Tanzania Safaris

February is such a lovely month to enjoy the beauty of lush green vegetation and stunning landscapes, all while soaking up the warm, dry weather! It’s an ideal time to spot migrant bird species in some parks, which is always a delightful experience.

While wildlife sightings may not be as abundant, you might just catch a glimpse of adorable wildebeest calves. February is truly a fantastic time to witness animals with their little ones, making it a unique and heartwarming safari experience compared to the busier peak season in Tanzania. It’s a wonderful chance to connect with nature and see it in a different light!

There are many parks of interest to visit, each with its own unique offerings so you’re certainly in for a rich experience in terms of scenery and wildlife viewing.

Weather in February

Being one of the hottest months in Tanzania, this is a good time to explore what different parks have to offer. On the colder days, you can have a cultural experience and take time for a spa day or yoga! For a more exciting experience, the weather allows you to see the wildebeest migration, the calving season, and resident bird species.

National Parks to Visit in Tanzania and Why

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a unique park known for tree-climbing lions and big herds of elephants.

It offers superb wildlife viewing, as relaxed elephants can be viewed at close range. Four of the Big Five are present, with just the rhino absent. February is considered a wet month in this park. Wildlife is visible all year round but in smaller concentrations. This is an ideal time for birding safaris.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha is Tanzania’s second-largest park famous for its wild dog population. It also has a variety of antelope species and is an excellent destination for predators, including large prides of lions.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is known for its large concentration of elephants, which usually arrive in large numbers during the dry season and are visible all year round.

It’s also known for the many baobab trees scattered throughout the landscape, which provide incredible photographic opportunities. Other animals present are wildebeests and zebras.

Activities to do in February

• Walking safaris
• Game drives
• Birding safaris

Considered a wet month, March isn’t considered the best time for a safari in Tanzania. While wildlife is visible, it’s more challenging to spot in regions without moving around to find water sources.

Tanzania more than makes up for this with its excellent birdwatching opportunities. Visiting Tanzania in March is an attractive time for photography, as the rain tends to capture unique sightings and different species of birds, including the red and yellow barbet, ostrich, Fischer’s lovebird, and palm-nut vulture.

Weather in March

While rains have officially set in, the temperature remains hot. Even though the wet season is at its peak, there are many advantages to visiting Tanzania in March.

This month, a birding safari is ideal, and the weather is also perfect for a photographic safari.

National Parks to Visit in Tanzania and Why

Mahale Mountains National Park

The rainy season presents a different type of scenery than the dry season. While wildlife viewing occurs in small concentrations, other sightseeing opportunities, such as the explosion of butterflies and trekking to see the chimpanzees, make a safari in March worthwhile.

Ngorongoro Crater

Black rhinos are the star animals at this park, as they are rarely spotted in other parks, making safari experiences here unique. Other rare wildlife sightings, like old elephant bulls with massive tusks, add to this safari experience.

Lake Manyara National Park

Famous for its tree-climbing lions, Lake Manyara National Park offers a unique experience on game drives. It’s also home to flamingos, which gives the park a pop of colour as they usually appear in flocks.

Ruaha National Park

Birding is generally the most prominent activity at this time of year. Besides its diverse species of antelope, enormous pride of lions, and great density of wild dogs, Ruaha National Park is also visually attractive, making it a rewarding location for photography.

Activities to do in March

• Game drives
• Stargazing
• Photographic safaris
• Chimp trekking

Wildlife can be harder to spot in April as the rainy season is in full flow. Most parks are open and green this month, but game life can be more challenging to spot. However, if you’re patient, there is a chance that you’ll see big game life.

Although in smaller concentrations, black rhinos, striped cheetahs, wild dogs, and sable antelopes are found on a Tanzania safari. In Tanzania, you have a greater chance of seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, chimpanzees, leopards, cheetahs, and hippos.

While it’s hard to spot big game life this month, the rainy season is when birding usually thrives, and the chances of seeing different species of birds are much greater.

Weather in April

Wild animals are more dispersed in April, giving way to opportunities to see different species of birds.

Heavy showers are constant, and lightning occurs often. This type of weather usually leaves the door open for a photographic safari, as thunderstorms and lightning strikes give a good chance of dramatic photography.

