Are you looking for an adventurous trip and found yourself thinking, “Tanzania? Why not!”?
You’ve come to the right place.
But at this point, the question is: what is the best time to visit this country?
In this article, we’ll answer that question and, since you decided to click here, we’ll also share a few tips on what to do in Tanzania.
Here’s the best time to go to Tanzania
When to go to Tanzania? A month-by-month guide
The months of January and February see Tanzania lush and green, with migratory birds fluttering about and the breeding season in full swing.
Since it’s low season, it’s also less crowded (which never hurts).
In general, there is only one period to avoid: the rainy months of March, April, and May. Climbing Kilimanjaro (assuming that’s in your plans) is risky, wildlife spreads out, and beach holidays in Zanzibar would be soaking wet; afternoon downpours are heavier along the coast and on the islands.
July and August are the peak months: the Great Migration, the dry season, milder temperatures, and the holiday period all come together in a whirl of safari vehicles.
If you plan to travel during the peak months, consider visiting the south. This area is still relatively unexplored and is never overcrowded with visitors.
Although from May to August the days are warm, the nights are cold. Bring insulating layers for early morning game drives and evening sunsets: keep in mind that open safari vehicles can be chilly.
The Ngorongoro Crater is also crowded, being a relatively small area; again, by traveling outside the high season, in June or September, your view will be less obstructed by cars. Most of the species found in Ngorongoro do not migrate, so you can see the same wildlife even outside the peak season.
September and October are the best months to climb Kilimanjaro, thanks to moderate temperatures, lower rainfall, and less cloud cover, which means the mountain can be crowded, especially in September. Climbing is more dangerous during the rainy season because of slippery conditions and poor visibility.
In any case, waterproof backpacks are always essential.
Pack properly and don’t underestimate the cold; remember that if you travel with Sto Gran Tour, you’ll get the thrill (ha-ha-ha) of camping.
What’s more, a beautiful way to experience the summit of Kilimanjaro is to reach it during a full moon. Besides lighting the way in the dark African night, the moon reflects off the glaciers.
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In November and December, the short rains arrive. They shouldn’t disrupt the trip, except for attracting a few more mosquitoes, but they freshen up the dusty landscape, creating enchanting scenes, especially for photographers.
As for marine life, the best time to go to Tanzania is from November to March, when snorkeling and diving enthusiasts have a better chance of spotting whale sharks, and from April to September, when green turtle eggs hatch, especially along the coasts of the Mafia Archipelago.
What to see in Tanzania: here are some of the top places to visit (that simply can’t be missing from our travel list!)
1. Serengeti, one of Tanzania’s must-see places
Going on safari across endless plains and spending one or two nights camping in the heart of Serengeti National Park is one of the best things to do in Tanzania.
This vast protected area of 15,000 square kilometers has become Tanzania’s main tourist attraction thanks to the fact that every year millions of wildebeest and other animals make a long migration to feed on the more fertile lands of the Masai Mara[1], one of the most beautiful places to see in Kenya, despite attacks from big cats such as lions and leopards, and from feared crocodiles when they cross the rivers.
2. Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, located in one of the world’s largest and most spectacular volcanic calderas, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of our favorite places to visit in Tanzania.
Within the 20-kilometer diameter of this ancient crater, surrounded by towering walls over 600 meters high, several ecosystems thrive along with numerous wild animals such as lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino, collectively known as the ‘Big Five’.
It’s worth devoting a full day to Ngorongoro Crater and, if you have more time, visiting Olduvai Gorge, located in the Great Rift Valley, home to one of the most important sites in human evolution.
Read also: How to plan a safari in Kenya and why choose an organized adventure trip
3. Lake Manyara National Park
The next stop on the itinerary of the most beautiful places to visit in Tanzania is the small Lake Manyara National Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve and known for packing a great variety of fauna and flora into a very limited space.
Among its marshy landscapes, you’ll find grasslands, acacia forests, and baobabs inhabited by animals such as the famous tree-climbing lions and a great diversity of birds including marabou storks, storks, and thousands of pink flamingos, although with a bit of luck you may also spot giraffes, elephants, rhinos, baboons, hippos, and waterbucks.
4. Lake Eyasi
If you need a break from national parks and wildlife watching, Lake Eyasi is a must-stop. There you can find various ethnic groups such as the Datoga and the Hadza, who live in a traditional way.
The Hadza, who live around the alkaline Lake Eyasi in the Great Rift Valley, are one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes in the world, and their lifestyle has not changed much in about 10,000 years. During the visit, it is possible to see the rudimentary camps of these two tribes, learn about their traditions and way of life, and even accompany them during some moments of their daily routine.
5. Zanzibar
To round off this list of must-see places to visit in Tanzania, we couldn’t leave out Zanzibar, homeland of the much-loved Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury.
Once you arrive in the capital, Stone Town, we recommend relaxing on the paradise beaches of Unguja Island and trying water sports such as snorkeling or diving in its rich seabeds.
Among Zanzibar’s main tourist attractions are the historic center of Stone Town, Jozani Forest, the Mnemba Marine Reserve, and the beaches of Jambiani, Kizimkazi, Kendwa, and Nungwi.
Read also: Masai Mara in Kenya: an amazing safari to experience to the fullest with Sto Gran Tour
Conclusions
In this article, we’ve seen the best time to visit Tanzania and go on safari.
Oh, by the way, did you know that we’ve organized an incredible tour right there? Check out this amazing trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar!
