Best Time to Visit Tanzania with Amani Expeditions

Safari & Trekking Seasons Guide

Planning a journey to Tanzania?
Understanding the seasons is essential to choosing the right time for your safari or trekking adventure. Tanzania is a year-round destination — but wildlife movements, rainfall patterns, and trekking conditions vary throughout the year. This guide helps you decide when to travel and how far in advance to secure your booking.

Tanzania Climate Overview

Tanzania experiences three main travel seasons:

• Dry Season (High Season): June – October

• Short Rains (Green Season): November – December

• Long Rains (Low Season): March – May

• Short Dry Window: January – February

Each period offers a distinct experience.

Safari Seasons in Tanzania

Dry Season (June – October) : Best for Classic Wildlife Safari

This is widely considered the best time for safari in Tanzania.

Why?

• Wildlife gathers around permanent water sources

• Shorter grass improves visibility

• Roads are dry and accessible

• Excellent predator sightings

In iconic destinations like Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, game viewing is at its peak.

Great Migration – River Crossings

July to September : is prime time for dramatic river crossings in Northern Serengeti.

Ideal for: First-time safari travelers and wildlife enthusiasts

Calving Season in Southern Serengeti

January – February : in the southern plains (Ndutu and Lake Masek area). Over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born, with up to 9,000 arriving daily. This period features intense predator activity (lions, cheetahs, hyenas) and is best for witnessing wildlife, including zebras and gazelles dropping young.

During this short dry period:

• Thousands of wildebeest calves are born

• Predator activity increases

• Excellent photography conditions

This is a unique and highly rewarding safari window.

Ideal for: Photographers and repeat visitors.

Short Rains (November – December)

Green Landscapes & Fewer Crowds

• Short afternoon showers

• Lush scenery

• Lower accommodation rates

• Fewer vehicles in the parks

Wildlife remains excellent, though more dispersed.

Ideal for: Travelers seeking quieter parks and better value.

Long Rains (March – May) : Low Season & Budget Travel

• Heavier rainfall

• Some camps close

• Fewer tourists

• Dramatic skies and vibrant greenery

Wildlife is still present, but road conditions can be challenging.

Ideal for: Budget-conscious travelers and landscape photographers.

Trekking Seasons in Tanzania

The most popular trekking destination is Mount Kilimanjaro.

Best Trekking Months

January – March

• Cooler temperatures

• Possible snow at summit

• Fewer climbers

• Good summit success rates

June – October

• Dry and stable weather

• Clear views

• Most popular climbing season

Best overall trekking window: June – October.

Months to Avoid for Trekking

March – May

• Heavy rainfall

• Slippery trails

• Lower summit success rates

Climbing during this period is not recommended for most trekkers.

Best Time for Combined Safari & Trekking

If you plan to combine a safari with Kilimanjaro trekking, the best periods are:

• January – February

• June – October

These windows offer favorable conditions for both activities.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

Advance booking is critical, especially during peak season.

Peak Season (June – October)

• Book 6–12 months in advance

• Luxury lodges sell out 8–10 months early

• Migration camps fill fastest

Shoulder Season (January – February)

• Book 4–6 months in advance

Green / Low Season (March – May, November)

• Book 1–3 months in advance

• Greater flexibility

• More competitive pricing

For premium and honeymoon travelers, early booking ensures access to the best properties and private vehicle arrangements.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania?

There is no single “perfect” month — it depends on your travel goals:

Travel Purpose - Recommended Months

Classic Safari : June – October

Migration River Crossings : July – September

Calving Season : January – February

Budget Safari : March – May

Kilimanjaro Trekking : June – October

Safari + Trek Combination : January–February or June–October

Plan Your Journey with Confidence

At Amani Expeditions, we design tailor-made safaris and trekking adventures aligned with seasonal patterns, wildlife movements, and your travel preferences.

Whether you seek peak wildlife density, dramatic migration crossings, or a quieter green-season escape, we ensure your experience in Tanzania is seamless, refined, and unforgettable.

"Amani Expeditions — Where Adventure Meets Serenity."