The best time for safaris in Tanzania
If you’d like to participate in a safari, then Tanzania's parks, especially Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, should be on your travel bucket list. Tanzania's dry season, June to October, is the best time to see Tanzania's wildlife. Weather is hot and dry, with animals grouping at water holes in sight, making them visible and accessible. It is also peak season for the Great Migration, a stunning sight when millions of wildebeest and zebras migrate across the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing. The migration, usually at its most spectacular between July and September, is also a spectacle to see.
However, if you prefer to avoid crowds and have lower accommodation prices, November and early December is a great option. While there may be occasional light rain, it does not interfere with safaris, and the landscape is green and colorful, offering another, more peaceful side of Tanzania's wildlife.
Tropical Zanzibar
For a peaceful beach vacation, Zanzibar is an absolute must to experience. Popular for its white beaches, warm water, and rich history, this Tanzanian island is an absolute retreat. The optimal time to visit Zanzibar is from June to September or December to March, when the climate is dry and sunny, and the sea is calm for swimming, diving, and snorkeling.
On the other hand, April and May are the wet season on the island and can ruin your beach vacation. Again, for a less touristy, non-crowded Zanzibar, these months are good value and less hectic. If you are water sports-starved and would like to attempt kite surfing, June to September is best as the trade winds provide ideal conditions.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for many is the final thrill. January through March and June through October is the appropriate period for climbing with clear skies in the cleanest periods of all and the most excellent trekking times, both vital to being successful on reaching the top.
The low season, that is, April to May, is the rainy season on Kilimanjaro. Even though the mountain can still be climbed during this time, the paths are slippery, and the experience might not be as enjoyable due to the unpredictable weather.
The Shoulder Seasons
The shoulder months, from March to May and October to November, provide an excellent opportunity for visitors who would not like to find themselves amidst the tourist crowds of the peak season but would like good weather. Although there may be some rain, it is not heavy and not prolonged, allowing tourists to engage in safaris, hiking, and beaches without peak season crowds.
If you’re looking for luxury with a more affordable price tag, the shoulder months can be ideal. Resorts and lodges often offer discounts during this time, so it’s a great way to enjoy high-end accommodations without the premium price. For example, the VOI Kiwengwa Resort in Zanzibar is a stunning location that offers beach-front luxury and tranquility during the shoulder seasons, making it an excellent choice for a quieter, more intimate stay.
Tanzania is not only safaris and hiking, it's also about finding that perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. After a great safari or hike, nothing can beat relaxing on Zanzibar's stunning beaches.
This land is full of experiences that each has the ideal time of visitation for.
With this guide, you will have been well-positioned to organise an excellent Tanzanian adventure. And if you want to discover other interesting places, for example, where Italians holiday, it can give you more hints and inspiration on where to go next. Bon voyage!