Worst/Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Safari, Migration
Worst/Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Safari, Migration. Tanzania is known for its golden infinite plains that harbor a variety of wild species and offer extraordinary experiences to the visitors. Among these events is the Tanzania wildebeest migration that takes place seasonally with great migration Africa dates from July to September. You cannot speak of Tanzania without speaking of its coastal town Zanzibar. This is because of its beauty and its proximity to the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is a habitat to the diverse marine animals and the charismatic beaches. Additionally, the best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October when temperatures are warm. Lets look at the worst and best time to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar in depth.
Top safari Tourist Destinations in Tanzania
Tanzania boasts a rich collection of unforgettable destinations to visit. Here are the top places to visit in Tanzania during the worst or best time including:
- Serengeti National Park – Famous for the Great wildebeest Migration in Africa and Big Five Tanzania safari tours
- Mount Kilimanjaro – Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and bucket-list for the Kilimanjaro climb experience.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Has distinctive Ngorongoro crater ecosystem teeming with wildlife
- Tarangire National Park – It is known for its large herds of elephants and ancient baobab trees and can be visited all round through out the year.
- Lake Manyara National Park – Tree-climbing lions and brightly picturesque flamingos in Tanzania
- Zanzibar – Beach paradise with lovely beaches, coral reefs, and sea life which ideally experienced fully during the best time to visit Tanzania in the dry seasons.

Best Time To Visit Tanzania for a safari
The period from early July to October is the best time to visit Tanzania. Also, this is because of the cool and comfortable temperatures during this time. This is known as the high season because of the many numbers of tourists who always visit Tanzania in this season. Additionally, during this season there’s low amount of rainfall received hence, offering greater wildlife spotting and great panoramic views. The viewing of the great migration in Serengeti is also best during this time in the Northern part of Serengeti np. During this high season, you will see wildebeests crossing the Mara River simultaneously.
Hikers can also climb Kilimanjaro Mountain during this season as the temperatures are comfortable and the trails are easily approachable. Also, the big five in any of the parks of Tanzania can easily be tracked down during these months of July to October. The beaches in Zanzibar also become more lively and are more enjoyable during this dry season.
When is a safari in Tanzania costly?
Safari packages in Tanzania usually get tight and expensive in the months of June, August, September. Note that this is the in the dry season and the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania. So, the visitors usually overflow in these months and this pressures the National Parks in Tanzania to limit entry of the people by increasing the park entry fees. Hence, this impacts on the other costs such as accommodations because when the entry fees are increased, the concession fees that the park charges on accommodation increases. Hence this makes the Tanzania safari tours during this season to become over-priced and costly.
Worst time to Visit Tanzania for a safari
March to May are the months of heavy rainfall in Tanzania with April being the peak month that receives heavy amounts of rainfall. So, the worst time to visit Tanzania National Parks and Zanzibar is during those months of March to May. This is also known as the low season. During this time, most of the Tanzania safari destinations are not within reach for the tourists. For example for the people who would want to visit Zanzibar during the rainy season they would enjoy less of the outdoor activities. Zanzibar beach holidays outdoor activities like boat cruise would be missed because waters on the Indian Ocean are unstable during this time.
Tanzania safari tour game viewing also becomes hard for example when tourists are observing the great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti plains of Tanzania. They normally stand at the rooftop of their 4×4 safari vehicles in Tanzania however, during this rainy season they cannot be able to get the better view of such events.
What is the cheapest month to travel to Tanzania?
January, February to early March are the months where a safari in Tanzania is quite affordable. So, this is because not many people come into Tanzania during this time for a safari. Accommodations in Tanzania are relatively cheaper as a result. Also, game viewing activities in Tanzania are very good most especially in January and February. In addition, this is as a result of less noise distraction from the large crowds. Hence, this creates a peaceful Tanzania safari tour game viewing atmosphere for the travelers on budget.

Best and Worst Time To Visit Tanzania - A Month By Month Guide
Go to the different Tanzania National Parks like lake Manyara National park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti because this season favors their breeding. Visitors at the Ruhondo Island in Tanzania can also have a great chimpanzee experience during a certain period.
Tanzania migration safari and Zanzibar beach holidays in June, July, August, September and October.
The town of Zanzibar is usually more flourishing during this long sunshine period. Also, the beach activities such as snorkeling, diving and boat cruising are vibrant in June, July, August, September and October. In June to July, the wildebeests in Tanzania are transitioning from the North of the Serengeti to Masai Mara in Kenya. Then from late September to October ,the wildebeests in Kenya are leaving the Masai Mara National Reserve through the Mara River to the Serengeti. So, travellers that come during this time are able to witness this great wildebeest migration experience. Plus also game viewing safaris in Tanzania are best during this time.

The annual Great Migration of wildebeest and other grazing herbivores across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is one of the greatest spectacles in the natural world.
Is November and December good for Safaris in Tanzania?
November and December is another season that is good for bird watching safaris in Tanzania. So, its because of the various rainy days in November and December. The rainy season creates a verdant sanctuary that is good for overwhelming scenic viewing.
Safari camps and hotels for a stay during the visit in Tanzania in worst and best months

Accommodation | Location in Tanzania | Cost for One Adult per Night |
---|---|---|
Seronera Wildlife Lodge | Serengeti | $158 |
Serenity Camp | Serengeti | $595 |
Elephant Lodge | Tarangire | $250 |
Baobab Tented Camp | Tarangire | $185 |
Mizigani Seafront Hotel | Zanzibar | $85 |
Zanzibar Bay Resort & Spa | Zanzibar | $70 |
Swahili House & Art | Arusha | $6 |
Sanna Boutique Hotel | Arusha | $162 |
Njiro Climax | Arusha | $40 |
Final Thoughts - Best and Worst time to visit Tanzania
Tanzania is a year-round destination, yet the best time to visit Tanzania depends on what you would like to do. Whether it is Tanzania’s Great Migration, climbing mount Kilimanjaro, or soaking up the sun on white beaches of Zanzibar. To have the best adventure, take your Tanzania safari tour with us during the dry season from July to October. Avoid the March to May heavy rains which are the worst time to visit Tanzania. But our Tanzania tours begin from 5 days. If you need any trips within Tanzania National Parks for lesser or More days, you may contact our credible tour operators below.