Tanzania is an East African country that shares Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, and Mozambique borders. On the eastern side of Tanzania, we have the Indian Ocean, which forms the coastal cities such as Tanga and Bagamoyo. It’s a big nation covering a total area of 945,087 square kilometers, with inland waters covering an area of 61000 square kilometers inclusive. Tanzania also comprises Zanzibar, the Islands, with a total area of 2,654 square kilometers inclusive of Unguja, the big island, with 1,666 square kilometers, and Pemba, with a total of 988-kilometre square.
Tanzania is an epic tourist destination in East Africa, best known for its natural wonders. Three of the Seven Wonders of Africa are found within the boundaries of this beautiful country. They include Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa; the Great Migration, which the majestic Serengeti National Park hosts; and the Ngorongoro Crater, the largest unbroken caldera. Apart from these iconic wonders, Tanzania is also home to splendid destinations that can be visited throughout the year.
The dry season, commencing from June to October is preferred over the rainy season (November to May) for many safari-goers coming to Tanzania. This is mainly due to minimum weather fluctuations experienced during this time. However, if you think the dry season is the best time to visit Tanzania, you must catch up on many things that can be done when visiting this fabulous country during the rainy season. Tanzania offers a unique safari experience during the rainy season, which can differ from month to month. Let’s look at safari experiences that you can have when on a safari in Tanzania in the rainy season from month to month.
November – The best Tanzania’s rainy season to visit
Short rains characterize this month. Pasture grows in specific locations around Tanzanian parks, thus attracting large herds of wild animals to grassy fields and water sources. The rough roads become slippery and muddy, making reaching and accessing the parks challenging. The prices of things go down due to the small number of visitors at this time. The accommodation facilities are less crowded, and some close their lodges during this time. If you visit Tanzania this month, you can enjoy wonderful safari experiences such as game viewing, birding, and camping in affordable facilities.
December
This is the peak season when you want to have an unforgettable Christmas celebration. December is perfect for trekking the Great Migration, especially when the migrating herd moves from Northern Serengeti to Southern Serengeti. Hot-air balloon safaris are exceptional in the south of Serengeti, as you will float in the air viewing the large herds of wildebeests, zebras, and other games grazing in the verdant plains. Birding is fantastic this month since the vegetation becomes evergreen and flowers blossom, thus attracting birds (pollinators). Numerous birds can be spotted in different birding destinations, such as Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Another wonderful thing you can experience in December is that many tour operators have additional Christmas and New Year packages. Therefore, some packages are offered as special promotions to attract visitors.
January
January receives relatively more frequent rains compared to November and December. It is less crowded compared to December. There are a lot of places to go on a safari in January. One of these places is Southern Serengeti, especially in the Ndutu area, where you can witness the calving season. Predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas gather in this area, scanning for easy prey of a newborn baby wildebeest. You can also head to Kilimanjaro National Park for a Kilimanjaro climb, which will be rewarding due to the stunning vegetation. The Kilimanjaro climb in January is challenging, mainly due to the weather conditions. Rains may fall, making the trails slippery, and super cold weather may be experienced.
Other things to do in January include wildlife viewing, bird watching, hiking, and chilling on the white sand beaches of Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar.
February
February is relatively drier than December, November, and January, thus allowing the wildlife safaris to be done well. You can book a wildlife safari through various Tanzanian national parks or a bird-watching trip, which are exceptionally rewarding. The migratory animals of Serengeti are in their calving season, giving birth to nearly five hundred thousand new ones. The accommodation facilities are more affordable, and amenities are abundant. This is usually a low tourism season; hence, you can use the advantage of being less crowded.
March
March is a perfect time for viewing many beautiful things, such as wildebeest migration, birding safaris, and wild animal viewing. The migratory animals are in their breeding and calving seasons. Migratory Eurasian birds enter a breeding season, thus settling for a certain period to care for their plumage. You will experience uncharted birding trips in different parks like Tarangire, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara.
April – Tanzania’s rainy season
This month is known for receiving heavy rains, and April and May are usually called the long rainy season. There are abundant pastures in the verdant plains of Serengeti. Large herds of wildebeest, zebras, antelopes, and buffalos can be spotted grazing near seasonal swamps, while predators are never far from their prey. You can, therefore, be luckier to witness some predator-prey movements. The breeding plumage of birds becomes very beautiful while the flowers blossom, attracting various insects.
May
This is another month characterized by long rains. Early May is known to have heavy rains, while late May is relatively dry. Visitors can go on an adventurous safari to the south and central Serengeti, where the great migration begins. Pasture becomes scarce in late May, causing the herd to go to the central, western, and northern Serengeti.
Tanzania’s rainy season is also exceptional for amazing Tanzanian safaris. Therefore, it is the best time to explore Tanzania with a small crowd and at a low cost.
