Best Time to Visit Tanzania & Zanzibar: Your Month-by-Month Safari & Beach Guide

Planning your dream trip to East Africa? One of the first questions most travelers ask is: When is the best time to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar? The short answer: it depends on your interests—wildlife, culture, landscapes, or the beach.

At Sarafika Tours, we design each journey around you. Whether you’re seeking the Great Migration in the Serengeti, lush green scenery after the rains, or crystal-clear water off the Zanzibar coast—we’ll help you choose the perfect time to go.

🌞 Tanzania Safari Seasons: A Quick Overview

Season	Months	What to Expect
Dry Season	June – October	Best wildlife viewing, cooler temps, Great Migration
Short Rains	November – December	Fewer crowds, green landscapes, good game viewing
Green Season	January – March	Calving season, lush scenery, ideal for photography
Long Rains	April – May	Fewer tourists, discounted rates, some lodges closed

✅ Want to plan a safari? Explore our Tanzania Safari Packages

🐘 Best Time for Safari in Tanzania

The dry season (June to October) is considered the best time for most safari destinations in Tanzania, including:

Serengeti: Peak for the Great Migration (especially July–August & September)
Ngorongoro Crater: Excellent year-round, clearest skies in dry months
Tarangire National Park: Best elephant sightings from July to October
Lake Manyara: Great for birding and tree-climbing lions during dry season

The green season (Jan–March) is ideal for fewer crowds and calving season in the Serengeti. It’s also great for photography, as the landscapes are beautifully green.

🏝️ Best Time to Visit Zanzibar (Beach Holidays)

Zanzibar is a year-round destination, but some months offer better beach weather:

June to October: Dry, sunny, low humidity – perfect for beach relaxation
December to February: Hotter, still great for beach lovers
March – May: Rainy season – fewer crowds and lower prices, but unpredictable weather

Want to combine your safari with a beach break? Our Beach & Bush Tours give you the best of both.

📅 Month-by-Month Guide: Tanzania & Zanzibar

Month	Safari	Zanzibar	Notes
January – March	Calving season in Serengeti	Hot and sunny	Great for photography & fewer crowds
April – May	Long rains	Wet season	Fewer tourists, green landscapes, some lodges closed
June – July	Dry season begins, Great Migration	Cooler, dry	Excellent for both safari & beach
August – September	Peak wildlife	Perfect beach weather	Great Migration river crossings
October	Dry season ends	Still good	Ideal time to avoid crowds
November – December	Short rains	Warm with brief showers	Great for green landscapes & birding

✨ Travel With Purpose, No Matter the Season

At Sarafika Tours, we believe that every season in Tanzania has something magical to offer. Whether you choose to travel in peak season or prefer the quieter, greener months, we ensure your safari is authentic, safe, and meaningful.

Ready to start planning? Contact us for a personal consultation.

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24/7 Stand-by service

During your stay in Tanzania, we offer a free 24/7 standy-by service in case of an emergency. We understand the need of security and extra services.

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Personal contacts

We maintain a personal approach, prior to departure and throughout your stay in Tanzania. Our enthousiasm is contagious, and we would like to pass it on!

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