Tanzania, located in East Africa, is bordered by Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Lake Victoria, Lake Nyasa, Lake Tanganyika, and the Indian Ocean. It is the largest country in East Africa, comprising the mainland and the Zanzibar Archipelago. The country is home to the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, rising to 4,600 meters above sea level.
Mainland Tanzania is subdivided into four topographic and climatic areas: the hot, arid zone of the broad central plateau; the lake region and inland mountain region of the north; the hot, humid coastal lowlands of the Indian Ocean coastline; and the southeast and northeast highlands. Tanzania has a lot to offer, and it’s one country you will wish to visit over and over again, each time offering a thrilling experience.
Best Time to Visit
Tanzania can be visited all year round due to its tropical climate; however, some months are more favorable than others. Below, we can look at the best seasons for visiting the country:
December to February
December to February is the short dry season in Tanzania. The grass is lush and green from the short rains of November and October, and this is also the calving season, especially for wildebeests in Serengeti National Park. During this time, the parks are not as crowded as in the peak season from June to September, so you will not find many crowds. December to February is also advantageous for bird enthusiasts because migratory birds are still present in the parks.
March to May
March to May is the longest rainy season in Tanzania. It’s not advisable to travel during this time because the vegetation is thick, and roads to the parks are in poor condition, making it hard to spot wildlife. This is also not the best time for mountain climbing or hiking, as the trails are very muddy and slippery, and rain can disrupt your plans. The views at the top are also less pleasant because they’re often covered with fog or clouds. However, some hotels offer discounts on accommodation during this season, which is good news for budget travelers.
June to September
June to September is the peak tourism season in Tanzania. Most tourists visit the country during these months, which comprise the longest dry season with excellent wildlife viewing. The roads leading to national parks are in good condition, and animals are concentrated around permanent water sources. Plus, the vegetation is not thick, making it easy to spot wildlife. The only disadvantage of the peak season is that discounts on lodges are scarce and the parks can be very congested.
October to November
October to November marks the short rainy season. Most of the time, after the rainfall, the sun rises again. This is the best time for tourist photography because the grass is beautifully sprouting and short. Migratory birds are also present in the parks during this part of the year.
The best time for mountain climbing in Tanzania is from June to October and January to early March when the hiking trails are not muddy and slippery. This period also provides the most breathtaking views with clear blue skies.
The best time for tropical beach holidays on the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar, and other islands is from March to June.
If you’re interested in one of the greatest wildlife phenomena on earth, the great wildebeest migration, where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and Thomson’s gazelles cross to the neighboring Masai Mara National Park in Kenya, the best place for viewing is the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The best time for viewing is:
January to March
This is when most wildebeests are calving in the southern part of Serengeti near the Ngorongoro area. You have high chances of seeing big cats because they normally hang around the wildebeests to take advantage of the newborn calves.
May to September
This is when wildebeests cross the Grumeti and Mara rivers. It is a dramatic show as predators pursue the wildebeests while crocodiles and hippos wait patiently for an opportunity to grab a meal at the rivers.
The best time for birding in Tanzania is from November to April when migratory birds are present throughout the country.
If you’re interested in visiting the people and learning about their ways of life, then you can visit Tanzania at any time of the year. There are over 120 different ethnic groups in the country, each with its own unique culture.
In conclusion, Tanzania can be visited all year round, but the experience depends on the activity one intends to do in the country. Most parts of the country experience an equatorial climate; therefore, the climate is almost the same from year to year.
