Tanzania in May

Early May is usually still very wet but, as the month progresses, things start to dry out and road repairs get underway, making moving around the parks and country by vehicle easier over time. The bush and vegetation look fantastic after all the rain with most herbivores in fine condition thanks to the abundant food and water that’s widely available.

The eastern region of Tanzania remains rather budget-friendly before the start of the main dry season. If you are fortunate you will enjoy a few consecutive days of sunshine, but with nature nothing is guaranteed.

At this time of year, long columns of wildebeest vacate the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti and start to trek north and into the western corridor. The latter part of May is a great time to be in Tanzania: the emerald season is giving way to the early dry season, wildebeest are on the move, the tourist hordes are yet to arrive, and everywhere the bush looks lush and colourful. May is consequently a great month for photographers.

Culture in Tanzania

With almost half the country’s population being Muslim, it is important to respect their more conservative Islamic cultural norms by dressing less provocatively and covering up when exploring their ethnic strongholds, such as Zanzibar, the other Spice Islands, and along the east coast of Tanzania. The holy month of Ramadan, the religious importance of Fridays, and the need to pray five…

Shopping in Tanzania

Most mainstream tourist destinations in Tanzania offer opportunities for souvenir shopping. Popular gifts to take back home include: Maasai tartan blankets and beadwork, Tanzanite jewellery, traditional woodcarvings and hand-printed batik fabrics. As a general rule, you’re much more likely to find a bargain at a local market as opposed to in a shopping centre or craft shop frequented by…

Tanzania in April

If there is one month that is probably worth avoiding for a visit to Tanzania, then that would have to be the rain-soaked month of April. This is by far the wettest month of the year, as it falls in the midst of the long/heavy rains. While the rains predominantly come in the form of afternoon thunderstorms, it is not unusual to have big storms at night as well as some grey, drizzly days.…

Tanzania in February

The rains depends on your chosen location in Tanzania, while the northern parks are more likely to see dry spells, while the western parks remain rather wet throughout. February is definitely the best time of year to see wildebeest calves, with the migratory herds in full calving season. This usually happens in Ndutu in the southern part of the Serengeti where millions of wildebeest…

Tanzania in July

The safari season is in full swing and Tanzania is dry with a good chance of roads kicking up dust clouds when driving through the plains. Tanzania is busy during July, expect to find all the parks and prime attractions of the northern circuit to be crowded during the months of July and August. If you are planning a sojourn to Zanzibar, then it is also worth exploring options for other…

Tanzania in August

August is still very much peak season with large numbers of visitors from America and Europe dominating the northern safari circuit and Zanzibar. The weather is excellent at this time of year, although it can get a bit windy in August and wild fires are a common sight sweeping through the dry grasslands. Expect hazy conditions that detract from the scenic beauty, obscure the majesty of…

Popular Tanzania Safaris

These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates