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Tanzania Safari

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Close your eyes and imagine for a moment. You’re in the heart of the Serengeti and Africa is all around you. Vultures spiral in the skies above, crocodiles line the banks of the Mara river ahead of you, hundreds of wildebeest and zebra surround you, elephants rumble across the horizon and maybe lions prowl unseen in the long grass. This is Tanzania and nowhere on earth can match the spectacle.

Tanzania boasts some of the most impressive safari destinations in the world. Northern Tanzania includes the Serengeti National Park, the famous setting for the Great Migration, which attracts the highest concentration of predators anywhere in Africa. You can get close to the action in the unique BushRovers which provide access to the best places to see the greatest parade of nature on earth.

No Tanzania tour is complete without a few nights at a safari lodge on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater - one of Africa’s most iconic and dramatic locations. It is a bowl of wildlife delight where all manner of animals and birdlife congregate. And don’t forget lesser known but equally important wildlife reserves such as Lake Manyara and Tarangire for the perfect Tanzania safari vacation.

Just off Tanzania’s coast lies the exotic island of Zanzibar, with a rich and interesting history and crisp, white sand beaches. The little-known Saadani National Park is on the coast and is also a great way to combine a safari and beach vacation in one location. Both of these are ideal if you want to combine bush and beach and Zanzibar or Saadani can be added at the end of your Tanzania safari tour.

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Tanzania is situated within the African Great Lakes region. The country is mountainous and densely forested in the north-east and three of Africa's Great Lakes can be found here. To the north and west are Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, and Lake Tanganyika, its deepest lake. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, is in northeast of Tanzania and can be combined with a Tanzania safari vacation

Many important fossils of early man have been found in Tanzania ranging back over 6 million years and the oldest remains of the genus Homo were found near Lake Olduvai. From here humanity spread out all over the world and Homo sapiens dominated the older subspecies of humanity. This is a fascinating aspect of all Tanzania tours.

Zanzibar, the Spice Island, is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago and lies about 20 miles off the coast of the mainland in the Indian Ocean; it is easily reachable by boat or plane. The capital is Zanzibar City with its historic centre called the Stone Town, a World Heritage Site.

When is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania?

Select a month below for more information on weather conditions and their potential impact on tours during that period.

January

January falls into Tanzania’s short dry season, although occasional rain showers should still be expected. Average high temperatures of 29°C/84°F can be experienced, dropping to 16°C/60°F at night. Humidity levels can be high in January, however as the Ngorongoro Crater is at high altitude it is less sticky here than in other parts of the country. Despite favourable weather conditions, January sees fewer visitors than later in the year, making it a good time of year to safari in Tanzania and avoid the crowds.

February

Tanzania’s short dry season continues into February, with average high temperatures of 29°C/ 84°F, dropping to 16°C/60°F at night. Occasional rain showers should still be expected, particularly in Tanzania’s western parks. February is the best time of year to see wildebeest calving in Tanzania. This typically occurs in the lush short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti, where millions of wildebeest congregate to graze and give birth.

March

March, April and May in Tanzania are part of the long rainy season. Tropical downpours typically occur in the afternoon and tend to be heavier beside the coast. Humidity levels are high and daytime temperatures are creeping up with average highs of 30°C/86°F. Whilst safari game drives are still possible, particularly during drier mornings, road conditions are less than ideal and some properties close for the season.

April

Tanzania’s rainy season continues into April. Expect it to be wet, cloudy, and particularly humid, especially in the southern and western parks. April is typically the wettest month of the year in Tanzania. The game viewing is more challenging as the animals shelter from the rain and muddy tracks make travelling difficult. Many properties will be closed for the season. Average high temperatures of 30°C/86°F, drop to 16°C/60°F at night. In April, the wildebeest typically begin their great migration to the hills in the north.

May

May is still officially rainy season in Tanzania, although longer dry and sunny spells are not uncommon, especially towards the end of the month as dry season approaches. Expect average high temperatures of 27°C/81°F, and average low temperatures of 16°C/60°F. By May, the Serengeti’s wildebeest are all heading north in search of water and fresh grazing.

