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!
Diamonds Mapenzi Beach Club
On the East Coast in a secluded tropical setting, the Mapenzi Beach Club is set above a powdery white sand beach about 50 minutes from Stonetown and about one hour from the airport, comfortable accommodation refined in every detail.
The perfect beach lodge with white sand beaches and an exceptional beach bar. One of Zanzibar's best.Jabali Ridge
Jabali Ridge in the Ruaha, with the most stunning of views is positioned on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mwagusi River and Ikuka escarpment in the Ruaha.
Jabali Ridge, a Ruaha luxury safari camp that offers guests a luxury stay combined with magnificent wildlife sightings and experiences all with this great Ruaha National Park.
Mount Meru Hotel
Mount Meru Hotel is nestled against one of the most majestic backdrops in Africa, Mount Meru, the sister peak to Africa’s highest summit, Mount Kilimanjaro a few kilometres away from Arusha.
Mount Meru Hotel in the city of Arusha is surrounded by 9 acres of tropical landscape and breathe taking views out over the slopes of the mountain.
Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, with 67 rooms, is perched high up on the Mto Wa Mbu escarpment, offering visitors some of the best views of Lake Manyara National Park and the surrounding Great Rift Valley.
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is located in the northern section of the Lake Manyara National Park, with easy access to all the wildlife and birdlife below.
Kitela Lodge
Kitela Lodge with 20 cottages is located on a coffee plantation surrounded by the incredible highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
It is from here that guests get to view wildlife, birdlife, culture all whilst staying in a haven of peace and comfort.
Sayari Camp
Sayari Camp with her 15 luxuriously appointed tented suites is found on the remote, unspoilt plains of the Northern Serengeti National Park near the famous Lamai Wedge.
It is here on games drives or from the rim-flow pool or even from one's private verandah that the Serengeti wildlife and birdlife simply mesmerizes all that visit.
Rubondo Island Camp
Rubondo Island Camp is the only Lake Victoria accommodation establishment found in the Rubondo Island National Park, an island and forest that is a haven for wild chimpanzee, sitatunga antelope, elephant and giraffe.
Rubondo Island Camp offers guests in exclusivity and privacy when on safari here at the edge of Lake Victoria.
Mnemba Island Lodge
Mnemba Island, an Arabic word meaning octopus head, is a 20-minute cruise in a traditional 16-foot flat-bottomed boat from the Island of Zanzibar, just 1 mile in circumference, a pristine island beach surrounded by a tropical forest.
Without question, Mnemba Island Lodge, one of the most luxurious lodges in Tanzania, perfect for honeymooners and families.