When to Plan Your Tanzania Safari Adventure?

January – March:

These early months typically mark the peak of Tanzania’s heat, especially reaching its zenith in February. It’s generally a dry season and a favored time for safaris, albeit with potentially crowded parks, particularly around the New Year.

Animals tend to congregate around rivers and lakes for water, given the drying up of other water sources.

Tarangire National Park holds particular allure during this period as zebras and gazelles flock to the Tarangire River for water, drawing predators like lions and leopards, making it a prime destination for diverse wildlife sightings.

March-May:

Mid-March through May ushers in the “long rainy season,” characterized by nocturnal and morning rains. However, afternoons often bring out the sun, while evenings offer tranquility.

The downpour transforms the landscape into a lush green, prompting lively animal activity in the parks with abundant water sources.

While some unpaved park roads may become impassable due to flooding or mud, main routes usually remain navigable. Moreover, several parks and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area boast paved sections, ensuring smooth driving experiences.

This season witnesses significantly fewer tourists, with most accommodations offering discounts. Travelers who embrace rainy mornings often describe their safari experiences during this time as intimate and secluded, relishing the opportunity to observe the highly active animals amidst the damp, verdant forests.

June – September:

This period denotes Tanzania’s “cold” season, although visitors from cooler climates typically find the weather pleasant and refreshing. While mornings may be chilly, afternoons are usually sunny and enjoyable, with dry weather prevailing.

June to September is another peak travel season in Tanzania, attracting numerous visitors to its national parks.

For those averse to hot weather, this dry season is ideal for visiting Tanzania, often coinciding with the Great Migration spectacle in Serengeti National Park.

October – December:

The short rains typically grace Tanzania between October and December, accompanied by warming temperatures as the year draws to a close.

October also heralds the blooming of jacaranda trees across East Africa, showcasing a breathtaking display of purple flowers. In December, the Flame Trees burst into vibrant red hues just before Christmas.

Christmas sees a surge in tourist arrivals, often coinciding with the cessation of the short rains by mid-December. Many visitors commemorate the holiday season with special activities, such as summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Hotels and lodges may offer special holiday meals for guests.

December’s weather is generally deemed ideal, though parks and accommodations may experience higher congestion compared to other times of the year.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration in Serengeti National Park stands as one of Tanzania’s most captivating attractions, luring travelers worldwide to behold the awe-inspiring spectacle of vast animal movements across the Grumeti River. This migration, deemed the largest on Earth, is a cornerstone of the Serengeti’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Annually, herds of wildebeests and other ungulates undertake this remarkable journey, often venturing into Kenya around July and August for a perilous river crossing, braving crocodiles and predators en route to the lush grasslands of the Maasai Mara. The remainder of the year finds these herds predominantly in Tanzania, particularly in the Serengeti or the fringes of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where they mate, give birth, and graze on the verdant plains for approximately ten months.

What propels this perpetual movement? It’s a matter of survival instincts: as seasons shift from dry to wet, the animals seek greener pastures and sufficient water sources, perpetually shadowed by their formidable predators—lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

Witnessing the Great Migration offers distinct experiences throughout the year:

– February heralds calving season, with thousands of wildebeest calves born daily, showcasing the miracle of life and the astonishing agility of newborns.
– March and April witness the congregation of herds in the Seronera area of Serengeti, presenting mesmerizing photo opportunities of vast animal gatherings grazing peacefully.
– May sees the herds embarking on their northward journey, forming imposing columns marching in unison, possibly congregating at the Western Corridor to cross the Grumeti River—a breathtaking display of collective migration.
– July through early September offers the exhilarating spectacle of the Mara River crossing, where animals brave perilous waters in a surge of energy and determination, providing an immersive encounter with nature’s raw power.

Observing this annual cycle instills a profound appreciation for Africa’s wildlife and untamed landscapes untouched by human intervention. The enduring nature of this phenomenon, spanning possibly millennia, offers a timeless testament to nature’s resilience and magnificence.

The Great Migration features two primary river crossings: the Grumeti River, typically in May and June as herds enter Kenya, and the Mara River, occurring during July and August as the animals return to Tanzania.

Indeed, the Great Migration in Serengeti National Park offers a mesmerizing spectacle year-round, ensuring every visitor a chance to witness nature’s grandeur firsthand. If experiencing this marvel tops your bucket list, seize the opportunity to turn your dream into reality!