One important thing to bear in mind, however, is the crowding that can occur in certain reserves during these favourable periods. There really is no right or wrong time to visit this well-loved country but as a rule of thumb, the dry season (from late June to October) is the most popular time for a Tanzania safari with all the trimmings. In general, this is the busiest time to visit Zanzibar and prices for accommodation will be at their highest. Tarangire combines well with other parks and reserves in northern Tanzania – have a look at these trips as a starting point and feel free to add any other destination you fancy. View safari prices, honeymoon tour booking, family vacation, solo travel packages, holidays reviews, trip videos, hotel photos & maps. You may find that your best time to visit Tanzania on safari could be when prices are lower, or the adventure stakes higher. One of the best times to be in the Serengeti will be in February when the wildebeest of the migration will be having their calves. Arguably, the best time to visit the Serengeti is between June and November. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but it's usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather – it's a great time to visit Zanzibar. It is important to bear in mind that some of the island restaurants will be closed during the Muslim festival of Ramadan, which occurs during the months of June and July, so check before booking if this is of concern. However, the Serengeti can be visited all year round! Loosely speaking, the best time to visit the Serengeti National Park is more about the best times to see the wildebeest herds when they are stationary, than about the weather. Best time to visit Serengeti. You can find some of our favourite Ngorongoro trips here and if you’re interested in some of the lodges, check them out here. Best time to visit Zanzibar, Tanzania. While considering when to visit Tanzania, travellers will be pleased to hear that there is no right or wrong time to visit this beautiful country. The wet season arrives in March and lasts until May. The ocean temperatures are perfect for swimming, diving or snorkeling expeditions. Expert opinion on the weather & best time to visit Zanzibar beaches in eastern Tanzania - East Africa. + Scuba Dive in Zanzibar The spice island of Zanzibar, right off the coast of Tanzania, pairs well with Serengeti safaris f… During this dry season, animals congregate near water sources putting predators and prey in close proximity and making for some exciting game viewing. Tarangire National Park’s game viewing is at its best during the dry season (June to November). Tanzania’s safari seasons march to the tattoo of the hooves of migrating wildebeest, but a country this large and diverse has more than one ace up the sleeve of its safari jacket. Best time to visit Serengeti for safari Most would say this is the best time to travel to Zanzibar. All depends on the coming of the rains, which can vary by several weeks, but in Serengeti National Park, light short rains usually fall in November and December, when the migrating wildebeest and zebra herds return to the southern Ndutu plains to crop fresh grass in the company of elands, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles whilst the white-bearded wildebeests await the mass calving around February. The rainy seasons are from March to May (the “long rains”) and from November to December (the “short rains”). Try our trip wizard to find your dream trip. Best Time To Go To Zanzibar | Best Month To Visit Zanzibar When going on holiday to Tanzania the chances are the aim of the trip is to either go for a safari, or to the beach or both. Fly from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Serengeti - Seronera (SEU) Whether you're travelling from Zanzibar to Serengeti Seronera for vacations, business or family visits its always a smart choice to compare prices and make sure you're getting the best deal before booking your travel. Best time to visit Serengeti. Serengeti National Park offers extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year – you just need to know when to go where to admire one of nature’s last remaining true spectacles: the Great Migration. For the most part, the wet season is simply an afternoon shower with slightly heavier rain in March, April and May – just make sure to choose a lodge like The Highlands or the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge that is fully enclosed! The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October during the cool, dry months of spring. The seasonality regarding game viewing in this area is quite clear, with animals spreading out during the wet season (March to May) and the heaviest rains falling in the months of March and April. The scarcity of water draws in species from far and wide to seek solace along the Tarangire River. This is also a good time of year to try a walking safari as the grass is shorter – and the temperatures cooler. Oliver’s Camp and Sanctuary Swala are two good options here. The best time to travel to Serengeti and Zanzibar is mostly during the dry season between June & September as well as January and February. The best time to go on a Tanzania safari depends entirely on what you want to see and experience: The major national parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire deliver superb year-round game viewing, but visitor numbers peak from about June to October. If you want to witness the wildebeest