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Best Time To Visit Tanzania

Tanzania through the seasons

Best time to visit Tanzania is during the drier months from June to October, when conditions are ideal for safaris. During this period, you can explore iconic regions like the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro. The relatively cooler temperatures and the spectacle of the Great Migration of wildebeest and other animals make it an especially attractive time to visit.

When planning your Tanzania vacation, remember Best time to visit Tanzania that the country is situated just south of the equator. Coastal areas, including Arusha and the island of Zanzibar, experience high humidity. However, in the highlands of Tanzania, the humidity levels are lower.

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Best time to visit Tanzania by season

Tanzania has two distinct annual rainfall patterns and generally, there are two rainy seasons. The short rains occur between November and December while the long rains take place between mid-March and June. The warm Tanzanian summer lasts from mid-December until March. The cooler, dry winter occurs from June to October and the cool air during this time is perfect for viewing sunsets while sitting at the campfire with a warm cup of tea or cocoa! Tanzania’s mountains are notable exceptions to its complex but otherwise regular climate. Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru drop below freezing point.

These are the typical seasons for you to bear in mind as you plan your travel to Tanzania and consider Best time to visit Tanzania.

Long wet season: mid March – June

Winter: June – October

Short rainy season: November – December

Summer: Mid December – March

What to Pack for Tanzania Tours

Safari wear should be comfortable and casual. Evenings and early mornings can be chilly so warm sweaters are recommended. Low heeled comfortable sports or trekking shoes are the most suitable walking shoes should you intend joining any walking safaris. We recommend you bring warm clothes, including a fleece or light wool sweater and socks, to their normal safari gear. During the day it can get quite hot so don’t forget sunglasses and a high factor sunscreen, as well as a sun hat with a small brim.

Some specialist trips, i.e. mountain climbing, require extra items of clothing and footwear. Many hotels, lodges and camps have swimming pools so you are advised to bring swimsuits. Due to limited space in the vehicle and light aircraft, we advise you to keep your luggage to the minimum. We suggest you pack your luggage into a small bag of no more than 15 kilos – the luggage limit for local flights issued by the airlines. Almost all safari lodges and camps provide same day laundry service.

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Best Places To Visit

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area,

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Rubondo Island National Park

Rubondo Island National Park, located in the southwestern corner of Lake Victoria in Tanzania, is a pristine and

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Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe Stream National Park, located in western Tanzania along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, is a small but

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Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Tanzania? Before you travel, get your lowdown on all the essential details – from visa and entry to communications, internet, currency, cards, and health information.

Things To Do

Great Migration, the magical Serengeti National Park, fascinating indigenous cultures, and the spice islands of Zanzibar – discover the top ten things to do in Tanzania.

Safety

Tanzania as well as Zanzibar, are generally considered a safe destination for travel. As with all other destinations, all you need to do is follow these simple safety measures.

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