The question is: When is the best time for a safari in Tanzania?
The easiest way to answer this question is; when you have the time free to travel. For example, when travelling with the family in tow, we all have to work around school breaks/ holidays. Another example, as working adults, the companies we work for might only sign off on leave during a certain time of year. So with that in mind, 90% of the time, the best time for Safaris in Tanzania is when you have the free time to get here.
With that being said, we will below highlight the best time of the year for specific safari and hiking destinations.
For temperature and weather charts have a look at this link: When To Visit Tanzania
Best Time To View The Serengeti Migration
The Serengeti Migration is a spectacular event in the Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania. The migration is an annual occurrence, with over 1.5 million wildebeests and 200,000 zebras making the journey. The animals travel from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya in search of better grazing land.
See the below map for a +- location of where the migration will be dependent on the time of year.
Note: From August to October, the migration is in Kenya and the Masai Mara Triangle.
Best Time For Wildlife In Tanzania
Overall, the best time for the country and including all parks is July through to October (four months).
The best time (peak Season) for visiting the northern circuit national parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire) is July to October, with November to February offering good wildlife sightings. All offer months offer fair/okay sightings.
While the rainy season (March to May) has its drawbacks, it's still an excellent time to visit Tanzania if you're looking for an adventure or something budget orientated.
Rainy season - March to May
Dry season - June to October
Best Time For Birding In Tanzania
Year-round birding is excellent in all regions of the country, summer being the best with the addition of migratory birds. Home to just over 400 species, Tanzania's must-visit birding destinations include the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Victoria in the north and Selous and Ruaha reserves in the south.
Best for birding, summer months between November and March.
Best Time To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
The best months to hike Mount Kilimanjaro are;
- January to Mid-March, with February being the best.
- Mid-June to October, with August and September being best.
The above two periods offer clear skies with great views and the best in weather compared to the other months of the year. It must be noted that weather conditions on any mountain can change dramatically, regardless of the month.
The months to try and avoid are November and April; weather can and most often does make the trails dangerous.
Nestled in the Great Rift Valley, Tanzania is a country of endless adventure and natural wonder. The best time for safari in Tanzania varies depending on what kinds of animals you're looking to see--but there's never a bad time to visit! For excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, try July through October when it rains less frequently. If birding or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is your thing, summer months offer clear skies with views that will take your breath away. All year long offers chances at excellent adventures but be sure to double-check weather conditions before setting out into any region of this beautiful country!
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
The Park Hyatt Zanzibar brings that touch of luxury and class that Stone Town has been missing for so long. One of the island's top hotels and lodge options for honeymooners and romantics alike.
The Park Hyatt offers a superb position from which to explore all that is a UNESCO World Heritage site - Stone Town.
Siwandu Camp
Siwandu Camp in the Selous Game Reserve is spread along the lake shore, and is designed to blend in with the spectacular natural Selous scenery in what is one of the most photogenic areas, each of the nine safari tents sits atop its own raised timber platform.
Perfectly positioned close to the Rufiji River system for spectacular wildlife and game drive options when on safari in the Selous.
Serengeti Simba Lodge
Serengeti Simba Lodge offers up views out over the surrounding plains and wildlife from almost every vantage point and room. An excellent option for budget-oriented travellers.
A comfortable and rustic option in a magnificent location with outstanding Serengeti wildlife and birdlife sightings year-round.
Oliver's Camp
Oliver's Camp is found in the remote southern corner of Tarangire National Park, offering guests just ten beautifully appointed tented safari suites, all within a spectacular location close to the wildlife-rich Silale Swamps and overlooking the Minyonyo Pools.
Oliver's Camp in the Tarangire is a World-class, intimate and personal camp.
Kilindi Zanzibar
The absolute in 5-star luxury on the island of Zanzibar, the Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar Lodge offers up unique architectural design that embraces a sense of calm and tranquillity throughout all the while offering up the ultimate in privacy and romance.
An exceptional beach lodges and resort with views out over a white sand beach area and waters of the Indian Ocean,
Singita Mara River Tented Camp
Mara River Tented Camp is that perfect small luxurious safari lodge positioned on the banks of the Mara River within the 98 000 acres Lamai concession far away from all forms of human life.
This area offers year-round some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the Serengeti.
Sanctuary Swala Camp
Sanctuary Swala Camp is found in a remote corner of Tanzania's most exciting and least visited park, the Tarangire National Park. A truly stunning tented lodge with outstanding views and surrounding wildlife.
A luxury Tarangire safari camp that offers guests total seclusion surrounded by fantastic wildlife and a picturesque landscape complete with baobab and acacia trees.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is set in the heart of a mahogany forest within the Lake Manyara National Park, offering an experience of remoteness, privacy and understated luxury, an asset within one of Tanzania's most prized national Parks.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge and its treehouse suites that offer the utmost in luxury in a safari destination that offers guests only the best.