calving season, visit northern parks like the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area between December and March. December to February is also a lovely time to visit Zanzibar and her neighbouring islands, and it’s hot and dry with temperatures reaching into the 40 degrees celsius range. If you’re visiting during this time and searching for the wildebeest of the Great Migration, your best chances of seeing them are in the western regions of the park in May and June at a camp like Singita Faru Faru Lodge or Ubuntu Migraton Camp, or in the northern section of the park for the famous river crossings. The wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is usually during June and July and the time to see the wildebeest calving is late January to February. However, if you're dreaming of seeing a specific animal, natural site, or looking for a certain type of weather, you'll find some months more suitable to you than others. Camps like Lamai Serengeti, Olakira Migration Camp or Serian’s Serengeti North will fit the bill perfectly here. Should you wish to avoid other tourists, consider visiting Tanzania during the green season, usually from March to May, or even the short dry season from the end of December to February. This is the period when the great migration herds have reached the northern-most point in their cycle, and the herds are crossing rivers, and moving northwards. Another plus at this time of year is the return of migratory bird species, a big drawcard for all the twitchers out there. For some there is also the issue of getting wet during the months of March and April. See some of the lesser-known regions of this incredible country. Are you planning an African Safari and wondering Where is the Serengeti?, when is the best time to visit Serengeti and Why is it considered the best place for Safari in Africa. Water clarity is not as productive during this period and humidity can be a factor of concern when you are not in the water. This popular season is, of course, a crowd pleaser but a good way to escape the crowds is to stay in the southern parts of the reserve, which offers a more intimate experience. Try staying at either Kimondo Migration Camp or Lake Masek Tented Camp for the best views. See our climate guide and advice from Tanzania and Zanzibar experts below. June to September is dry season and the best time to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti with little chance of rain in Zanzibar. Travelling to Serengeti National Park. In fact, lion sightings are almost guaranteed! There are very few mosquitoes and the chance of catching malaria is minimal. The wet season does not produce the same level of animal interactions and the rains replenish the water sources, thickening the vegetation and causing the different species to disperse. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is one of the most famous national parks in the entire world.. Never ceasing to amaze visitors with its never-ending plains, stark vegetation and magnificent wildlife, it’s no wonder that year after year the Serengeti remains one of the best places in the world to visit. Myself I prefer seeing the huge herds gathering in December-March as this is what the 'Migration' is … During this season, migratory bird species return creating a kaleidoscope of colour. Although action-packed, these scenes are not for the faint of heart. The best time to visit the Serengeti National Park is in the Dry season ( For game viewing, the best time to visit Tanzania is between June and October. The best time to visit Ruaha National Park is, like most of the parks and reserves in Tanzania, in the dry months of June to October when the vegetation is thinner and the weather is a tad cooler. The best time to visit Tanzania is during the Dry season, from late June to October, when wildlife viewing is generally at its best. + The Best Time for Birding Over 500 bird species make home in the Serengeti ecosystem; birders will have a lot to see throughout the year, but bird watching is particularly good starting in November when migratory species move back into the area. Arguably, the best time to visit Serengeti National Park is during the Great Migration, when you’ll be able to witness one of the greatest natural events in the world. Answer 1 of 11: I am keen on taking my wife to Tanzania for 1 week holiday. Remember, however, that weather conditions on the mountain vary dramatically from year to year and we will always take advice from our operators on the ground. View our most popular trips here. November to March are calving season, so also a great time … Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration or you want to check off all big five animals from your bucket-list, find out about the best time to visit the Serengeti. Dry season is usually the best time to visit Serengeti and Zanzibar for a beach safari or a Big Five safari. Travelling from the northern border of Tanzania to the capital city can be quite the trek for most travellers. This is in stark contrast to other times of year, specifically April to May and November to mid-December, when rain, mud, ice and fog can detract from the overall experience, and in extreme cases can increase the risks for climbers. The best time to visit the Serengeti for the Great Migration is from, By late July or August, many of these animals will be in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, so if you want to see wildebeest or zebra, consider a. Many