzania. So, for reasons here is the notable best time for safari in Tanzania. Despite of the fact that Tanzania can be visited all year through, all seasons have something exciting to offer to the sightseers in the country.
The Worst/best time to visit Tanzania: weather and climate
Firstly, it is very important to understand the seasons that are experinced in Tanzania. So, this will help you to study clearly the weather conditions of the country. It is well known that Tanzania has a tropical climate, characterised by two main seasons as below;
- Dry Season: the dry season is always from the months of June to October, these are termed as cool and dry in Tanzania. Its also best time of year to go to Tanzania.
- Wet Seasons: for the wet seasons ,they are divided into different periods. So, longer run run from the months of March to May and Short rains from November to mid-December. The wet season is also regarded as the worst time to go on safari in Tanzania.
NOTE: As we get to under this guide about the best and worst time to visit Tanzania, its best to know the following. Different regions in Tanzania e.g. Serengeti vs. Zanzibar may experience slight variations, but these general patterns apply across most of the country.
The best time to go on safari in Tanzania
Despite of the fact that Tanzania can be visited all year through, there is always that top best time to explore any destination for a great experience. So, this is logical also applies to Tanzania. For that case, here is best time to go to Tanzania for a wildlife safari adventure in the republic of Tanzania.
The best time of year to visit Tanzania for a safari from is June to October and January to February. Similarly, this is known to be the Dry Season in Tanzania and as well the Peak Safari Season are the best months to engage in any kind of wildlife safari in Tanzania. These months have a lot to offer to sightseers as they engage in the different Tanzania safari activities which take place in the dry season. Want to know more about the best time to visit Africa for migration in Tanzania? Well, the best time to see migration in Africa is between July to the late weeks of September. So, this big migration in Africa happens in Serengeti Tanzanija and Masai Mara Kenya.
Below are some of the reasons as to why these are the best months to go to Tanzania for a wild life safari. So, this ranks this dry season a peak safari Tanzania season in the country.
Why These Months Are the best time to visit Tanzania:
- Wildlife Viewing: Sightseers have a chance to marvel at numerous wildlife in this season as this is the best time for safari tours in Tanzania. Vegetation is sparse, to gather around water bodies, this also allows sightseers to witness the Great Migration Tanzania expedition in full swing across the Serengeti np.
- Weather: the weather is just perfect for a nature walk and other out door safari activities. These include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or game drives in Tanzania national parks and this is because days are sunny and mild.
- Fewer Mosquitoes: there is Lower humidity which means fewer bugs. So, this reduces the risk of malaria to sightseers and also making the Tanzania trip more thrilling. Since there will be no pressure over bug stings and the sort.
- Calving Season; these months in the dry season are still the calving seasons most especially in Serengeti National Park. Hence, this usually attracts predators and creating exciting wildlife viewing opportunities. This is typically during the great migration Africa time of year from January to February.
Worst time to travel to Tanzania for a safari
When having a visit in Tanzania, here is the worst time to consider visiting the country. This is because of the challenges that sightseers are yet to face as they decide to explore Tanzania in this period. The worst time to visit Tanzania is from the months of March to May. These are toped with Long Rains hence termed as (Low Season).
Why It’s Considered the Worst Time (March to May)
These are some of the main reasons as to why it’s the worst time of the year to visit Tanzania;
- Heavy Rainfall, Safari Disruptions, Humidity and Bugs all these reasons don’t permit a Tanzania safari tour. Hence, making the season not recommendable for safari in Tanzania.
Despite of the fact that these months are ranked to be the worst times to visit Tanzania, there are also other things to expempt. Most especially when one decides to visit Tanzania in these months.
Exceptions During the Rainy Season
Below are some of the Exceptions:
- Budget travelers might find excellent discounts during this worst time to visit Tanzania.
- Photographers may enjoy the lush green landscapes and dramatic skies in this low season.
Note: Zanzibar can still be pleasant between showers, but beach activities may be hindered.
Other Factors to Consider for your Worst and best time to visit Tanzania
Putting aside the weather conditions, there are some other things to consider while opting for a safari in Tanzania. Additionally, these are some other keys things to consider as you plan to opt for Tanzania safari tours.
1. Festivals and Cultural Events
It is key to note the festive seasons in Tanzania. When you are on your Tanzania trip, you will even be aware of what to expect in particular seasons. Below are some of the festivals to keep note of;
- Zanzibar International Film Festival (July): This is termed to be a major cultural event with global recognition. Hence in the month of July while you explore Tanzania, you are most likely to engage in this event.
- Mwaka Kogwa Festival (July): This is a traditional festival which is celebrated in Zanzibar with traditional rituals and dancing. Still in the month of July is when sightseers get to be exposed to this event.
- Unification Day (April 26): Held on the 26 of April, this is specifically for Celebrating the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Hence to all those that are to visit Tanzania during this month are likely to be part of this celebration.
2. Travel Costs and Crowds
As you opt the type of season to travel to Tanzania for a safari, one needs to aware of the different costs alignments that may occur. Below are some of the seasons and what to expect when it comes to pricing;
- High season; the high season is often between the months of (June–October). So, when it comes to Tanzania trip cost in this period, they tend to be higher prices. Also, booking competition is a factor hence, we recommend early booking in such periods of time
- Low season; Under the months of (March–May), they are known as low season, here there are discounts on tours and accommodations. Hence, making it more budget to all those that are interested in travelling to Tanzania during these months.
- Shoulder months; Shoulder months run from the months of (November, December, January). So, these are typically good for balance of cost and weather if you want to avoid crowds. In the numerous destinations of Tanzania.
These are some of the other things to consider for your worst and best time to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar for a safari. These will guide you when visiting Tanzania hence, getting the best safari experience in Tanzania. Also, below is a summary table which displays the key things to note in the different months to visit Tanzania.
Worst and Best Time to Visit Tanzania – Summary Table
| Time of Year | Weather | Wildlife Viewing | Crowds & Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June – October | Dry, mild | Excellent (African wildebeest migration) | High (Peak Season) | Best time for safaris, Kilimanjaro, and beaches |
| January – February | Warm, light rain | Great (Calving Season) | Moderate | Good for wildlife births, fewer tourists |
| March – May | Wet, humid | Poor (Heavy rains) | Low (Off-Season) | Worst time for safaris due to rainfall |
| November – December | Short rains | Decent | Moderate | Shoulder season, short downpours possible |
Want to know the best time to visit Serengeti or any other destination in Tanzania? For more information about the worst and best time to to travel to Tanzania, contact us, Serengeti Masai Mara safari. We are ready to provide you with the necessary information. Also, to help you in booking for different kind of safari tours in Tanzania during your best and worst time go to Tanzania and Zanzibar. Plus they also offer best Tanzania safari tour packages in the country.
