Tanzania is a world-renowned destination for safari enthusiasts, offering breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife experiences. From the iconic Serengeti National Park to the less travelled Tarangire, Tanzania game reserves are teeming with diverse flora and fauna. But when is the best time to visit this East African gem to maximize your safari adventure?
Let’s dive into the details to help you plan your perfect safari trip.
Tanzania is a world-renowned destination for safari enthusiasts, offering breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife experiences. From the iconic Serengeti National Park to the less travelled Tarangire, Tanzania game reserves are teeming with diverse flora and fauna. But when is the best time to visit this East African gem to maximize your safari adventure?
Let’s dive into the details to help you plan your perfect safari trip.
Tanzania experiences 2 main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. To make the most of your safari experience, it’s crucial to understand both seasons, which ultimately influence wildlife patterns and weather conditions.
The dry season is often considered the best time for safari, when the weather is typically warm and dry, making wildlife viewing more predictable as animals congregate around water sources. The bush is less dense, providing clearer visibility, and the roads are easier to navigate. This season also coincides with the great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, a spectacle not to be missed.
The wet season brings lush green landscapes, newborn wildlife, and fewer tourists. While it can be more challenging to traverse the parks due to muddy roads, this season offers its own rewards. Migratory birds arrive, and the scenery transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colours.
One of Tanzania’s most famous attractions is the Great Wildebeest Migration, a natural phenomenon where over 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make their way across the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. This migration is driven by the search for fresh grazing grounds and water, and its timing can vary slightly each year.
The migration is typically in the southern Serengeti around this period and it’s generally the best time for witnessing the calving season, with thousands of newborns joining the herd. The landscape is lush and green, providing excellent photographic opportunities.
During these months, the rains continue and the herds begin making their towards the central Serengeti and western corridor.
The wet season means fewer tourists, and the scenery is spectacularly green.
Between June and July, the herds begin their journey northward towards the Maasai Mara, crossing the Grumeti River. This period can be dramatic, with river crossings often resulting in thrilling predator encounters.
During these months, the migration reaches the Maasai Mara in Kenya, where the wildebeests encounter the Mara River. The river crossings here are iconic and a highlight for many visitors.
From October to December, the migration usually moves south again as the rains return, and the animals gradually make their way back to the Serengeti’s southern plains, where their journey first began.
Weather plays a crucial role in planning your safari. From June to October (Dry Season), you can typically expect sunny skies with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It’s generally cooler in the mornings and evenings, so packing layers is advisable.
Meanwhile
November to May (Wet Season) temperatures remain warm, ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), but expect more humidity and occasional heavy rains. The short rains typically occur in November and December, while the long rains happen from March to May. April and May are the wettest months, with potential for continuous rain and muddy conditions.
During the dry season, the scarcity of water makes wildlife viewing easier as animals gather around waterholes. Predators like lions and cheetahs are more active, and large herds are easier to spot. Some of the species you can encounter include the famous Big 5, giraffes, hippos, wild dogs, to name a few.
Meanwhile
Game drives can still be done in the wet season, along with an excellent opportunity for birdwatching (especially migratory species).
Newborn animals, including wildebeest and antelope, are visible, adding to the charm of the safari.
Crowds & Costs
The dry season is the peak tourist period in Tanzania, resulting in higher prices for accommodations and flights. It’s also busier in terms of visitor numbers. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower costs, consider traveling during the wet season. While some lodges might be closed, and roads can be challenging, you can usually find better deals and the chance to experience the parks more privately can be worthwhile.
Cultural festivals and events in Tanzania can also influence your travel plans. For instance, the Zanzibar International Film Festival in July and August offers a unique cultural experience.
Additionally, the timing of local festivals and ceremonies can provide an enriching addition to your traditional safari activities. In the end
The best time for a safari in Tanzania depends on what you want to experience. For predictable wildlife sightings and the Great Migration, the dry season from June to October is ideal. The wet season, though quieter with fewer tourists, offers lush landscapes and unique wildlife opportunities.
So, plan effectively, consider your preferences for wildlife and weather, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Benson Safaris Tanzania, founded in 2006, offers expertly guided Wildlife Safaris, Mountain Treks, and Beach Breaks.
