The best time to visit Tanzania largely depends on what you want to do, but here are some general guidelines:
1. For Safari (Best Game Viewing):
- June to October: This is the dry season, and it’s generally considered the best time for safaris. The weather is warm but not too hot, and the animals tend to congregate around waterholes, making them easier to spot. The grass is shorter, so game viewing is optimal.
- Peak Safari Season: July to September, especially for the Great Migration in the Serengeti. If you’re interested in seeing the wildebeest migration, this is the time to go.
2. For the Great Migration (Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater):
- The migration is a year-round phenomenon, but it peaks in different places at different times:
- December to March: The wildebeest give birth in the southern Serengeti. It’s a great time for seeing newborns and predators.
- April to May: It’s the rainy season, and while it’s less crowded, some roads may be impassable, and wildlife viewing is harder due to dense vegetation.
- June to October: This is the best time to see the migration in the western and northern parts of the Serengeti.
3. For Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro:
- The best months for climbing are during the dry seasons:
- January to March: Warm, dry weather and good visibility.
- June to October: Also dry, but can be a bit colder at higher elevations.
- Avoid the rainy seasons (April to May, and November to December) as trails become slippery, and the mountain can be very wet.
4. For Zanzibar and Beach Holidays:
- June to October: The dry season is also the best time for beach holidays. Temperatures are comfortable and it’s less humid, ideal for exploring the beaches or doing water sports.
- December to February: Another good option, with warm and dry weather, but it can be a bit hotter, especially for beach lovers.
5. For Avoiding Crowds:
- April to May (the rainy season) is the least crowded time, though it can be challenging for safari due to the rain.
- November can also be quieter, but you might experience shorter rains.
In short, June to October is the overall best time for wildlife safaris, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and beach trips in Zanzibar. Would you be looking more at a safari, climbing, or a beach vacation?
