Arusha, Tanzania
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Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Tanzania Seasons
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When to Visit Tanzania for Safari & Beyond

Tanzania offers incredible wildlife experiences year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do. The country has two main seasons:

  • Dry Season (June-October) - Best for wildlife viewing
  • Wet Season (November-May) - Lush landscapes, fewer crowds
Great Migration Timing
Climate Considerations
Explore Seasons

Tanzania's Safari Seasons at a Glance

Plan your perfect safari with our month-by-month guide to Tanzania's wildlife viewing opportunities, weather patterns, and special events.

Dry Season

June - October

  • Peak wildlife viewing
  • Minimal rainfall
  • Cooler temperatures
  • Busiest season
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Short Rains

November - December

  • Lush green landscapes
  • Fewer tourists
  • Migratory birds arrive
  • Lower prices
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Long Rains

March - May

  • Lowest prices
  • Fewest visitors
  • Dramatic skies
  • Some roads impassable
Shoulder Seasons

January-February & June

  • Good wildlife viewing
  • Moderate prices
  • Comfortable weather
  • Fewer crowds

Month-by-Month Safari Calendar

Our comprehensive guide to what you can expect each month in Tanzania's national parks and conservation areas.

Month Weather Wildlife Great Migration Crowds Best For
January Warm, short rains possible Excellent Southern Serengeti (calving season) Moderate Calving season, birding
February Hot, dry Excellent Southern Serengeti Moderate Predator action, photography
July Cool, dry Excellent Western Corridor (river crossings) High River crossings, general safari
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Dry Season (June - October)

The dry season offers the most reliable wildlife viewing as animals congregate around permanent water sources. Days are sunny with cool mornings and evenings.

Wildlife Highlights:
  • Great Migration crosses the Grumeti and Mara Rivers (July-October)
  • Excellent predator-prey interactions
  • Large elephant herds in Tarangire
Photography Tips:

Early morning and late afternoon light is ideal. Dust in the air creates dramatic atmospheric effects.

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Dry Season Safari
Green Season Safari

Short Rains (November - December)

The landscape transforms into lush greenery after the short rains. This is an excellent time for birdwatching and photography with dramatic skies.

Wildlife Highlights:
  • Migratory birds present (November-April)
  • Great Migration moves to southern Serengeti
  • Newborn animals and wildflowers
Weather Note:

Rains are usually short showers in the afternoon, rarely affecting safari activities.

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Best Time to Visit by Park

Each of Tanzania's national parks has unique seasonal highlights. Here's when to visit our most popular destinations.

Serengeti Timing
Serengeti National Park

Best Months: January-March (calving), July-October (river crossings)
Special Events: Great Migration cycles through different regions

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Ngorongoro Timing
Ngorongoro Crater

Best Months: June-September (dry season)
Year-round: Excellent wildlife viewing in the crater

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Manyara Timing
Lake Manyara

Best Months: July-October (tree-climbing lions)
Birding: November-April (migratory birds)

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Arusha, Tanzania

+255 681 838 482

+255 753 838 489

info@safarishuffle.com

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