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What is the best time for a safari in Tanzania


What is the  best time  for a safari   in Tanzania

The best time for a safari in Tanzania depends on the specific parks you want to visit and the wildlife experiences you’re interested in. Here’s a general overview of the optimal times to visit various key safari destinations in Tanzania:



Serengeti National Park


- June to October This is the dry season and generally considered the best time for game viewing. The weather is cooler, and animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. This period is also when the Great Migration is typically in the northern Serengeti or Masai Mara, which is a spectacular event to witness.

- November to May: This is the wet season, which can bring lush landscapes and fewer tourists. However, some roads can be muddy and difficult to navigate, and wildlife might be more dispersed due to the availability of water sources across the park. The Great Migration is usually in the southern Serengeti or western corridor during this time.


Ngorongoro Crater


- June to October: The dry season is the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater for optimal wildlife viewing. The grass is shorter, and animals are easier to spot in the crater floor. The weather is cooler and more comfortable.

- **November to May:** This period includes the long rains (April to May) and the short rains (November to December). The crater can be quite lush, and some areas may be muddy, but this is also a good time for fewer tourists and beautiful landscapes.


Tarangire National Park


- June to October: The dry season is ideal for visiting Tarangire. The park’s large elephant herds gather around the Tarangire River, making wildlife sightings particularly rewarding.

- November to May: During the wet season, Tarangire becomes lush and green. The wet season also sees fewer visitors and can be a good time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive. However, some roads may be less accessible due to mud.


Selous Game Reserve


- June to October: This dry season is the best time to visit Selous, as wildlife congregates around water sources, and the weather is cooler and more comfortable. Boat safaris on the Rufiji River are particularly enjoyable during this time.

- November to May: The wet season brings lush vegetation and fewer visitors. It’s also a good time for birdwatching, but some areas can be challenging to access due to muddy conditions.


Ruinsori Mountains


- June to September: These months are generally the best for trekking the Rwenzori Mountains. The weather is relatively dry, and trails are more accessible.


- March to May and October to November: These are the wetter periods, which can make trekking more challenging and trails more slippery.


General Advice


- Peak Season: June to October is considered peak safari season in Tanzania due to the dry weather and excellent game viewing conditions. It's also when the Great Migration is most active.

- Off-Peak Season: November to May is the rainy season, which can be less crowded and more affordable. The landscape is lush and green, and birdwatching can be particularly rewarding.


Each season offers different benefits, so your ideal time to visit will depend on what you most want to experience during your safari.