TANZANIA
OVERVIEW
Tanzania is an East African country known for its vast wilderness areas. They include the plains of Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca populated by the “big five” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain. Offshore lie the tropical islands of Zanzibar, with Arabic influences, and Mafia, with a marine park home to whale sharks and coral reefs.
BEST TIME TO GO
JANUARY
The beginning of Tanzania’s short dry season, though rains remain in some places – and wildlife highlights include the start of the Great Migration calving season on the Serengeti’s short-grass plains.
| DAY TIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE | NIGHT TIME MINIMUM TEMPERATURE | AVERAGE RAINFALL | AVERAGE DAYLIGHT |
| 84°F | 61°F | 90MM | 12 HOURS |
FEBRUARY
The second month of the short dry season – many herbivores are calving, and plenty of migratory birds may be viewed in the Selous and Ruaha.
| DAY TIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE | NIGHT TIME MINIMUM TEMPERATURE | AVERAGE RAINFALL | AVERAGE DAYLIGHT |
| 84°F | 61°F | 90MM | 12 HOURS |
MARCH
The long rains begin – afternoon downpours are the norm, but wildlife viewing is still very good and there are a lot of migratory birds to observe.
| DAY TIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE | NIGHT TIME MINIMUM TEMPERATURE | AVERAGE RAINFALL | AVERAGE DAYLIGHT |
| 86°F | 61°F | 130MM | 12 HOURS |
What’s the weather going to be like in Kenya in March?
- It can be hot and humid, especially in inland areas at the beginning of March
- The season of long rains begins at the end of the month or beginning of April
- Temperatures are moderately high but cool in the evening
APRIL
Travel in April is not recommended due to heavy rains.
MAY
The last month of the long rains and even starting to dry up towards the end of May – Great Migration and other wildlife viewing is excellent in the Serengeti, and a lot of migratory birds may be seen.
| DAY TIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE | NIGHT TIME MINIMUM TEMPERATURE | AVERAGE RAINFALL | AVERAGE DAYLIGHT |
| 81°F | 61°F | 70MM | 12 HOURS |
JUNE
The beginning of the dry season, with clear skies, plenty of sunshine, chilly mornings and evenings – and a lot of wildlife highlights, not least the crossing of the River Grumeti by the Great Migration herds.
| DAY TIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE | NIGHT TIME MINIMUM TEMPERATURE | AVERAGE RAINFALL | AVERAGE DAYLIGHT |
| 80°F | 59°F | 30MM | 12 HOURS |
JULY
This month is in the middle of the dry season, with guaranteed warm weather and wonderful wildlife viewings – such as chimpanzee in the Mahale Mountains, the elephant in Tarangire, and the Serengeti’s Great Migration herds.
| DAY TIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE | NIGHT TIME MINIMUM TEMPERATURE | AVERAGE RAINFALL | AVERAGE DAYLIGHT |
| 79°F | 58°F | 20MM | 12 HOURS |
AUGUST
Mid-dry season, August abounds with wildlife highlights – from huge herds of elephant in Tarangire to the abundant lion and wild dog in the Selous.
| DAY TIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE | NIGHT TIME MINIMUM TEMPERATURE | AVERAGE RAINFALL | AVERAGE DAYLIGHT |
| 81°F | 59°F | 30MM | 12 HOURS |
SEPTEMBER
Approaching the end of the dry season, as the Great Migration herds return to the Serengeti, elephant fill Tarangire, and predators are plentiful in Katavi and the Selous.
| DAY TIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE | NIGHT TIME MINIMUM TEMPERATURE | AVERAGE RAINFALL | AVERAGE DAYLIGHT |
| 83°F | 59°F | 30MM | 12 HOURS |
OCTOBER
The rains resume towards the end of this month, but early to mid-October is fantastic for both safari and beach vacations – from chimpanzee trekking in the Mahale Mountains to enjoying the mainland coast and Zanzibar.
| DAY TIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE | NIGHT TIME MINIMUM TEMPERATURE | AVERAGE RAINFALL | AVERAGE DAYLIGHT |
| 84°F | 61°F | 50MM | 12 HOURS |
NOVEMBER
The short rains begin in earnest in November, but wildlife viewing in Tanzania’s western parks is barely affected – and the Great Migration herds that had moved into Kenya return to the Serengeti this month.
| DAY TIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE | NIGHT TIME MINIMUM TEMPERATURE | AVERAGE RAINFALL | AVERAGE DAYLIGHT |
| 83°F | 61°F | 130MM | 12 HOURS |
DECEMBER
The continuance of the short rains, and is characterized by lush landscapes, the Great Migration herds moving into the South Serengeti, and an abundance of beautiful birdlife.
| DAY TIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE | NIGHT TIME MINIMUM TEMPERATURE | AVERAGE RAINFALL | AVERAGE DAYLIGHT |
| 82°F | 61°F | 100MM | 12 HOURS |
WHAT TO BRING
Click Here to Download Our What To Bring Sheet
KILIMANJARO MARANGU TOUR
* Click Here to Download The Kilimanjaro What To Bring Sheet
BEFORE YOU GO
MAP
TANZANIA TOURS
TANZANIA + ZANZIBAR
from $2300 USD // 6 DAYS
Experience East Africa in style with this small group safari featuring well-appointed camps, lodges, and beach resort. You will find your accommodations provide charm and authenticity of Tanzania!
Prices are per person based on two people sharing
Max 6 per vehicle/guide
KILIMANJARO MARANGU
from $2550 USD // 6 DAYS
The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations in lieu of camping. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms.
Prices are per person based on two people sharing
EAST AFRICAN ADVENTURE
from $4650 USD // 12 DAYS
A land rich in wildlife such as the lion, cheetah, elephant, rhino, impala, leopard wildebeest, gazelle, monkey, baboon, dik-diks, warthog, flamingos, and many species of birds. Tanzania has many of the world’s largest natural game reserves.
Tanzania is also rich with culture and tradition. Your guide will be happy to share knowledge of both the Tanzanian culture and the wildlife’s unique habits.
Prices are per person based on two people sharing
Max 6 per vehicle/guide