BEST TIME FOR SAFARI

Careful planning is required when choosing your departure date.

Please consider the following, so that you get the best value for your money:

• Accommodation style (camping, luxury or lodges & hotels)
• The parks and reserves you wish to visit
• The area you wish to visit and length of stay
• Travel partners: group, couple, family or honeymoon
• Special animal interests

The Best Time for Safari

Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa and has one of the most diverse landscapes in the region. Landscapes range from low coastline areas to high hills in the countryside, and mountainous regions such as Kilimanjaro. Tanzania has snow, stunning beaches, sprawling savannahs and the vast lake districts of Victoria and Tanganyika.

Animal migration patterns are determined by the change of season, most notably the annual migration (called the Great Migration) of the wildebeest from Kenya to Northern Tanzania. The best months for watching the Great Migration across the plains of the Serengeti are from May to July when the plains are fresh and green, and from November to March when the animals return to mate.

We can advise you on choosing the best time of year for your journey.

We do not recommend beach packages between April – June because at this time of year in Northern Tanzania safaris are excellent value for money.

The southern parks are fantastic all year round. However, the best times to visit them is from July to October during the dry season. The climate is hot and dry with very low humidity.

Mahale, Katavi and the other Western parks are also at their peak from August to the end of October, when game viewing is at its best.

Tanzania also has a light (short) rainy season from December – March. This period is known as the ‘short rains,’ and is often little more than a fresh downpour for a short period each day, usually followed by clear sunshine.

The focus of safaris in Northern Tanzania during this season should be on the short-grass plains of the Serengeti/Ngorongoro eco-system. The annual wildebeest & zebra migration arrives on the plains from December onwards and it is here where they mate and then give birth to thousands of calves in February and March. These rich mineral plains are where the great herds will stay for as long as feeding permits. It is thought that the iron and zinc found in the fodder of these plains are what attracts the wildebeest.

From December through to March the Ndutu area is a prime location for viewing the herds.

Other parks:

Located between the shores of Lake Manyara and the Western Escarpment of the Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is worth a visit at any time of year. Its secluded location and plentiful resources provide a rich habitat for animals and make it ideal for game viewing during all seasons.

Similarly, nearby Ngorongoro Crater provides an abundance of wildlife throughout the year. Although a tourist hotspot during the dry seasons (December – January and July – August), Ngorongoro’s close wildlife encounters are difficult to surpass.

Tarangire National Park  surrounds a long river valley, which is best known for its massive elephant population and ancient baobab trees. The Tarangire River is the only source of water in the area from July until mid-November, making it a haven for massive herds of thirsty animals.