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!
Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Singita Sasakwa Lodge is situated on top of Sasakwa Hill with panoramic views of the vast Plains below; this Serengeti National Park lodge is built in the style of an East African ranch house.
If it's solitude you seek, then Grumeti Reserves is the place to be, game drive safaris near the Grumeti River are fantastic year round.
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.
Zanzibar Palace Hotel
Zanzibar Palace Hotel is the perfect place to stay for couples, families or honeymooners looking for a wonderfully romantic hideaway in the heart of Zanzibar's historic and culturally rich Stone Town.
Zanzibar Palace hotels nine amazing rooms and suites all decorated with the influences of Zanzibar's rich history.
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.
Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Radiating simplistic elegance in the middle of the Serengeti plains, Singita Sabora Tented Camp, with her nine tented suites, evokes a romantic "Out of Africa" adventure with vintage safari tents dressed in classic Edwardian safari accommodation style.
located in the heart of the Grumeti Reserve, a private concession bordering the famed Serengeti.
Tarangire Treetops Lodge
Astride the path of the Elephant Migration, Treetops sits alone in a private game reserve bordering the Tarangire National Park and the Maasai Steppe amid rolling, baobab-studded hills with views of Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley wall.
Game drives in the Tarangire can compete with the best in Africa; one will certainly not be disappointed by any stretch of the imagination.
Ngorongoro Farm House
Ngorongoro Farm House with 52 cottages is a fantastic base from which to explore all the surrounding attractions of Tanzania's "Northern Circuit" whilst offering good value for money to-boot.
The lodge is situated halfway between Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara whilst offering activities locally that include mountain biking, hiking and cultural visits.
Jabali Private House
Jabali Private House is set overlooking dense forest that fringes the bordering Ikuka escarpment in the wildlife and birdlife-rich Ruaha National Park.
This Ruaha Private House is the perfect accommodation option in Ruaha for a small group of family or friends that are seeking out a more private safari option.