camps close in Ruaha during the green season months, but others stay open. Any time is 'the best time' as this is when you are there. As mentioned, June is officially the dry season meaning your chance of a sunny day is exceptionally high. Humidity levels can be high and temperatures can also climb during this time. The Great Migration is always high on any safari enthusiast’s bucket list and planning a visit to coincide with the spectacle is popular so do book in advance! As a by-product of the water shortages the vegetation thins, thus improving visibility of animals. Ngorongoro’s dry season (June to October) is usually considered the best time to visit as temperatures are cooler and there is little chance of rain. Another good time to travel to Zanzibar is between December - February, when the November showers have ended, and the weather becomes warm and dry again. Rough plan is to go to Serengeti for Safari experience and then Zanzibar for the beach. The height of the wet season is March and April and causes the usually crowded Serengeti to empty, offering an intimate experience with the wildlife. Get exclusive access to members only deals by email. The green season (November to May), which is considerably less crowded, is still a great time to view animals. Save up to 50% on tours! From June to October the wildebeest herds are located up in the northern part of the park, crossing the mighty Mara River and spilling over into Kenya. https://www.timbuktutravel.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-tanzania For the best walking safaris, we highly recommend staying at either Kwihala Camp or Kichaka Frontier Camp. As a general rule of thumb, the best time to be in Tanzania at the beach is in the dry season from July – October when the weather is dry and sunny. Our favourite trips to Ruaha can be found here– and don’t forget, adding on some time at either Zanzibar or one of the neighbouring islands is easy! January and February also offer good options, outside peak season rates. The flip side of unbelievable game viewing in “Africa’s Eden”? You'll receive a welcome email soon. You can expect rain showers, but they are usually short and sharp and certainly don’t last for hours. This period offers the best wildlife viewing in general – with the wildebeest migration as its absolute highlight. Follow the Great Migration. Even though Serengeti National Park is one of the few places left where nature’s ancient rules and seasonal cycles have been more or less unaltered, the Serengeti is fairly easy to access. These are much lighter than the main rains and less reliable. During November and December there's another rainy season: the 'short rains'. This will be in the Ndutu area (actually just outside the Serengeti, but you probably won't know that). Within this period, August and September have the best water clarity of 25 or more meters, offering incredible snorkelling conditions and whale viewing potential. It’s a good question – and like most good questions a tricky one to answer, mainly because different areas in Tanzania have different attractions at different times of the year. The lack of rain means that the vegetation is thinner and animals, such as the shy black rhino, are easier to spot. It is never empty of events and action. Even during the wet season, there are few places on earth that can compete with Ngorongoro’s game viewing. June to October offers the best wildlife viewing experience in Serengeti and on these months the park is crowded while November offers the best for people who do not want to be in overcrowded areas enjoying much more privacy during their safaris in Serengeti. There are 5 ways to get from Serengeti National Park to Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) by taxi, plane, car, bus, ferry or train. Expect more than a few vehicles in the main sections of the crater…. Below is a brief summary of some of our favourite Tanzanian parks and their seasonal perks. The best time to visit Zanzibar is between June - October, during the warm and dry spring months. When is the best time to visit Tanzania? Best Time To Visit Tanzania On Safari. The most convenient option is to fly from Arusha to one of the park’s seven airstrips. The best time to visit Serengeti is still a question as the wildlife richness in the park is undisputed and can be seen throughout the year, between November to mid-August migration of herds are in Tanzania Serengeti plains before start moving towards Kenyan’s Masai Mara in mid-August and September, possibly this can be the best time to visit Serengeti National Park. Best Time To Visit Serengeti National Park The best time to visit the Serengeti National Park is in the Dry season (from late June to October). Island adventure is best experienced from June to October, when the climate is cool and dry. The wet season arrives in November, signalling the return of migratory bird species, and continues until March. Although you may be slightly more restricted in activities (and choice of camps – many close during these months), all is not lost as this is the birthing season and the time for migratory bird species to return. Last chance to save  Up to 75% OFF. Selous Game Reserve’s dry, cooler months (June to November) make for excellent big cat and wild dog sightings. On this 13-day tour through the Serengeti and Zanzibar, you'll have the opportunity to learn about local village life led by a local, see how huts are constructed in farmers' fields, and