What is the best time for safari in Tanzania?
The best time for a safari in Tanzania largely depends on what you want to experience. Here’s a breakdown by season:
- Dry Season (June to October):
- Pros: This is generally considered the best time for safari. Wildlife viewing is excellent because animals are easier to spot as they congregate around water sources and vegetation is less dense. The dry season also means fewer mosquitoes and more predictable weather.
- Highlights: In the Serengeti, you can witness the Great Migration, with thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving through the plains. Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park are also prime spots during this period.
- Green Season (November to May):
- Pros: This is the rainy season, which means fewer tourists and often lower prices. The landscape is lush and green, and it’s a great time for birdwatching as many species are nesting and migratory birds are present.
- Cons: Some roads in the parks might become muddy and difficult to navigate, and there’s a higher chance of rain, which can occasionally disrupt safari plans.
- Highlights: The Great Migration continues in the Serengeti during the early part of the green season, and you might catch the calving season in February when many wildebeest give birth.
Specific Recommendations:
- Serengeti National Park: For the Great Migration, the best times are from June to October. In the calving season (January to March), the southern Serengeti is particularly active with newborns and predator activity.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Good year-round, but the dry season (June to October) offers the best visibility and easier game viewing.
- Zanzibar: For beach and cultural visits, June to October is ideal with cooler, drier weather.
Ultimately, the “best” time depends on your priorities. For consistent game viewing and comfortable weather, the dry season is top-notch. For fewer crowds and a greener landscape, the green season can be just as rewarding, especially if you don’t mind a bit of rain.
