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!
The Manor at Ngorongoro
The Manor at Ngorongoro, with 19 rooms is perfectly positioned adjacent to the famous Ngorongoro crater all within a 1500-acre Arabica coffee estate.
One of the first safari lodges of its kind to blend East African hospitality with old-world Afro-European architecture and decor.
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.
Sanctuary Kusini Camp
Sanctuary Kusini Camp is perfectly sited in a cluster of kopjes, Kusini's 12 luxury safari tents blend seamlessly into the surrounding game-rich plains, part of the charm here is its remote location offering exceptional and essentially private game viewing.
One of the better options for a Serengeti safari in the southern regions of the Serengeti National Park.
Dik Dik Hotel
Dik Dik Hotel in the small Tanzania town of Arusha is the ideal starting point for visitors eager to explore the splendours of the Tanzanian landscape with its rich flora and fauna, eight hectares of lush tropical gardens compliment the forested environment and attract prolific birds.
A popular hotel and for good reason, with excellent accommodation, amenities, facilities and service levels one would be hard-pressed to find better in Arusha.
Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
Lake Manyara Kilimanjaro Lodge with her exceptional views of Lake Manyara National Park, Mount Meru and in the distance, Mount Kilimanjaro is positioned on the rim of the "Great Rift Valley" and offers travellers 52 luxurious suites and villas.
Lake Manyara Kilimanjaro Lodge is the perfect destination and lodge for those looking for something a little bit more budget-friendly without losing out on the wildlife experience.
Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Zanzibar Serena Hotel is located in the heart of Stone Town; this stunning property is set in two historic seafront buildings that have been integrated and restored into a unique single property echoing the grandeur of days past.
One of the better hotels for those looking for something in the heart of Stone Town.
Serengeti Migration Camp
Migration Camp is an upmarket tented camp, located in absolute isolation among the wide flat rocks and acacia of the Serengeti, above a northern Grumeti River; the camp exudes a decadence reminiscent of old Africa.
For those seeking out the very best safari adventure to witness the wildebeest migration, this Serengeti camp is for you.
The Palms Zanzibar
Nestled between tropical gardens and a white sandy beach, The Palms Zanzibar provides a range of beautifully appointed facilities reflecting the warmth and character of the local architecture in an elegant yet relaxed setting.
One of the most romantic beach lodges on the east coast of Zanzibar, exclusivity and privacy are part and parcel of one's stay here.