visit a local spice plantation. Late January and into February and March is the wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti, which provides high excitement as lion and cheetah descend on the fragile and naive newborns. Copyright © TourRadar. Best time to visit Tanzania. There is less water in the waterholes at this time of year and animals congregate around any remaining sources, making for incredible sightings. Visiting the Selous combines well with Ruaha, also in the south of Tanzania, or even Katavi in the west, and some time at the coast. A Zanzibar (or Mafia or Pemba!) It is mostly sunny and there is very little rain. For wildlife lovers Another popular time to visit this tropical island is from December to February when it’s hot and dry. Trips to East Africa can accomplish more than just ticking off a laundry list of incredible animal life sightings. In April and May, heavy rains make it difficult to follow the herds as they start their long journey … The best time to visit the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania is from january until march and june until december, when you will have a warm temperature and limited till mediocre rainfall.The highest average temperature on Zanzibar is 30°C in march and the lowest is 27°C in june. Travellers might experience cloudy skies and some rain during the day (sometimes even a thunderstorm) but the wet seasons don’t mean all-day rain. Kilimanjaro conditions can be quite variable throughout the year, but the best weather for climbing probably occurs from July to October when the skies are warm and clear. Like the Selous, the wild dogs of the area den from June to August, presenting greater opportunity to view these charismatic animals, and the lion and big cat sightings at this time of year are phenomenal. Hopefully this will simplify your planning process, whilst illuminating a few of the lesser-known regions…. The Serengeti National Park contains exceptional game in high densities year-round, although peak time is during the dry season from June to September. More specifically, if you want to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti then May to July are the best months to visit, when the plains are lush and green. It’s possible to add a stop at the Tanzanian Coast to almost any trip in the country – have a peek at some of the top options including Zanzibar, or head slightly more off the beaten track to Mafia Island. The weather in Serengeti is fairly consistent throughout the year, with average lows of about 15 degrees Celsius and highs of about 27 degrees Celsius. Tempted by a visit to the Serengeti? Read more >>. There are, however, also positives for this time of year – the crowds are gone, the general game viewing is still good and migratory bird species have moved back into the area. The weather and climate of Zanzibar is suitable for a sun vacation. Generally, game is more spread out because of the abundance of water and vegetation making it a little more difficult to find them, however this should not be a deterrent. Explore some of our top trips right here. Animals are easier to spot since they concentrate around waterholes and rivers and the vegetation is less thick. + Kick Off the Green Season Short periods of rain replenish the landscape and acacia trees and bring back green grass and blooming flowers. When planning your trip to Serengeti National Park, consider which animals you most want to see. Thank you for signing up! Excellent time to visit Serengeti national park is in the months of June, July, August, September, and October Good time to visit Serengeti national park is in November, December, January and February Fair time for a visit in Serengeti national park in March, April and May All rights reserved. The low down on the weather & climate in Zambia, Quite simply the greatest wildlife show on earth, The best places for safaris on this wonderful continent, Safaris, city breaks, and sunshine – we’ve got the lowdown, Make the most of the desert realms and epic wildlife, Everything you need to know about the greatest show on earth, Romance-inducing adventures under Tanzanian skies, Choose a destination, pick your lodges and we’ll do the rest, Answer a few simple questions to get instant trip recommendations, A month by month guide to Tanzania’s weather, Best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration, The Ultimate Guide to Help you Plan a Safari. Here’s how to do it. Speak to us for details if you fancy trying it out! Then you have come to the right place. Fancy a challenge and scaling Africa’s highest mountain? The Great Migration is the largest migration of animals in the world. This also attract all their predators of course. Expo Sale: Ending Soon  Hurry! However, you are almost guaranteed sunny days. This national park needs no introduction. Choose a destination, pick your lodges and we'll do the rest. By submitting this form, I agree to the TourRadar. The wild dogs usually den from June to August making these the best months to spot the rare and highly endangered species. Lots of people want the best experience and August-October is very popular. It wasn’t by fluke or favour because the Serengeti plains are teeming with wildlife and birdlife almost all year round. The rainy seasons are from Due to high demand for safari tours from Zanzibar we introduced this shor 3 days safari in the Serengeti starting and finishing at Zanzibar Island. 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