Best time to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar : The best time for a tour to Tanzania and Zanzibar is during the dry season from June, July, August, September and October. Tanzania’s national parks and reserves are part of the safari destinations which are visited during tours in the country. Zanzibar is also famous for the beautiful white sand beaches along the Indian ocean.
The dry season from June to October is also the peak season with many tourists visiting Tanzania and Zanzibar for tours. Below is a monthly review of the safaris to Tanzania and Zanzibar throughout the year;
January
Tanzania in January is a time of the dry season and also when the wildebeest calving season takes place in the Ndutu area.
The type of clothing which is recommended to pack in January for a safari is light clothing. The weather is generally good and it is sunny during the day. Activities like wildlife viewing, kite surfing, swimming among others can also be done in January.
When it comes to tours on Zanzibar island in January, fresh fruits like mangoes are in season during this time of the year.
February
February is also a time of the year when the calving season is at its best and it is also a dry season in Tanzania.
It is also a good time for relaxing at the beach and also swimming during a tour on Zanzibar island. Calving season in Tanzania is a part of the highlights of the wildebeest migration when over 8000 calves are born daily in the Ndutu plains.
The month of February is also a green season and it is also among the warmest months of the year. Some rainfall is also received during the month of February in areas such as in the northern part of Tanzania in Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro crater, Tarangire national park and also Lake Manyara national park.
March
March is the beginning of the rainy season in Tanzania as well as in Zanzibar and it is also a green season. Many predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs can be seen during a safari at this time of the year.
This month is also the beginning of the low season due to the rains which are received which make it difficult to drive around destinations in Tanzania and Zanzibar. In Zanzibar pineapples are also in season and you can try out these fruits during your stay on the island.
Various bird species can also be seen during safaris to Tanzania in March.
April
April is among the wettest months of the year in Tanzania with few tourists on safari making it a god time to avoid crowds and bird viewing is also good during this month.
During tours in Zanzibar in April, the mornings are clear and rains can be received around the afternoon. There are also regular downpours during the month of April which is also characterized by lush and green vegetation.
The wildebeest migration in Tanzania during the month of April can be seen in the central part of Serengeti national park.
May
The month of May in Tanzania is the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season and occasional showers are expected during safaris.
The wildebeest migration during the month of May moves towards the western parts of Serengeti national park. In Zanzibar the skies are clear although afternoon rain showers are received and the beaches have few people. Most activities in Tanzania and Zanzibar are difficult to carry out in May due to the rains which are unpredictable.
June
June is considered to be among the best time of the year to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar and it is part of the dry season.
It is also the sunniest and driest month of the year with warm temperatures and low humidity. Various activities can be carried out in the month of June including wildlife viewing around the national parks of Tanzania, snorkelling, diving, and swimming among others.
The vegetation starts thinning out during the month of June and many wildlife species can be spotted during safaris when game drives, nature walks among other activities are carried out.
July
July is also a good month for a safari in Tanzania and it is also part of the dry season characterised by good wildlife viewing, many tourists and the wildebeest migration in Serengeti national park is also at its peak during this month.
River crossings along the Mara river in the northern part of Serengeti national park also take place during the month of July. Wildlife species during this month can be seen around water sources as they gather to drink making them easy to see during safaris.
The prices of tours to Tanzania and Zanzibar during the month of July are also high. In Zanzibar the month of July is very windy and it is also the time for harvesting cloves which are among the spices grown on Zanzibar island.
August
The weather in August is also very good for safaris and tours to Zanzibar island and Tanzania. August is also a very busy month and it is part of the dry season in Tanzania.
Zanzibar is a good place to be in August with a number excursions to engage in due to the good weather and booking tours and hotels in advance for the month of August is highly recommended since many tourists visit the island at this time of the year.
September
September is also part of the dry season in Tanzania and Zanzibar. In Zanzibar September is a good time for relaxing at the beach and also good for diving.
The vegetation in September is also good for wildlife viewing and wildlife species can be spotted as they graze around the grass plains and they can also be seen around the woodlands and water sources.
October
October is marks the end of the dry season in Tanzania and it is also a good time for wildlife viewing especially seeing the big cats during safaris around Tanzania.
In Zanzibar the month of October is characterised by clear skies and calm seas and it is also a good time to see dolphins and also for diving. Destinations around Zanzibar are also very busy in the month of October and booking in advance is recommended.
November
In the month of November, rains are received in Tanzania and Zanzibar although the rains are not as heavy as rains received around March to May. During wildlife viewing in Tanzania, the wildebeest migration in November can be seen in the southern part of Serengeti national park.
December
December is the beginning of the green season in Tanzania and it is also the festive season and rains are also received during tours.
