Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Written by: Yuna Tiya, Local Expert

The best time of year to visit Tanzania is between June and October during the dry season. However, Tanzania’s main national parks, Seregeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, offer year-round opportunities for incredible game viewing. The epic Great Migration is best viewed during the dry season, where vegetation is low and herds are gathered near watering holes.

Situated right on the equator, Tanzania’s climate is temperate and safari goers can enjoy warm days and cool evenings throughout the year. Keep in mind that it gets cold in the evenings at Ngorongoro Crater. Here’s some packing tips to consider.

Keep reading for a detailed guide about the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari.

Tanzania Dry and Rainy Seasons

Tanzania experiences its dry season between June to October and the rainy season from November to May. However, the rainy season is split into two distinct periods. In November and December, the landscape sees short rains and Tanzania weather is still pleasant enough for game drives.

Long rains are common during the main rainy season in April and May. Many safari lodges and tour operators are closed during this time because of tropical downpours; some of the roads may also turn to mud, making it difficult to get around.

When is high season in Tanzania (June to October, December to January)

The high season runs from June to October, which is also the dry season. The sun is shining, the skies are clear, and the vegetation is low, creating perfect conditions for viewing wildlife. Animals congregate around rivers and watering holes and can be seen in larger numbers. Another advantage of the dry season is fewer mosquitoes.

During the high season, expect to pay top dollar for flights, safaris, and accommodations. Popular parks are crowded with safari vehicles, all trying to get a glimpse of the lions or a hunt in action. Book far in advance to secure lodging and tours during the high season.

While the northern circuit national parks like Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater are a good bet anytime of the year to see the Big Five, Tarangire is best visited in the dry high season.

When is low season in Tanzania (November to May)

Low season runs from November to May. With the exception of the holidays in late December and early January, the time between December and March is ideal for finding the best deals and is known as the “green season”.

The landscape is lush and gorgeous, and the weather is still pleasant with occasional, brief showers in the afternoons. This period also sees the least amount of visitors.

Bird watchers will especially enjoy this time of the year in Eastern Africa as thousands of birds migrate from Europe. Baby animals are also aplenty among the migratory animals, wobbling alongside their moms. Safari goers can catch intense big cat drama on game drives during baby animal season (but be warned that it’s not for the faint of heart).

Best time to see the Great Migration

One of the top items on any visitor’s wish list is to see the wildebeest migration in Serengeti. Herds start in the southern part of the national park and head towards the Masai Mara in Kenya to the north. On this long and arduous annual journey, wildebeest, zebra, and other ungulates go in search of greener pastures, following the rains.

The best time to visit Serengeti to see the wildebeest migration is from June to July and January to February. You can watch migratory animals cross the Grumeti River on their way north in May and June, and Mara River in northern Serengeti between July and October.

If you are visiting in January and February, the best area to see the migration is in the southern part of Serengeti, as the herds make their way back from Kenya via central Serengeti.