There are three ‘seasons’ in Tanzania:
Introduction
One of the most asked questions is ‘when is the best time to travel to Tanzania?’. The answer depends on what you want to see and where you want to go. Visitors are welcome to Tanzania with Taswira Africa Safaris throughout the year, but we recommend that most visitors (particularly if this is your first or only trip to Tanzania) avoid the long rains from March to the end of May. See below a summary of the seasons and what this means for wildlife and safaris.
Seasons
The ‘green’ season (low season) or the long rains, is generally from March to the end of May. The ‘green’ season is quieter, cheaper and obviously wetter, so if that suits you – we can certainly take you on safari then but be prepared for a daily heavy downpour. Along the coast and in Zanzibar, the rains are more predictable, heavy and humidity high. Many hotels in Zanzibar close during the rainy season for a month or more.
The dry season (high season) occurs from June until October and rain is scarce. This is the busiest time in terms of tourism and the best time for wildlife viewing because the grass is shorter and animals are active in the quest for water and food.
The short rains (shoulder season) is from November until February, but the rains are not severe, very unpredictable and rarely impact on tours and wildlife viewing. If it has rained, there is new growth and new life in the great parks such as the Serengeti. January and February are often dry and these months are another great time to visit Tanzania.
The Best Time to Witness the Great Migration
Many travellers come to Tanzania to see the great migration, where over two million wildebeest move through the Serengeti; accompanied by zebra, eland, gazelle and impala and into the Masai Mara in Kenya, before returning to Tanzania. This is a circular ongoing event, following the patterns of rainfall. Which part of the journey you wish to be a part of, will decide when you need to travel.