June

June is the start of the long dry season in Tanzania, which continues through to the end of October. Expect clear skies and sunny days, lower humidity levels and average high temperatures of 27°C/81°F, dropping to 15°C/59°F at night. Favourable weather conditions make June an excellent time of the year to visit Tanzania for a safari, and one of the best months for game viewing in the Serengeti. By June, wildebeest congregate beside the Grumeti River, waiting for numbers to build up before attempting the river crossing en-masse.

July

Dry season continues in July with clear skies and sunshine. Infact, July is typically the driest month of the year in Tanzania. Average high temperatures of 26°C/79°F, and average low temperatures of 14°C/57°F can be expected, though temperatures at higher altitudes (such as the Ngorongoro Crater) can be chilly in the evening and early morning. The wildebeest migration continues moving northwards through Grumeti Reserve and the Serengeti. Favourable weather conditions and good game viewing opportunities make July an excellent time of the year to visit Tanzania for a safari holiday.

August

As dry, warm weather conditions continue across Tanzania in August, watering holes and rivers begin to dry up and the foliage becomes sparce, making August an excellent month for game viewing and taking a safari in Tanzania. Consequently accommodation is at a premium, both in terms of price and availability. Advance booking is recommended! Expect average high temperatures of 27°C/81°F, dropping to 15°C/59°F at night, though temperatures at higher altitudes (such as the Ngorongoro Crater) can be chilly in the evening and early morning.

September

September is another excellent month to visit Tanzania on a safari holiday, as the long dry season continues. Expect clear, rain-free skies and plenty of sunshine. Average high temperatures of 28°C/82°F, and average low temperatures of 15°C/59°F can be experienced, though temperatures at higher altitudes (such as the Ngorongoro Crater) can be chilly in the evening and early morning. Availability and prices are better towards the end of September, and with the end of European school holidays, game viewing is less crowded. Wildebeest and zebra begin to make their way back from Kenya’s Masai Mara into the northern Serengeti during September, risking their lives to cross the Mara River.

October

October is officially the last month of Tanzania’s long dry season. Temperatures start to rise slightly in October with average highs of 29°C/84°F, and average low temperatures of 16°C/60°F. As the dry season comes to an end, occasional rainfall can be expected towards the end of the month, so it is worth packing a light waterproof coat. Favourable weather conditions and fewer visitors than previous months, make October an excellent month of the year to visit Tanzania for a safari holiday.

November

November is the start of Tanzania’s short rain season. Rain falls typically in short, sharp showers but it is not likely to have a negative impact on your holiday. Expect average high temperatures of 28°C/82°F, and average low temperatures of 16°C/60°F. By November, the wildebeest are returning to the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti to enjoy the fresh green shoots that start to appear this month.

December

Weather conditions in December are similar to those in November. Rainfall should be expected but typically comes in the form of short, sharp showers. After months of dry weather, the short rains bring a much-needed lush greenness to Tanzania’s landscape. Average high temperatures of 28°C/82°F, and average low temperatures of 16°C/60°F can be experienced. December is a popular time of year to visit Tanzania: expect an increase in accommodation prices and book well in advance.

Must-see in Tanzania

Tanzania has many highlights, these are our favourite 'must-see' moments.

See the greatest show on earth

The Great Wildebeest Migration needs to be seen to be believed. It is a wildlife spectacle like no other and is the best time to be on safari in Tanzania.

Get lost in the atmospheric alleys of Stone Town

Zanzibar’s historic capital, built to serve ancient trading routes, is a magnet for the senses and a photographer's dream.

Relax and explore Saadani

This little-known national park is a perfect combination of thrilling wildlife experiences and pristine, white sand beaches.

Experience a BushRover big game safari

These converted Land Rovers turn into luxury camps and are moved to the best viewing locations to get you close up to the wildlife safari action.

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Safari Company - a subsidiary of The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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