​Best Time To Visit – Tanzania

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the 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 late June to October, when wildlife viewing is generally at its best. The wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is usually during June and July and the time to see the wildebeest calving is late 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.


4,609 Tanzania Safaris
Best Time June to October (All parks), June-July and January-February (Serengeti for the wildebeest migration and calving)
High Season July to March (northern circuit parks; they get crowded), July to October (southern and western circuit parks; they don't really get crowded any time of the year)
Low Season April and May (northern circuit parks still get quite a few visitors unlike the southern and western circuit parks, where many lodges close down)
Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)
Worst Weather March and April (Peak of Wet season)

June to October –Dry Season

  • June and July are the best months to see the wildebeest migration
  • August to September is the best time to see the wildebeest river crossings in northern Serengeti
  • Animals are easier to spot since they concentrate 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; it's recommended to bring warm clothing

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (25)
+23 Photos Want To Visit

November to May –Wet Season

  • January-February is the time to see the calving in the southern Serengeti, and an excellent time to see predator action
  • The scenery is green and beautiful; it's 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, and bird watching is at its best
  • Except for March, April and May, rains are mostly short afternoon showers and seldom interfere on your trip
  • March to May is the peak of the Wet season
  • Wildlife viewing in Tarangire, Katavi, Nyerere and Ruaha 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 the Ngorongoro Crater offer good wildlife viewing throughout the year. June and July are the best months for seeing the migration, and February is the best month 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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