Overview
Tanzania is a dream destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure. It offers some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing in the world, along with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and beautiful beaches. Whether you want to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, explore the Ngorongoro Crater, relax on the white sands of Zanzibar, or climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has something for everyone.
The Migration
one of the most amazing natural phenomena on Earth is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebras across the Serengeti plains. Following the rains and fresh grass, these animals face predators, rivers, and other challenges as they move in search of food and water.
The best time to see the migration depends on where you are in Tanzania:
- South (December to April)
- West (May to July)
- North (August to November)
You can witness this incredible spectacle from a safari vehicle, a hot air balloon, or even on foot.
Safaris
Tanzania boasts a wealth of national parks and reserves offering diverse and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The most famous are:
Serengeti National Park:
Home to the Great Migration and the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo).
Ngorongoro Crater: A volcanic caldera hosting a high concentration of animals in a stunning setting.
Tarangire National Park: Known for large herds of elephants and baobab trees.
Lake Manyara National Park: Famous for tree-climbing lions and flamingos.
Selous Game Reserve: One of the largest and most remote game reserves in Africa.
You can enjoy safaris in various ways, such as by vehicle, boat, walking, or even horseback.
Beach Holidays
After an exciting safari, nothing beats relaxing on a tropical beach with turquoise waters and soft sand.
Tanzania has some of the best beaches in Africa, especially on its islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia.
Zanzibar is the most popular and accessible island, offering a variety of accommodation options, activities, and attractions.
You can explore its historic Stone Town, visit spice plantations, swim with dolphins or turtles, snorkel or dive in coral reefs, or just lounge on the beach.
Pemba and Mafia are less developed and more secluded islands that offer a more authentic and tranquil experience.
They are also ideal for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts who want to discover the rich marine life of Tanzania.
When to go
Dry Season (June to October)
- Best time for wildlife viewing as animals are easier to spot around water sources and vegetation is less dense.
- Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, especially in June and July (Grumeti River crossing) and August and September (Mara River crossing).
- Ideal for combining a safari with a beach holiday, as the weather is sunny and dry on the coast and islands.
However, Tanzania also has something to offer in the Wet season (November to May).
- The scenery is greener and more beautiful.
- The parks are less crowded and the rates are lower.
- You can also see the wildebeest calving in the southern Serengeti from late January to February, which attracts many predators and offers exciting action.
- The Wet season is also the best time for birdwatching, as many migratory birds are present.
- The rains are usually short and don’t interfere much with your safari, except in March, April and May when they are heavier and some roads may become impassable.
Conclusion
So, depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose the best time to go on safari to Tanzania that suits you. You can also visit different parks at different times of the year to experience their unique attractions.