National Parks to Visit in Tanzania and Why

Mahale Mountains National Park

While well-known for its chimpanzee population, Mahale National Park has many other primates, such as the blue monkey, the yellow baboon, and the red-tailed monkey, that can be seen on a safari here.

Ruaha National Park

Birding is at its best during April, while wildlife viewing is minimal. This month, you can expect lush green scenery, which is ideal for photography.

Ngorongoro Crater

Wildlife viewing is optimal in the Ngorongoro Crater all year round, and it’s the perfect place to spot predatory wildlife such as wild dogs, lions, and spotted hyenas.

Activities to do in April

• Game drives
• Birding
• Chimp trekking

May is an exciting time as it signals the transition into the end of the wet season, with rain starting to ease up. While wildlife might be a bit spread out, and the grass stands tall, this month also marks the beginning of the incredible wildebeest migration through the Serengeti!

A safari in Tanzania is such a fantastic experience. Even though spotting wildlife can be a little tricky at times, the migration brings so much life and energy to the parks.

Just a heads up, the rain can make some roads a bit tricky to navigate. But as the month goes on and the weather warms up, you’ll find that more wildlife will be making an appearance, making your adventure even more rewarding!

Weather in May

Thundershowers are consistent in May, although they stop towards the end of the month. Photography in this unique setting is one of the best perks of a safari in May!

The weather sustains an excellent opportunity for a photographic safari, and the fact that wildlife can be challenging to spot makes it all the more exciting to see some wild animals that may not have been on the cards.

National Parks to Visit in Tanzania and Why

Serengeti National Park

The chance of seeing wildlife in May is fair, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see giraffes, elephants, and zebras. This month is known for its lush green scenery and is the seasonal time for wildebeest calving, which is a perfect time to witness predator action.

Arusha National Park

Migratory birds are present during May, and birding is a popular Tanzania safari activity. However, there is still an excellent chance to see wildlife activity.

Mahale National Park

Chimpanzees are the most prominent species here. If you’re lucky, you might see hippos, too. This month, though, chimpanzees are a little more challenging to spot, but the forest remains a great location for hiking and admiring the scenery.

Activities to do in May

• Hiking
• Birding
• Game drives

The wildebeest migration remains constant in June, and the weather hasn’t improved entirely. Although rain is expected this month, it only occurs now and then. Parks are expected to be green, and the grass still tends to be quite tall, making game viewing difficult.

However, if you stick around long enough, you can spot smaller wildlife and potentially big game life on your Tanzania safari. You can expect clear, dry, and cloudy weather with some rain during this time.

Parks you can visit for a safari include Tarangire National Park, where elephants occur in significant concentrations, and the Serengeti National Park, where wildlife can be seen all year round.

Weather in June

The weather begins to pick up in June, and this generally means a better chance of seeing wildlife. June sees a mix of clear and cloudy skies, with rain occurring during some parts of the day.

The upside of this month is that heavy thundershowers aren’t a constant, and a little sunshine is expected.

National Parks to Visit in Tanzania and Why

Serengeti National Park

June is an exciting month to see the wildebeest migration, and the great part about it is that you get to experience different parts of it as it progresses from January to October. Other wildlife becomes much easier to spot as the dry season starts in June.

Arusha National Park

In June, water resources are limited, so animals are much easier to spot as vegetation starts to die out. Giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and hippos are commonly seen at this park.

Ngorongoro National Park

The black rhino is commonly seen at Ngorongoro National Park and is considered one of the park’s star animals. An experience at Ngorongoro is unique as it houses some of the most unique animals, like the elephant bulls, which are not seen in many other parks.

Activities to do in June

• Game drives
• Birding

July is a fantastic time to explore the outdoors! With the sun shining brightly and the dry season in full swing, many parks come alive with fascinating wildlife. The Serengeti and Ruaha National Park are especially popular spots, as visitors can see an exciting mix of animals.

While you won’t spot the rhino in these parks, you can still enjoy the presence of four of the Big Five! And let’s not forget about the adorable wild dogs—watching them with their puppies, often called denning, is truly a magical experience. So grab your binoculars and get ready for some amazing wildlife encounters! This time of year is perfect for spotting wildlife, so be sure to take advantage of this great opportunity!

