When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
The best time to visit Tanzania is undoubtedly the present as those with itching feet and a sense of adventure can once again take to the skies in search of the wild and wonderful places of Planet Earth.
This East African destination already opened its borders to international visitors towards the end of June. Travellers should however be aware that they will have to provide a 72-hour negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result. This requirement seems to be changing, so make sure before departure from the country of origin.
The best time to visit Tanzania largely depends on the personal preferences of individual travellers. These include specific interests, a particular destination and the reason for travel.
Seasons in Tanzania
There are no discernible seasons, such as winter and summer, only the dry and wet seasons. Tanzania has two rainy seasons. The short rains occur between late October and late December and the long rains between March and May.
Every season has pros and cons and the best time to visit Tanzania will vary greatly depending on the reason for travel. In the highlands, temperatures range between 10 and 20 °C during cold and hot seasons. The rest of the country has temperatures rarely falling lower than 20 °C. The hottest period extends between November and February (25–31 °C) while the coldest period occurs between May and August (15–20 °C).
Many popular resorts and tourist attractions on Zanzibar and Mafia Island Marine Park close during the long rainy season, and many trails in the national parks are impassable during this period. For that reason, in most cases tours are restricted to the main roads in the parks. Travellers should plan their trip accordingly.
The Great Migration
The best time to visit Tanzania and witness one of the greatest natural phenomena on the planet is between July and September. This is when the herds of wildebeest make their way from the Serengeti in Tanzania over the Grumeti River, on towards the Mara River and into Kenya and the plains of the Maasai Mara. From October to December the millions of animals start to move back again towards the south of the Serengeti where the first rains of the season will fall in January. Between February and June, the cycle of life and death will start anew with thousands of calves being birthed, only to desperately try and escape the jaws of the many lions following close on their heels.
Popular Destinations in Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
Over a century of visitors to Serengeti National Park has ensured that every safari interest is catered for. Here, travellers find an impressive variety of safari options to suit any budget.
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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Intrepid travellers can traverse the dense landscape of the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands during a walking safari or book a guided game drive. This natural area boasts plenty to see and do.
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Moyowosi Game Reserve
The Moyowosi Game Reserve is unexplored terrain, which makes it an adventurous holiday. Birding safaris provide front row seats to some of the most incredible water-bird sightings
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