In Tanzania, the best time to go on safari is generally during the dry season, which runs from late June to October. This is when wildlife is easier to spot because the bush is less dense, and animals tend to gather around water sources.
However, there are a few things to consider when planning your trip to Tanzania, depending on the specific experience you’re after:
1. Best Overall Time (For Game Viewing)
- June to October:
- This is the peak safari season. During these months, the weather is dry and mild, making it the best time for wildlife viewing.
- The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are particularly good during this time, as animals are concentrated around waterholes and the landscape is more open.
- Tarangire National Park is also fantastic in the dry season due to its large elephant herds.
- If you’re aiming to see predators in action, the dry season is ideal, as they are more active and visible.
2. For the Great Migration
- July to September:
- This is the prime time to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara (which spans both Kenya and Tanzania). During these months, massive herds of wildebeest and zebras cross the Grumeti River and Mara River, often facing dramatic river crossings with crocodiles and predators in pursuit.
- The exact timing can vary depending on the rains, but these months offer the best chance to see this spectacular event.
3. For a Quieter Safari Experience
- January to February:
- This is the beginning of the short dry season, and while it’s not as dry as June to October, it’s still a great time for wildlife sightings.
- Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti are less crowded than in the peak months, and you can witness the calving season (especially in the Serengeti), when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators.
- The weather is also a bit warmer than during the mid-year months, and the grass is still short, so visibility is good.
4. For Budget Travelers or Fewer Crowds
- March to May (Green Season / Wet Season):
- This is the rainy season, and it’s considered the least popular time to visit. However, it has its advantages:
- Lower prices: Accommodation rates are cheaper, and there are fewer tourists.
- Lush green landscapes: If you enjoy beautiful, verdant landscapes, this is a wonderful time to visit, especially for photographers.
- Birdwatching: The rainy season brings migratory birds, making it an ideal time for birding enthusiasts.
- The downside is that rain can make the roads in some areas difficult to navigate, and some areas, like the Serengeti, might be harder to access. Additionally, some wildlife may be more dispersed, and predator sightings may be less predictable.
- This is the rainy season, and it’s considered the least popular time to visit. However, it has its advantages:
Additional Considerations:
Wildlife & Landscape: If you’re looking to see big herds of wildebeest, zebras, and predators (lions, cheetahs, etc.), the dry season is best. But if you’re a fan of lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and don’t mind a bit of rain, the green season has its own charm.
Weather: The weather can be warm during the day, especially in the lowlands like Tarangire, but it cools off at night. In the higher altitudes like Ngorongoro Crater, the temperature can be cooler, especially in the mornings.
Summary:
- Best Game Viewing: June to October (Dry season, good for spotting wildlife and the Great Migration).
- For the Great Migration: July to September.
- For Calving & Fewer Crowds: January to February.
- Budget-Friendly & Scenic: March to May (Green season with fewer tourists).
Are there any specific parks or animals you’re particularly interested in seeing? That could help narrow down the best time for your safari experience!