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Is there a good time or bad time to visit?
Technically there is no ‘bad’ time to visit Tanzania for a safari, but that said, there are lots of factors to consider when planning your trip. The weather, crowds, prices and wildlife viewing all play a factor and will vary depending on the month you choose to visit.
In this blog, we break down the months of the year and what to expect, and pros and cons of going on a safari in Tanzania during that time.
*Please note, the below monthly breakdown is based on a trip to Northern Tanzania, specifically the Northern Circuit. All the above factors will alter depending on the region you choose to visit NEED TO LINK. This especially applies to the weather and wildlife viewing.
Safari in Tanzania: June – October
(high season/ dry season)
The ‘best’ time to visit Tanzania for a safari is generally June – October and these are the most popular months. This period is their dry season in Tanzania so there is little to no rainfall. Less rainfall also means less mosquitoes which is always a good thing!!
Due to the dry weather, the wildlife viewing is fantastic this time of year as wildlife tends to gather around the watering holes and there is less bush, making it easier to spot wildlife. This is also the best season to visit to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti region and is when you can see the famous Mara river crossing.
However, be warned! June – October are the busiest safari months with far more crowds, particularly due to the Great Migration and it is also the most expensive time to visit!
Pros:
- Wildlife viewing is at its best as animals congregate around watering holes
- The bush is less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife
- Little to no rain, with lots of sunshine
- Witness the Great Migration
- Less mosquitoes, so a lower chance of malaria
Cons:
- This is the most expensive time to visit
- The parks can be crowded, especially if you want to witness the Great Migration
- It gets really cold during the mornings and evenings
Safari in Tanzania: January – February
(shoulder season/ break in the rainy season)
January – February is a beautiful time of year to visit Tanzania on a safari, due to a short break in the rainy season. This period is also the calving season where thousands of baby zebra and wildebeest are born every year. With new calves, brings lots of big cat sightings. It is tricky to predict the exact time for the calving season during this period and it will vary, but it is the most reliable time of year to see it.
You will also be able to witness the Great Migration herds begin to gather in the more southern Ndutu region of the Northern circuit.
The great news is it’s a cheaper time to visit, it’s less busy and the wildlife viewing is still exceptional, so it is a great alternative to the high season of June – October! We visited during the first week in February and it was absolutely fantastic!
Pros:
- There is a break in the rains, so wildlife viewing is excellent
- You can witness the calving season and with that, brings predator action
- You can see the Great Migration herds begin to gather
- It’s a cheaper alternative to high season
- It’s a less busy time to visit than high season
- It’s great for birdwatching
Cons:
- It’s hard to predict exactly when the calving season will start
- A luscious green landscape which could make wildlife viewing more difficult
- You could still encounter afternoon showers
- It can be cold in the mornings and evenings
Safari in Tanzania: November – December
(shoulder season/ wet season)
This is the start of the wet season, also called the ‘short rains’. As the months move on, the scenery is absolutely stunning as everything becomes luscious and green! Wildlife viewing can potentially become more difficult as the bush starts to thicken and there isn’t a need for animals to search for water. It’s a also great time for birdwatching as the migratory birds return to the parks for the coming months.
Being shoulder seasons brings cheaper prices and less crowds, which is never a bad thing!
Pros:
- The prices will be lower than the high season
- The parks will become quieter with less tourists
- It’s a really good time for birdwatching
- The landscape will start turning luscious and green
Cons:
- Wildlife viewing could be more difficult due to the bush thickening
- The number of mosquitoes will rise, increasing the risk of malaria
Safari in Tanzania: March – May
(low season/ wet season)
The ‘long rains’ take place during March – May, therefore these are the wettest months of the year to visit for a safari. The rain can make it more difficult for wildlife viewing and access to some areas of the parks could become more difficult.
It is an absolutely fantastic time for bird watching though! These months are also the cheapest time of year to visit for a safari, so you will be able to bag yourself a great deal!
Pros:
- The prices will be lower
- The parks will not be as busy
- It’s a fantastic time for birdwatching
- A luscious green landscape
Cons:
- Wildlife viewing will be more difficult due to the rain and thicker bush
- Some roads in the parks could be inaccessible due to rain
- There will be more mosquitoes, increasing the risk of malaria
- It is often cloudy and rains most days
Ready to start planning your safari to Tanzania? Let us know below in the comments if you have any questions we can help with!
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