A river crossing, taken by Brilliant customer Melissa in September 2022
Danielle & Joseph, Honeymoon with Brilliant Africa
The adventure begins!
The best season to visit Tanzania is during the long dry season, which falls from July to September. These are considered the best months for safaris, the Great Migration, trekking, and beach holidays in Zanzibar.
Of course, these months are peak travel season. They will be busier, and some lodges, hotels, and parks will apply higher rates.
If you prefer a more secluded experience, consider visiting during the short rainy season from the end of October to December.
If possible, you'll want to avoid visiting during the long rainy season in April and May. The rains are often heavy and sudden, which can result in activities being cancelled last minute.
Brilliant Africa helped us plan an unforgettable week in Tanzania. They listened to what we were looking for and then created a custom itinerary that perfectly fit what we wanted. We absolutely loved our accommodations, guides, and entire trip! All of our transfers and logistics were seamless and it was so helpful having contacts within country (via Whatsapp) to answer any questions. Thank you again to Brilliant Africa for designing and coordinating an amazing trip!
- Melissa, travelled September 2022
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
January is fairly dry and hot, as the temperatures start rising after the short rains in November and December.
There is a chance of some short showers, but they usually occur at night.
It is the calving season on the Ndutu Plains, so visiting in January, especially towards the end of the month, is a great time to see wildebeest abound.
Temperatures continue rising, and the migration is still on the Ndutu Plains.
February is one of the optimal months for trekking Kilimanjaro, for safaris in the northern and southern parks, and for visiting Zanzibar for a beach holiday.
Like January, there is still a chance of short rains, but they also usually occur at night.
As the migration starts heading west towards the Grumeti River, the temperatures are still very hot.
The beginning of the month is still great for trekking, safaris and beach trips. However, towards the end of the month, there is a higher chance of rain as Tanzania moves into the long rainy season.
In April, the long rainy season is in full swing. Travelling in this period is not advised, as torrential rains can affect planned excursions.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is more dangerous during this season. Many lodges are also closed.
Just like April, May is a month of rain, so conditions are not ideal for travel. The lush vegetation, while beautiful, makes wildlife spotting more difficult.
Towards the beginning of June, the long rainy season ends, and Tanzania is blanketed by verdant vegetation and is a great time for bird-watching.
By the end of the month, the savannah generally becomes drier and locating wildlife becomes easier. The migration begins heading north from Grumeti River in June.
July is the start of the peak season for travelling to Tanzania. The migration is heading towards Kenya, and elephants are gathering at Tarangire National Park.
Visitors can avoid the crowds and high season prices by visiting the more remote parks on the southern safari circuit, like Ruaha and Selous.
Visitors are advised to book early to have their preferred choice of lodge.
July is also a good time to visit Zanzibar, as it is a bit cooler than the December to March period, but still dry.
Nights, evenings, and mornings can also be cooler on the mainland, so some warmer clothes should be taken for early morning safari drives and sundowners in the bush.
Dry and cool, August is a great time to visit Tanzania.
Wildlife starts searching for water sources, making their movements predictable for guides, and giving you a greater chance of seeing The Big Five.
Flamingos also arrive in high numbers at Lake Natron, where they can find food and shelter at the otherwise eerie lake.
Diving enthusiasts are happiest in August to September, when the water is especially clear. Turtles also hatch on the Indian Ocean islands.
The last month of the peak season, September can be quite busy, and prices are still high. The migratory herds of wildebeest and Zebra are spread out across the Serengeti.
Gushing from the Northern Serengeti in Kenya, The Mara River is their biggest obstacle.
Watching herds of wildebeest frantically swim across the crocodile-infested waters can be very exciting; there are often scenes of great fear and chaos, reminding travellers of the vicious circle of life on the African Plains.
Water visibility in Zanzibar and on the coast is clear, and you may observe turtles hatching.
Although it is not peak season any more, October is still quite dry and a good time for trekking, safari, or enjoying Tanzania's beaches.
The migration is now in Kenya, but there are still plenty of animals to see.
The short rainy season sometimes starts by the end of October, so the start of the month is better for travelling.
November is the start of the short rainy season. November and early December are both part of the low season, although most lodges remain open (unlike in the long rain season).
Showers are mostly short and confined to the evening. As the plains and savannah become green again, birds - especially the migratory ones from the north - are easy to spot in the safari parks. The migration slowly travels back south from Kenya, so some isolated crossings may be spotted.
Starting from November to March, whale sharks can also be seen on the shores of Zanzibar and Mafia.
Towards the middle of December, the short wet season is ending. There can still be some short rains throughout December to March, but these are usually overnight and only short.
It’s a great month for visiting Zanzibar, as the temperatures are slowly rising. The days around Christmas can be quite busy again and prices can rise, so booking ahead is advised.
Temperatures in Tanzania are consistent throughout the year. The main factor that determines the temperature is the altitude. Sunny days in the lowlands sit between 25-30°C, with highland regions averaging 15-20°C. Early mornings, evenings, and nights in the highlands can get quite cold, and since you're close to the equator, you have to be ready for showers no matter when you're travelling.
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
We custom-build every trip we run to match your dreams, budget, and appetite for luxury and adventure.
So, if you're interested in exploring the wonders of East Africa, get in touch with our expert team and let's get planning.
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The Serengeti comes from the Maa word ‘Serengit’, which translates to ‘the place where the land moves on forever’. It is the far-reaching, endless savannahs that inspired …
The Ngorongoro Crater - with its lush green plains, woodland trees and wildflowers - is one of the most popular travel destinations in Tanzania. A stunningly beautiful place, it's …
Tarangire National Park is part of Tanzania's northern safari circuit that also includes Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Tanzania's sixth largest park, Tarangire has …
Described by Ernest Hemingway as the ‘loveliest I had seen in Africa’, Lake Manyara National Park is situated on the Western escarpment of the Rift Valley. Home to lesser …
Once one of the world’s biggest game reserves, Selous has recently been split up to accommodate the new Nyerere National Park in honour of Tanzania’s first President Julius …
Lounging under the shade of a baobab tree, a baby elephant eagerly awaits her afternoon snack. Her mother, the matriarch, tears off a branch to the delight of the infant. Ruaha has…
Towering high above Tanzania at 5,895 metres, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
The Zanzibar archipelago is the meeting point between Africa, Arabia and India. This semi-autonomous region is a popular post-safari destination, providing a tropical beach …
A labyrinth of chaotic alleyways interposed between towering limestone houses with ornately carved arched hardwood doors with brass finishings and terracotta roofs. Stone Town is a…
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
