Tanzania is one of the best when it comes to African travel destinations. With attractions like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. Tanzania is an attractive place for tourists from all over the world.
Whether you want to climb Africa's tallest mountain, visit incredible beaches on the Indian Ocean, or see the immense wildlife of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Tanzania is a place worth visiting. As you plan your next visit to Tanzania, it is best to go at a time which will let you enjoy your preferred activity and experience in the best way possible.
In this article, we'll look at when is the best time for you to visit Tanzania, so that as you plan your trip, you are equipped with the best knowledge.
Best Time To Visit Tanzania
Generally, the best time to visit Tanzania is between July and October which is a very dry season. This time is ideal for wildlife viewing in all the parks, the great migration in Serengeti as well as visiting Zanzibar's beaches.
This is the high season for tourists in Tanzania and popular parks can be quite crowded and sometimes the premium rates might apply especially for accommodation and transport.
If you would like to dodge the crowds, June might be a good time before other visitors come in bigger numbers.
Best Time For Wildlife Safari
The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season months. This is when animals will congregate around permanent water sources and you can be able to see bigger numbers.
Ngorongoro crater is perfect for wildlife all year round while Serengeti and Lake Manyara National Parks are also great for the whole year except in the heavy rain months of March, April and May.
Best Time For Serengeti Migration
The Wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park happens all year round. It happens in a circular journey with a peak time being in the dry months between July and September.
The animal crossings of the Grumeti and Mara rivers are the most popular period and you are advised to book your trip in advance.
Here is a general seasonality associated with the wildebeest migration.
| FROM | TO | BEST MIGRATION ACTIVITY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January | March | Calving & big cat action (predator hunting) |
| 2 | May | June | Grumeti River crossing |
| 3 | July | September | Migration crossing the Mara river into Masai Mara |
Best Time For Beaches And Zanzibar
Zanzibar can be visited all year round but the best time is from June to October. The months between November and March are still very good with little likeliness for rain.
The months of April and May receive a lot of rain and are not ideal for visiting Zanzibar, but do have low rates.
Related articles: Common Questions [& answers] about visiting Zanzibar
Best Time For Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro
The best time for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is between July and October as well as between January and March. This is when it is dry and the climb is easier without rain or tough mountain trails that require the skills and confidence of experienced climbers and hikers.
Due to the influence of altitude on the microclimate, the higher you climb the colder it gets and you should therefore be prepared to find a different climate at the top than you find at the start of your climb.
Best Time For Photography
If you are a professional photographer, the best time to visit Tanzania will be different from that of other people. Generally, the wet season will give your pictures great colour and the light will allow you to shoot for longer periods.
If you want to take pictures of many animals congregated near water, you can time your trip at the start or the end of the dry season. This way you avoid much of the crowds and still get longer shooting conditions as far as light is concerned.
The big choice is between avoiding the crowds and getting ideal shooting conditions.
Final Thoughts
While the dry months are the times when most people would have a great experience visiting Tanzania, everyone has different tastes. We believe that the best time is that which will deliver your desired experiences.
Some people don't mind the crowds, but others want the intimate feeling that comes with being the only person on a safari on the stretching savannah horizon. It is a good thing that Tanzania has a lot of game parks and you can get the exact experience that would make you happiest.
As you talk with your tour operator, make sure you communicate every detail of what you would enjoy.