​Best Time To Visit – Tanzania

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Tanzania.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

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The best time to visit Tanzania is during the Dry season, from June to October, when wildlife viewing is generally at its best. This is also the best time to see the wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park. The most reliable time to see the wildebeest calving is January to February. The Southern and Western circuit parks are best visited during the Dry season (June to October), unlike the more popular Northern circuit parks that can be visited year-round.


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Best Time June to October (All parks), January to February (Serengeti for the wildebeest calving)
High Season July to March (Northern circuit parks; all get crowded), June to October (Southern and Western circuit parks; only Nyerere gets crowded)
Low Season April and May (Many lodges are closed in the Southern and Western circuit parks)
Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)
Worst Weather March to May (Peak of the Wet season)

June to October –Dry Season

  • The wildebeest migration is in Serengeti
  • August and September are the best months to see the Mara River wildebeest crossings in Northern Serengeti
  • Animals are easier to spot since they gather around waterholes and rivers
  • There are fewer mosquitoes because there is little to no rain
  • Skies are clear and most days are sunny
  • Mornings and nights get cold; bring warm clothing
  • It is high season and some areas get crowded

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (25)
+23 Photos Want To Visit

November to May –Wet Season

  • January to February is the wildebeest calving in Southern Serengeti and is an excellent time to see predator action
  • The scenery is green and beautiful
  • April and May are low season, meaning lower rates and less-crowded parks
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty, especially in the Northern circuit parks
  • Migratory birds are present from November to April and bird watching is at its best
  • Except for March, April and May, rains are mostly short afternoon showers and seldom interfere with activities
  • March to May is the peak of the Wet season
  • Wildlife viewing in Tarangire, Katavi, Nyerere (Selous) and Ruaha National Parks is better during the Dry season

Wildlife Photos

Lioness in yellow grass
Bat-eared fox
+23 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater offer good wildlife viewing throughout the year. June to October are the best months for seeing the migration, and January to February is the best time for the wildebeest calving. The dry months offer good wildlife viewing throughout Tanzania. Tarangire and the Southern and Western circuit parks (including Katavi, Nyerere and Ruaha) are best visited in the Dry season, from June to October.

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