The Best Time To Visit Tanzania – By Region: The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what you want to see, where you want to go, your budget and interests. Here is a guide to help you decide the best time for your Tanzanian adventure depending on the tourist regions of Tanzania.
Serengeti National Park
The best time to visit the iconic Serengeti National Park and the see the Great Wildebeest Migration is from June to October. To see 2 million wildebeests accompanied by thousands of zebras and gazelles moving through the landscape can blow your mind. Inevitably, large number of herbivores attracts condensed populations of predators. The drama played-out through the savannah plains and particularly the river crossings at Mara and Grumeti Rivers is enthralling. It is a true, once-in-a lifetime opportunity.
Note: Be aware that it can get quite busy with safari vehicles and visitors during this time.
In November to December a flush of green growth triggers the wildebeests in the north to return from Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve to Serengeti. An endless horizon of grassland, interspersed by islands of rocky outcrops, called kopjes, makes this an incredible time to visit Serengeti.
From January to February the Serengeti becomes a grassland nursery for thousands of wildebeests and consequently the wildebeest calving season begins. New life emerging on the Great Plains is an opportunity to view large numbers of predators and creates spectacle that will play on all your senses.
Despite being the rainy season, it is still possible to visit the park in March to April. Territorial predators remain in the park year-round and sedentary wildlife still can be seen in this period.
The wildebeest rut or mating season takes place in May to June. As long and large columns of wildebeest make their way through the savannah landscape, males clash heads in a battle for a group or corral of females. Often distracted, with more than two-males in the mix, they can be taken prey.
Tarangire National Park
The best time to visit Tarangire National Park is from June to October, these months are dry season months. This period makes the Tarangire River one of the only water-sources for hundreds of miles around, consequently the wildlife flocks there.
During this time a mini wildlife migration occurs as several animal species move from the neighboring area to Tarangire River, the only remaining source of water in the region. Also, the park becomes an elephant lover’s paradise as hundreds of elephants congregate along the river.
The short rains from November to December turn the park green. Bird watching is fantastic as the arrival of migratory bird commences. At its peak. 550 bird species have been recorded in the park.
January to February experiences a period of dry weather, the landscape provides a beautiful backdrop to the hundreds of ginormous baobab trees and game viewing is still excellent.
In March to May, the wildlife wanders away from the river and game viewing is not as good and some of the accommodation in the park can close.
Ngorongoro Crater (Ngorongoro Conservation Area)
Ngorongoro Crater can be visited all year round thanks to the large number of resident animals calling the crater floor home. Temperatures at the crater floor range from 20°C/68°F to 25°C/77°F throughout the year, however, temperatures fall dramatically at night.
The best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater is June to October, because the shorter grass during the dry season makes for exceptional game viewing. Note that there will be quite a high number of safari vehicles and visitors in the crater during this time of the year.
The shorts rains in November to December has a minimal impact on a safari in Ngorongoro Crater and the game viewing is still excellent during this period.
The short rains in November to December has a minimal impact on a safari to Ngorongoro Crater as well as the game viewing is still excellent during this period.
The short dry period in January to February is one of the best times of year to visit Ngorongoro Crater if you wish to experience the Wildebeest Calving Season.
Game viewing in Ngorongoro Crater during the rainy season, March to May, is more challenging. However, you can still expect to see an array of wildlife. Heavy rains, particulary at the crater rim can occur almost daily. However, visitor numbers and prices for accommodations are slightly lower.
Southern Tanzania
The best time to visit Southern Tanzania region is the dry season from June to November as game – viewing is extraordinary during this season. Large numbers of animals particularly elephants, gather near water sources and predators, such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and leopard await them. It is also possible to some of the unique animals like the Sable and Roan antelope and even the very rare wild dogs. The average dry season temperature 27°C/80°F – June being the coolest month and October the hottest.
The rainy season in southern Tanzania is from December to March. This means, the rainy season in Southern Tanzania is longer than in Northern Tanzania. Generally, it rains in the heat of the afternoon. Heavy rain can make some parts of parks in accessible and wildlife becomes harder to see. However, it is a beautiful time of the year and you can find some low season prices. Since some camps and lodges close during some weeks of the rainy period, a good planning is essential. April and May see fewer rains and lush green landscapes.
