Dry season, calving season or green season? How the weather and the Great Migration change through the year — and what that means for your safari, your climb and Zanzibar.
Tanzania is a year-round destination, but each season offers something different. Here is a simple guide to help you choose your dates.
June to October — the classic dry season
Rain is rare, the grass is short and animals gather around rivers and waterholes, which makes game viewing excellent. From July to September the Great Migration is usually in the northern Serengeti, where the herds cross the Mara River. This is also the busiest time, so book early.
November and December — the short rains
Short afternoon showers turn the landscape green again. The herds move south through the Serengeti, there are fewer visitors and the light is beautiful for photography.
January to March — calving season
In the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area hundreds of thousands of wildebeest give birth within a few weeks. Predators are never far away, which makes this one of the most exciting times of the year. It is also a good, dry window for Kilimanjaro.
April and May — the green season
The long rains bring lush scenery, quiet parks and lower prices. Some roads become muddy, but wildlife stays — and you often have sightings all to yourself.
Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
The driest months on Kilimanjaro are January to mid-March and June to October. Zanzibar is lovely most of the year; the long rains around April and May are the only time we suggest avoiding.
Not sure which month suits you? Tell us your dates in the trip planner and we will suggest the best route for that time of year.
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