Weather in July

The weather is much improved in July, and although the days are sunny and dry, morning and evening drives can be chilly, so it is advised to keep a jacket around and dress warmly during these times of the day.

This month, most parks are drier as animals trample and feast on the grass, which means wildlife is much easier to spot and often significantly denser.

National Parks to Visit in Tanzania and Why

Lake Manyara National Park

Wildlife viewing is at its best this month. You can expect to see wildebeests, giraffes, hippos, buffalos, and elephants, not forgetting the legendary tree-climbing lions. Game drives are, therefore, a packed experience.

Serengeti National Park

The sun is out in Serengeti National Park, and the wildebeest migration is best seen during this month. Wildlife, on the other hand, thrives in the park, as they’re easily spotted during this time of year.

Tarangire National Park

This month is considered the best for wildlife viewing at the Tarangire National Park. The weather is great, and animals have begun to migrate to the park. Four of the Big Five can be found here, with just the rhino absent.

Activities to do in July

• Game drives
• Birding

August is such a thrilling time to explore, especially with the amazing wildebeest migration happening! It’s a peak season for wildlife viewing, so get ready for some unforgettable moments. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for a day full of activities and adventures.

Don’t forget to pack some warmer clothes for your trip! Even though the days are lovely and bright, those early mornings and evenings can be a bit chilly.

One fantastic spot to check out is Ngorongoro National Park, where you can marvel at the majestic black rhino, along with other incredible animals like lions, spotted hyenas, and leopards. It’s a fantastic experience you don’t want to miss out on!

Weather in August

The month of August has no potential for rain, and the dry season is in full swing. Days are generally warm, dry, and sunny. The Ngorongoro National Park and Arusha National Park are exceptional places to see big game life and be within the grasp of beautiful landscapes. Serengeti National Park is particularly interesting if you want to witness the migration river crossing.

National Parks to Visit in Tanzania and Why

Ngorongoro National Park

August offers plenty of sunshine and wildlife, and the Big Five are notable attractions at Ngorongoro National Park. However, leopards are only seen occasionally.

Serengeti National Park

Often characterised by sunny conditions in August, the Serengeti National Park boasts significant wildlife. Here, zebras, wildebeests, and buffalos are abundant.

Arusha National Park

Wildlife appears in large concentrations this month, and some commonly seen animals are zebras, buffaloes, hippos, and giraffes. The park also has scenic landscapes, and Mount Meru is a popular attraction. It’s the second-highest peak after Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Activities to do in August

• Hiking
• Game drives

The dry season peaks in September, and wildlife viewing is excellent as they stick around the last remaining water sources. This month tends to mirror August regarding sunny days and cool mornings and evenings.

While extensive layering isn’t required, packing warm clothes for game drives is necessary to avoid an uncomfortable safari experience. In case you haven’t had the chance to see it yet, the wildebeest migration is still on the move in September, and this tends to be an exciting experience as they bring life to the Serengeti National Park as they splash through the water.

To see other wildlife apart from the Big Five, chimpanzees are commonly found in Mahale National Park and are most prominent in September.

Weather in September

Safari experiences are great during September, with no cloudy days in sight. The days are mostly sunny, and game drives are generally pleasant with abundant wildlife.

Warm days leave room for plenty of species to be seen, including butterflies, bush pigs, blue monkeys, and the Ugandan red colobus at the Mahale National Park.

National Parks to Visit in Tanzania and Why

Mahale National Park

September is an excellent time to visit Mahale National Park, as chimpanzees and other primates are now seen in abundance.

Chimp trekking is considered the easiest this month, which is perfect as this is the park’s star attraction.

Serengeti National Park

The wildebeest migration is still prevalent this month and is an excellent attraction as they bring life to the park by running through the water. Serengeti National Park is also a fantastic location for predators, including lions, leopards, and hyenas.

Ruaha National Park

Considered a popular location for wildlife viewing, Ruaha National Park is a fantastic region for predators, including prides of lions. While not a Big Five destination, the park is known for inhabiting wild dogs.

Activities to do in September

• Game drives
• Chimp trekking

Tanzania is comfortably warm in October, and wildlife viewing is excellent. During this month, elephants occur in significant concentrations, and they can be an excellent game-viewing experience as they trample through Tarangire and Mahale national parks.

