Best time to visit Tanzania
The unique geography of Tanzania has given it several climatic zones and the best time to travel here will depend on your destinations in the country and your prefered activities. The coastal region has a tropical climate, while the inland and mountainous regions have more temperate climates. Tanzania Highlights Kilimanjaro A dream destination for many climbing and hik
ing enthusiasts, Mt. Kilimanjaro is located in northern Tanzania and stands over 19,000 feet high. Rather uniquely for a mountain this size, climbers require no technical climbing experience or equipment - a wonderful challenge for those in good physical condition. There are several different trails to the top, some better than others depending on physical ability, scenery and time of year. Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones, Mawenzi, Shira and Kibo - the first two are extinct but Kibo, long dormant, could erupt again one day. For those taking on the magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro, there is no real off-season as different hiking routes and times of year offer different challenges and opportunities. However, the most popular times to take on this trek is January to March and June to October. Serengeti National Park The word Serengeti comes from a Maasai word that roughly means “endless plains” and indeed the land here seems to go on forever. The Serengeti plains are home to the animal kingdom’s most spectacular sight - the Wildebeest migration, with many hundreds of thousands making their annual march across the wilderness. Here you can also observe the Big 5 (lions, leopards, rhino, African elephant and African buffalo) as well as more exciting species such as cheetahs, Nile crocodiles, honey badgers and many, many more! Ngorongoro Crater Located in northern Tanzania in the Eastern Great Rift Valley, the Ngorongoro Crater is a stunning natural wonder. At about 12 miles wide, 2000 feet deep and covering over 115 square miles, the crater is the world’s largest volcanic caldera. Here you will find an amazing diversity of flora and fauna, including the Big 5 (and the densest population of lions anywhere). The floor of the crater is predominately grasslands while the rim of the crater is heavily forested. The Olduvai Gorge is also located nearby, showcasing human remains dating back millions of years. Lake Manyara National Park Located near both the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. Lake Manyara National Park is well known for its population of flamingo’s (in the wet season) that flock to this soda lake. The park is about 130 square miles in size and the lake takes up nearly 77 square miles in the wet season (and virtually disappears in the dry season). As well as the flamingos, you’ll find tree-climbing lions, large herds of baboons, warthogs and numerous bird species here as well. Tarangire National Park Often overlooked in favour of its more well-known neighbour, the Serengeti National Park, Tarangire spoils those who make the effort for a visit. Especially spectacular in the dry season, you’ll be delighted by the animal encounters along the Tarangire River, as herbivores and carnivores congregate here. Tarangire is also home to a vast number of the world’s largest species of the iconic Baobab tree. You’ll be treated to countless elephants as well as wildebeests, giraffes, cheetahs and much more. Of special note: over 500 species of birds can be found here as well. Zanzibar Enjoy startling blue waters and sensational beaches on this island paradise, located just twenty minutes by plane from Dar Es Salaam. On top of world-class beaches and diving opportunities, you’ll also find that this island has a wonderful history to explore. From historical tours of Stone Town to swimming with dolphins in the Menai Bay nature reserve or snorkelling in the Mnemba Atoll – East Africa’s tropical fish capital. Whale sharks are also a highlight in the coastal waters off Tanzania, especially near Mafia Island, and diving with one is a bucket list experience for many adventurers! Inland, at the wildlife parks, you’ll find the dry season of June to October is often best for viewings and the famous wildebeest migration is at its peak (for river crossings that is) in August and September. The coastal areas and Zanzibar with their year-round high temperatures are perfect for a beach holiday and one can typically focus on avoiding the 2 rainy seasons (March to May and November). Tanzania also holds several wonderful festivals throughout the year and they can be a great addition to any trip. In Zanzibar, there is the Zanzibar International Film Festival held over a week, every July. In late November, Zanzibar also puts on the Zanzibar Beach and Watersports Festival. Here you’ll see sports tournaments for football, volleyball, kite-surfing and even goat racing! For meat lovers, there is the Nyama Choma Festival which celebrates all things barbeque (Nyama Choma translates as roasted meat)
