Planning a wildlife safari in Tanzania? Whether you want to witness the Great Migration, spot as many animals as possible, observe birds, take photographs, enjoy a honeymoon... Let's explore the best times to go on safari in Tanzania based on what you're looking for.

What is the climate like in Tanzania?

Climate zones and temperatures

Tanzania is an East African country crossed by the equator. Two distinct climate zones can be identified:

• The coastline bordered by the Indian Ocean and Zanzibar, which benefit from a humid equatorial climate;
• The interior and highlands, which enjoy a temperate tropical climate.

As for temperatures, Tanzania experiences very little temperature variation throughout the year. Average temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C depending on the region and season. Note that the highlands experience cooler temperatures, especially at night, when they can drop to 15°C.

Dry and rainy seasons

As for the seasons, Tanzania's climate is characterized by two dry seasons and two rainy seasons that follow one another:

• The short dry season occurs from December to February: also called the hot season, it's the warmest period of the year;
• The great rainy season extends from March to May: this is when rainfall is most frequent.
• The great dry season runs from May/June to October: during this period, temperatures are pleasant throughout the country and rainfall is virtually non-existent.
• The short rainy season takes place from November to December: this period is characterized by intense but short-lived rainfall.

Tourist seasons

As is often the case, the tourist season occurs during the dry season. Thus, the months of June to October correspond to the high season, when tourists are most numerous. Conversely, the low season runs during the great rainy season, between March and May. This is the time of year when tourism sees the least activity.

Choosing the period based on the type of safari you want

Each season has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Discover the best times to go on safari in Tanzania based on what you want to see and do, as well as your budget.

The best time to see the most wildlife on a Tanzania safari

Do you dream of seeing the Big Five, herds of herbivores, predators, and other savanna animals?

The best time to go on safari in Tanzania and see the maximum number of animals is the great dry season, between May and October. Indeed, this is the time of year when the weather is most favorable for a wildlife safari. On one hand, temperatures are pleasant, and on the other hand, rainfall is very rare.

Furthermore, rivers and lakes dry up, forcing animals to congregate around the few remaining water sources. The absence of rain also makes the grass shorter and drier. The result? You'll be able to spot animals more easily when they come to drink, and you'll spend less time tracking them down!

In short, the dry season is the ideal season to go on safari, whether in the northern national parks (such as Arusha, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Serengeti, Lake Natron...) or the southern national parks (such as Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha, Mikumi...).

The best time to witness the Great Migration in Tanzania

The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular natural phenomena you'll ever see. Each year, millions of wildebeest and thousands of zebras and antelopes move cyclically between Tanzania and Kenya to find new pastures.

During this long journey, herds of herbivores traverse the plains of northern Tanzania, specifically the Ngorongoro region and the Serengeti National Park, and the southern plains of Kenya, in the Masai Mara National Park.

To help you understand, here are the major stages of the Great Migration in Tanzania:

As you can see, the Great Migration can be observed at several locations in Tanzania depending on the time of year. It all depends on which stage interests you most. Note that the dates of the different stages of herbivore migration are given as a guide and may vary from year to year, depending on the seasons and climate.

The best time to see birds in Tanzania

With more than 1,100 bird species recorded in the country, Tanzania is an excellent destination for a birding safari.

While it's possible to observe birds year-round, certain seasons are more favorable. This is especially true for observing migratory birds. The migration season, when birds from Europe, Asia, and North Africa come to Tanzania to feed and breed, occurs between October and April.

Don't know where to go? Discover thebest places to observe birds in Tanzania as well as natural sites where you can see pink flamingos.

The best time to see chimpanzees in Tanzania

Have you always dreamed of seeing chimpanzees in their natural habitat? To go on a chimpanzee safari, head to the Gombe Stream National Park where the renowned primatologist Jane Goodall conducted the most extensive behavioral study of chimpanzees, or to the Mahale Mountains National Park.

Once again, it's possible to encounter Tanzania's chimpanzees year-round, but the ideal time to enjoy an expedition in the best conditions is during the dry season, particularly between July and October.

The best time for photography on a Tanzania safari

Tanzania's landscapes will impress you in every season. The dry seasons are characterized by golden savannas, while the rainy seasons transform the landscape into lush, green savannas.

If there's just one period to pick for photographing Tanzania's landscapes, it would be the end of the great dry season, in October. This is because it's the start of the storm season, which creates spectacular lighting effects on the bush landscape.

As for wildlife photographers and those who love the wild, we can only recommend coming to capture hunting scenes that take place during the river crossings of the Great Migration.

The best time to avoid crowds on a Tanzania safari

If you want to safari in Tanzania and avoid tourist crowds, the best option is to go during the rainy seasons, from November to December and from March to May. Of course, you must be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions, but these are the best times to experience a safari virtually alone in the world.

The good news? The rainy seasons mark the departure and return of large herds of herbivores during the Great Migration and are the best times to observe birds.

Want to avoid rain and have Tanzania's national parks all to yourself? You can also opt for a safari during the short dry season, from January to February. Since these are the hottest months of the year, there are fewer tourists than during the great dry season.

The best time for a budget-friendly Tanzania safari

On a tight budget? The best times to go on safari in Tanzania at reduced prices are exactly the same as those mentioned above for avoiding crowds. These are the low seasons, which correspond to the rainy seasons (November/December and March to May).

During these periods, some establishments close while others cut prices in half and offer ultra-attractive packages to attract travelers. This is the ideal time to enjoy low prices and save money. Keep in mind that April and May are the cheapest months for a Tanzania safari.

The best time for a family safari in Tanzania

With its stunning national parks and numerous tourist amenities, Tanzania is the perfect place for a family safari. From the Big Five to the calving season to the Great Migration of wildebeest... Awe and wonder await everyone, young and old.

So if you're planning to go on a family safari in Tanzania, we recommend going during the dry season, from June to October.

You'll enjoy pleasant temperatures, see the most animals possible on a safari, and finish your trip on the beautiful beaches of the coast andZanzibar to recover gently from your emotions...

The best time for a honeymoon safari in Tanzania

Do you dream of honeymooning in Tanzania? Once again, it's best to choose the dry seasons (December to February and June to October) to enjoy maximum sunshine and see as many animals as possible on your safari. These are also the best times to combine safari and beach time on the coast and theisland of Zanzibar.

To enjoy more peace and quiet, we still recommend avoiding school holiday periods.

Have questions? Don't know how to organize your trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!

Florine Dergelet