Tanzania’s Spectacular Wildlife and Ideal Travel Seasons

Tanzania is famously known as one of the best African destinations for wildlife watching, making it a perfect safari destination to visit, and the most famous parks are the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Tanzania also boasts lesser-visited gems in its southern and western regions, such as Katavi, Ruaha, Selous, and Mahale.

A safari is not just about the wildlife and amazing landscapes; it can also be stylish because these national parks offer luxurious and trendy accommodation facilities that can be as amazing as the wildlife itself.

Best Time for you to visit Tanzania?

People frequently ask us, ‘When is the best time to visit Tanzania?’ The answer is often complicated. It depends on various factors, including the traveler’s preferences, the destinations you want to visit, and the purpose of your trip. What might be the best time for one person could be the worst for another. The main factors to consider are the one mentioned below;

Weather plus climate
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the weather in Tanzania. Keep in mind that this information is based on historical records and experience, not a crystal ball. Weather patterns across Africa have become increasingly unpredictable, likely due to global warming. We’re experiencing heavy rains in deserts and severe droughts during expected rainy seasons.

Tanzania, located just south of the equator, is a large country with significant climatic variations. Generally, the main rainy season, known as the ‘long rains,’ lasts from March to May. Afternoon tropical rains are common, especially near the coast and on the islands, where they are heavier and more predictable. Humidity is typically high, and daily temperatures often reach the low to mid-thirties (°C).

However, the long-dry season endures all through from June up to October and through that time the rainfall is hardly received, even on the various islands. The Temperatures differ greatly with altitude as well as location, yet it’s often a great, clear sky with sunny weather; this is a wonderful time to go to Tanzania. Throughout November plus December another rainy session is received and these are the ‘short rains’. They are lighter compared to the heavy long rains as well as less dependable.

In case it has rained through the short rains, it usually dries up for some months – January plus February, and that is the short-dry season for Tanzania before beginning to rain seriously once more in March.

The optimum time to view the wonderful wildebeest migration
Many tourists from different parts of the world flock to Tanzania to witness the incredible wildebeest migration in the Serengeti. This spectacular event is closely tied to the rains, prompting thousands of wildebeests, along with impalas, zebras, elands, and gazelles, to move in search of fresh pastures and water. This amazing migration occurs year-round, following a fairly predictable pattern as the animals continuously search for fresh pastures and water.

The annual wildebeest migration is a continuous event that can be observed at any time of the year. The key is knowing where to look during different months. For those planning to experience this natural wonder, understanding the best locations and times to view the migration enhances the adventure.

Wonderful Wildebeest Migration

From January to March, the herds gather in the southern Serengeti plains, particularly around the Ndutu region. This is calving season, and travelers can witness the birth of thousands of wildebeest calves, attracting a lot of predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The lush green landscape during this period provides a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography.

As the dry season approaches in April and May, the herds start moving northwest towards the central Serengeti, seeking greener pastures. This transitional period offers a chance to witness a variety of wildebeests and other herbivores on the move, creating a mesmerizing sight.

From June to July, the herds reach the western corridor and Grumeti River. This time is particularly exciting as the wildebeests face the dangerous river crossings, where they must pass through crocodile-infested waters. These dramatic crossings are the highlight of the migration and a must-see for any safari enthusiast.

By August and September, the migration continues northwards into the Mara River in Kenya’s Maasai Mara Game Reserve. This period marks another set of breathtaking river crossings and provides excellent game-viewing opportunities as the animals spread across the verdant Mara plains.

In October and November, the herds gradually return to the Serengeti, moving southwards towards the central and eastern regions. The short rains during this time rejuvenate the grasslands, offering sustenance for the journey back to the southern plains.

December sees the wildebeests completing their cycle, as they return to the southern Serengeti to start the calving season once again. Each phase of the migration presents a unique experience, making it essential for travelers to plan their visits according to the specific periods they wish to observe.