Tanzania is an equatorial country, which means it experiences wet and dry seasons instead of the usual four seasons that are prevalent in the US and Europe. For many travelers, this can be a cause for concern when planning a Tanzania safari. After all, not many safari activities are available during the wet season in Tanzania. Not to worry. You can still have the time of your life even if your trip falls during the wet season.
Most of the popular tourist destinations in Tanzania experience two rainy seasons and two dry seasons every year. The long rainy season usually lasts from March to late May, which sees heavy downpours and high humidity even at noon. At this time of year, temperatures tend to exceed 30 degrees Celsius. The short wet season usually starts sometime at the end of October until December. This period sees lighter, less reliable rains, which gradually pave way for the start of the hottest time of year with temperatures going as high as 40 degrees Celsius.
The months of January and February make up the short dry season. The most pleasant time of year for safari tours, however, is the long dry season which lasts from late June to October. During this time, clear skies and plenty of sunshine are to be expected. Temperatures tend to be relatively cool and can even be quite chilly especially on early morning activities like game drives and hot air balloon rides.
Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, so you can be sure of enjoying your stay despite the showers. Plus, you get to enjoy some benefits that would otherwise not be available during the dry seasons. For example, traveling during the wet season means lower costs of accommodation, fees, and sometimes even international travel.
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park is filled with vast plains and the lush greenery resulting from the rains that the animals then feed on. It is famous for the Great Migration which occurs year-round in the Serengeti, although you will need to be in the right place at the time to catch a glimpse of this wondrous spectacle. If you arrive between the short dry season and the wet season (February to early March), you might still be able to catch the magnificent calving season of the migrating herds. If you are a bird enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that the wet season from March to April sees lots of different bird species in the park.
Ruaha National park
Ruaha National Park is known for its large number of wild dogs. Although the dry season is the ideal time to visit the park for wildlife viewing, you will still be treated to amazing sights in Ruaha during the wet season. The lush vegetation also makes for some stunning backdrops for your camera. Ruaha’s wet season is the best time for bird watching as you will be able to see the different bird species, both indigenous and migratory.
Lake Manyara National Park
During the wet season, the abundance of water means that Lake Manyara National Park is alive with life and features breathtaking scenery for nature lovers. The park is usually less crowded with generally lower rates during the rainy season and offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year. Some of the additional safari adventure activities you can enjoy within the park include swimming, canoeing, photographing, horse riding, cycling, cultural activities, safari walks, and cycling. The good this is that It is very easy to access Lake Manyara National Park since it is just about one and a half hours drive from Arusha, making it ideal for single day safari tours.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Between November and May, the rains start in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is actually one of the best times to visit especially if you are into watching birds. Even though wildlife will usually be spread out across the area during this season, you will still be able to view a few of them on your game drives and nature walks. Plus, the vast thick vegetation makes for some pretty amazing photo opportunities. No wonder the Ngorongoro National Park is often regarded as the Garden of Eden in Africa.
Don't let the wet season stop you from planning your Tanzania safari. Get in touch with us today to discuss your safari plans and we’ll happily work with you to make sure you get only the best spots included in your travel itinerary.
8 Days/7 Nights The Ultimate Tanzania Safari
6 Days/5 Nights The Highlights of Tanzania
4 Days/3 Nights A Taste of Tanzania
Due to the recent Covid 19 worldwide pandemic, to keep our guests and indeed our staff safe, we have made some changes to Safari By Z that we would like to make you aware. We believe that with careful planning and consideration by our staff and guests we can continue to provide the best hospitality services on safari. For now, this may be our new norm.
New routines:
All our staff have received full training in health and safety-related to the COVID-19 virus and are required to be extra vigilant with their personal hygiene and daily routines.
Health condition of driver-guides will be monitored for not less than a week before being assigned to take clients on safari.
City transfer and safari vehicles will be regularly disinfected before picking up clients, especially the high-touch surfaces and seats.
Our meet and greet teams at airports will still be there to accompany guests into transfer vehicles. While our vehicles are already cleaned between transfers, they will now also be disinfected between each use.
To keep social distancing, safari vehicles with 4-window seats will be redesigned to take only 2 people in the passenger cabin. Safari vehicles with 6-window seats will still be available for families/group of friends wishing to travel together in one vehicle.
The driver-guide will be at hand to oversee guests observe the recommended physical distancing at park entry gates, picnic sites, and while checking in at accommodation facilities.
Each guest will receive their own adventure kit, which includes a Wildlife Guides' Journal, mini fan and hand sanitizers, as well as a pair of binoculars – all in cleaned before each new set of guests
The driver-guide will take necessary personal protection precautions at all times. Guests are encouraged to come with their own masks;
Please be assured that all our selection of partner properties we work with have their strict COVID-19 hygiene practises in place.
Tanzania wasn't Really affected by Covid 19 to the same extent as most other countries, especially those in Europe and South America.
However, we will keep the above measures in place for your peace of mind. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you to the Tanzania for your African safari holiday of a lifetime.
