The best time for Tanzania Safaris
The best time for Tanzania safaris largely depends on your preferences and the specific regions within Tanzania that you plan to visit. Tanzania is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Selous Game Reserve, among others. Here are some factors to consider when determining the best time for your Tanzania safari:
Dry Season (June to October): This is generally considered the best time for safaris in Tanzania. The weather is typically dry, with clear skies and lower humidity. The grass is shorter, making it easier to spot wildlife, and animals tend to gather around water sources, providing excellent game viewing opportunities. It is also the time when the Great Wildebeest Migration occurs in the Serengeti, as millions of wildebeest and other herbivores move across the plains.
Wet Season (November to May): The wet season in Tanzania is characterized by intermittent rain showers. While it may not be ideal for some travellers, it can be a great time to visit if you’re interested in birdwatching or seeing newborn animals. The landscape is lush and green, and you may encounter fewer crowds. However, some dirt roads may become impassable, and wildlife can be more dispersed.
During November, there is littles rainfall received it lasts for short time, by this time, the grass is green and plenty of food for the birds and animals. you will encounter variety of bird species and for the bird lovers, this is the ideal time for epic bird watching.
December receives both hot and slight rainfall received, but also the beginning of the Kilimanjaro climbing season- due to fine conditions conducive for climbing higher altitude.
Shoulder Seasons: The months of May and November are considered shoulder seasons, transitioning between the dry and wet seasons. During these periods, you may experience fewer tourists, lower prices, and still have the opportunity to see wildlife.
It’s important to note that Tanzania is a large country with varying climates and ecosystems. The above information provides a general overview, but specific regions within Tanzania may have slightly different weather patterns and wildlife movements.
Events and Holidays
Tanzania, located in East Africa, has a rich cultural heritage and celebrates various events and holidays throughout the year. Here are some of the significant events and holidays celebrated in Tanzania:
New Year’s Day (January 1st): Like many countries around the world, Tanzania celebrates the beginning of the new year with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings.
Zanzibar Revolution Day (January 12th): This day commemorates the Zanzibar Revolution of 1964 when the ruling Arab dynasty was overthrown, leading to the establishment of the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government.
Union Day (April 26th): Celebrated to mark the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar in 1964, forming the United Republic of Tanzania. It is a national holiday with various events and ceremonies.
Labor Day (May 1st): A public holiday honouring workers and their contributions to society. It is celebrated with parades, speeches, and various labour-related events.
Eid al-Fitr: This Islamic holiday marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is celebrated with prayers, feasts, and social gatherings. The date of Eid al-Fitr varies each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
Nyerere Day (October 14th): Commemorating the birth anniversary of Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the first President of Tanzania and a prominent figure in the country’s independence movement. It is a day to honour his contributions and legacy.
Christmas (December 25th): Celebrated by Tanzanian Christians, Christmas is a festive holiday characterized by church services, carol singing, feasting, and exchanging gifts.
These are just a few examples of events and holidays celebrated in Tanzania. It’s worth noting that Tanzania also observes other important Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Adha and Maulid un-Nabi (the birth of the Prophet Muhammad), as well as regional events specific to different ethnic groups within the country. The specific dates for Islamic holidays may vary from year to year as they are based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
Tanzania’s premier art events, the festival of the Dhow countries and the Zanzibar International Film Festival are held in Zanzibar over two weeks in July.
If you are craving for the test of Tanzania’s ubiquitous nyama choma, (barbecued meat), the perfect place is Dar-es Salaam for the best BBQs in town. Nyama choma festival is held every four month each year.
The town of Bagamoyo located at the coast of mainland Tanzania, hosts the dynamic Karibu Music Festival, This event occurs every year in November.