October is considered the last warm month and the end of the dry season, as the rain starts to pick up in November. While sunny and dry weather is still around, the parks can get quite dusty, considering the minimal rain for the past four months. Because of this, the conditions can make photography difficult. While there are no rains, wet weather typically picks up at the end of the month.

Weather in October

The sunny weather is consistent throughout the month, although the rain starts to pick up as October nears its end. You still have plenty of opportunities to have some fun in the sun. Apart from the fact that parks get dusty, the upside of this condition is that wildlife viewing remains great.

National Parks to Visit in Tanzania and Why

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is known for its significant population of elephants, which often occur in large numbers during the dry season (July to November). Other species that occur in large numbers are buffalos, zebras, and wildebeests.

Mahale National Park

The Mahale Mountains are a fantastic location for hiking and encountering chimpanzees. Other animals, such as lions and hyenas, do not occur here, but elephants occasionally appear.

Ngorongoro Crater

Plenty of sunshine and very little rainfall make this park a great place to visit and see wildlife roaming freely. Although the Ngorongoro Crater is a superb region to visit any time of year, October stands out.

Activities to do in October

• Game drives
• Chimp trekking
• Hiking

November kickstarts the rainy season, although showers only occur for short periods. Heavy rain is not continuous, and the weather fluctuates between clear skies and dry days and cloudy days with some rain.

This month typically mirrors the end of October, and wildlife is still consistent. Parks such as the Mahale and Arusha national parks are great regions for birding, given that wildlife can become dispersed as soon as the rain falls.

The Mahale National Park features explosions of butterflies should game-life viewing become challenging. Although the wildebeest migration is still taking place, their location can be unpredictable due to inconsistent periods of rain during the month.

Weather in November

The weather typically gets cooler from November onwards, with occasional showers. These rains shouldn’t heavily impact a Tanzania safari, as the official rainy season hasn’t begun yet. Pack a jacket for the occasional short showers.

National Parks to Visit in Tanzania and Why

Serengeti National Park

Migratory birds are best seen in November, and wildlife viewing is good, which means you are spoiled for choice in your safari experience. Four of the Big Five occur here, although seeing leopards can be rare.

Ngorongoro Crater

Birding and wildlife viewing are in their prime this month. The park is lush with greenery because of the wet season, making it a great time for photography.

Lake Manyara National Park

Migratory birds are commonly found in the wet season, and different species of birds make a safari experience worthwhile. There are still opportunities for wildlife viewing, and lush green scenery is part of this month’s personality.

Activities to do in November

• Yoga
• Spa day
• Birding
• Game drives

December in Tanzania is such a festive time! Even though the rainy season is in full swing, it’s still a great time for a safari adventure. While some wildlife might be a bit harder to spot because it’s spread out, there are still plenty of exciting opportunities, especially for birdwatching. So, if you’re up for a little scouting, grab your binoculars and get ready for a wonderful experience!

A holiday in Tanzania is incredibly eventful as there are many parks to choose from with each having its own unique offerings. Some parks you can visit this month are Mahale National Park, which brings scenic waterfalls; Ruaha National Park, which offers spectacular birding; and Tarangire National Park, which brings amazing scenery in January.

Weather in December

The weather in Tanzania is relatively warm during December, but the rain can sometimes overpower this. You can experience clear skies one day and then cloudy conditions with rain and thunderstorms the next.

Because of this, game viewing can be tricky, although parks like the Serengeti National Park have good wildlife viewing all year round.

National Parks to Visit in Tanzania and Why

Tarangire National Park

Vegetation flourishes this month due to the wet season, and birding is a popular activity around this time of year. Wildlife activity isn’t thriving this month, and it can be harder to spot animals. December is usually a month to appreciate the scenery.

Ruaha National Park

Birdwatching is a fantastic way to experience the park in December. Although typically known for its big game life, Ruaha in December is a unique safari experience, as migratory birds are usually present.

Mahale Mountains National Park

Photography is an excellent way to make the most of visiting the Mahale Mountains National Park. Waterfalls, migratory birds, and butterflies are abundant, creating incredible scenes to capture within a calming atmosphere.

Activities to do in December

• Birding
• Spa days
• Yoga classes