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Here is a Seasonal Travel Guide to Tanzania, covering the best times to visit Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar whether you are looking for wildlife safaris, mountain treks, or beach relaxation.
Tanzania Travel Guide by Season
Best Time for Safari, Climbing, and the Beach
January – March: Green Season and Calving Drama
| Location | What to Expect |
| Serengeti (Southern) | Peak calving season in Ndutu. Thousands of baby wildebeest born = predator action! Great photography and fewer crowds. |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Green and lush with excellent wildlife viewing. Shorter grasses = easier to spot animals. |
| Mount Kilimanjaro | Great climbing weather with clear skies. Warm days, cold nights. Less crowded. |
| Zanzibar | Hot and sunny. Ideal for beach holidays. Calm seas perfect for snorkeling and diving. |
Best For: Calving safaris, first-time climbers, romantic beach escapes
Rain: Occasional light rain (mostly in late March)
April – May: Long Rains (Low Season)
| Location | What to Expect |
| Serengeti (Central/Western) | Migration begins to move north. Fewer tourists. Lush scenery, dramatic skies. Roads may be muddy. |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Still open and beautiful, but rain can limit visibility and make trails slippery. |
| Mount Kilimanjaro | Not ideal — heavy rain on lower slopes. Trails can be very muddy. |
| Zanzibar | Rainy season — best to avoid unless you like solitude and don’t mind rain. |
Best For: Budget travelers, photographers (green landscapes, dramatic skies)
Rain: Yes, heavy at times
June – October: Dry Season and Peak Safari Time
| Location | What to Expect |
| Serengeti (Central to Northern) | Best time for safari and Great Wildebeest Migration river crossings (Grummet in June; Mara from July–Sept) |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Peak wildlife season. Dry conditions make animals easier to spot. Cooler temperatures. |
| Mount Kilimanjaro | Best climbing season. Clear skies, minimal rainfall, and great summit success rates. |
| Zanzibar | Perfect beach weather: sunny, low humidity, cool breeze. Best for diving and water sports. |
Best For: Classic safaris, Kilimanjaro trekking, beach + bush combo
Weather: Dry and cool; evenings can be cold in highlands
November – December: Short Rains & Return Migration
| Location | What to Expect |
| Serengeti (Eastern to Southern) | Wildebeest begin to return south — perfect for watching the start of the new cycle. Short rains = fewer crowds. |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Still great game viewing. Landscapes begin turning green again. |
| Mount Kilimanjaro | Short rains start in November, but December is popular again (especially around the holidays). |
| Zanzibar | Great time for beach holidays, especially late December. Festive season = higher prices. |
Best For: Early calving migration, festive getaways, off-peak travel
Rain: Short, usually in the afternoon
Quick Summary: Best Time to Visit by Activity
| Activity | Best Months |
| Safari (Serengeti and Ngorongoro) | June – October & Jan – March |
| Wildebeest Migration (crossings) | June (Grumeti), July–Sept (Mara) |
| Kilimanjaro Climb | Jan–March & June–October |
| Zanzibar Beach Holiday | June – October & December – March |
Plan Your Dream Journey with KLA
At KLA, we help you:
- Time your safari to catch the best of the migration
- Plan safe and successful Kilimanjaro climbs
- Pair your trek with a Zanzibar beach escape
- Travel smart during low seasons with special offers.