Best Time to Visit Tanzania – Tanzania is one of the top tourism destinations globally, renowned for its excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and diverse ecosystems. A safari in Tanzania often includes sightings of the Big Five.
Located within the Great Lakes region, Tanzania borders Uganda, Kenya, Comoro Islands, Mozambique, the Indian Ocean, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Zambia.
Each year, the Great Wildebeest Migration occurs in Tanzania, where millions of wildebeests and other animals embark on a brave journey through predator territories and rivers in search of water and pasture.
This is one of the greatest animal migrations and a natural wonder of the world.
Nearly 30% of Tanzania’s land comprises national parks, each offering thrilling experiences to travelers. The country is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
Tanzania’s coastline provides unique holiday destinations for water lovers, with activities like scuba diving and snorkeling.
The coastal islands are rich in coral reefs, with diverse underwater wildlife.
Like other East African countries, Tanzania does not have distinct winter, spring, or summer seasons but instead experiences dry and rainy seasons annually.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on the activities that interest the traveler. While Tanzania can be visited year-round, some months are better suited for certain activities than others.
Best Time for Wildlife Watching
Wildlife watching is possible all year in Tanzania, but some months offer optimal conditions. The best times are from June to September and December to February. These are the two dry seasons, during which wildlife viewing is ideal because water sources are limited, and animals gather around water points. The vegetation is also less dense, making it easier to spot wildlife.
Best Time for Birding
Tanzania is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with 1,119 bird species recorded. Many national parks provide excellent birdwatching opportunities. Birding in Tanzania can be done year-round, but the best times are during the breeding plumage season from November to December and late March to May. During these months, migratory birds from North and South Africa and parts of Europe are present in Tanzania.
Best Time for Mountain Climbing
Tanzania is home to Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, located in the Arusha region. Other impressive mountains include Mount Meru and the Mahale Mountains. The best time for mountain climbing in Tanzania is from June to September and December to February, when hiking trails are in good condition, making climbing easier. The views from the top are also superb during this time.
Best Time for Beach Holidays
Tanzania’s beaches are accessible year-round, but some months are better for activities like scuba diving and snorkeling. The coastal islands offer glorious sunsets, majestic sunrises, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters, best enjoyed during the dry months from June to August and December to February. For scuba diving enthusiasts, the best months to visit are February, March, and December to February.
Best Time for the Wildebeest Migration
One of the world’s most famous animal migrations occurs in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, one of the most visited and renowned parks in the country. The neighboring Serengeti and Ngorongoro plains attract thousands of tourists each year.
The Great Migration starts in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area from December to March when wildebeests have just returned from Masai Mara in Kenya.
This is also the calving season, where visitors may witness the birth of calves, which unfortunately are sometimes preyed upon by predators.
The herds then move to the Serengeti plains in search of better pasture and water, continuing to the famous Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya.
The spectacle of the wildebeest migration is a wondrous event, with thousands of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and other animals, followed by predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, and crocodiles waiting at river crossings, creating unforgettable action.
Travelers visiting Tanzania during the peak dry seasons are advised to book accommodations in advance to avoid disappointment, as demand is high during this time.
While the best time for wildlife viewing, mountain climbing, and other activities is during the peak season, some budget travelers prefer to visit during the low season, as many hotels, lodges, and accommodations offer discounted rates to attract more visitors.
