When to go to Tanzania: Climate And Best Time For a Safari

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Discovering the Best Time for a Safari in Tanzania

As a travel enthusiast, I’m excited to share with you my expertise on planning the perfect safari adventure in Tanzania. With its vast territory and diverse landscapes, this East African country offers an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore the best time for a safari in Tanzania, discussing the ideal regions and periods for visiting each area.

Understanding Tanzania’s Climate

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Before diving into the specifics of planning your safari, it’s essential to grasp the basics of Tanzania’s climate. The country’s seasons are opposite to those of Europe and North America, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons throughout the year. This means that winter in Tanzania is summer in our part of the world.

Best Time for a Safari

Tanzania can be divided into four macro-areas: Coastal Zone (Dar es Salaam), Highland Zone (Dodoma), Mountain Meru Zone (Arusha), and Lake Victoria Zone (Mwanza). Each region has its unique characteristics, making it essential to choose the right time for your safari.

• Coastal Zone (Dar es Salaam): The best time to visit Dar es Salaam is from June to August, when temperatures are mild and prices are affordable.
• Highland Zone (Dodoma): May to September is the ideal period for visiting Dodoma, with pleasant temperatures and fewer rainfall days.
• Mountain Meru Zone (Arusha): Arusha offers pleasant temperatures throughout the year, except for impasses in November and March. The best time to visit is almost 365 days a year.
• Lake Victoria Zone (Mwanza): Mwanza has pleasant temperatures year-round, but it’s recommended to avoid the rainy season from October to May.

As we can see, the “winter” period of Tanzania (May to September) is ideal for enjoying a safari, as well as taking advantage of beach trips and numerous natural wonders offered by the country. Here are some excursions and safaris in Tanzania:

Avoided Periods

From late October to April, Tanzania is often targeted by rainy seasons, especially in April, accompanied by hot and sweltering temperatures. In some areas, you can observe brief showers from October to December, alternating with prolonged rainfall from March to May.

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Risks and Hazards

The central-southern region of the state lies south of the Equator, making it vulnerable, albeit marginally, to tropical cyclones. The most hazardous zones are in particular those located southeast, with the risk highest between late December and mid-April. It’s best to be vigilant from November to mid-May.

Climate and Seasons

Tanzania has a tropical climate, with temperatures not significantly different throughout the year and also mild. In mountainous regions, especially near Mount Kilimanjaro, minimum temperatures can drop by several degrees below zero.

Temperature averages and Precipitation – Coastal Zone (Dar es Salaam)
Two rainy seasons and hot temperatures (up to 36°C) characterize the climate of Tanzania’s major city. Recommended period: June to September

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Winter from June to September: 18°F/29°F, 4 days of rain
Summer from October to February: 21°F/32°F, 7 days of rain
Rainy season from March to May: 22°F/31°F, 15 days of rain

Temperature averages and Precipitation – Highland Zone (Dodoma)
Our winter coincides with Tanzania’s summer. The capital enjoys its best time from June to September, with a particular preference for the sixth month of the year.

Season Period Temperature (min/max) Rainfall
Winter from June to September: 14°F/28°F, 0 days of rain
Summer from October to February: 18°F/30°F, 7 days of rain
Rainy season from March to May: 18°F/28°F, 9 days of rain

Temperature averages and Precipitation – Mountain Meru Zone (Arusha)
Cool nights and pleasant temperatures throughout the year characterize Arusha, located at the foot of the famous volcano Meru.

Season Period Temperature (min/max) Rainfall
First rainy season from November to March: 10°F/27°F, 15 days of rain
Second rainy season from April to July: 11°F/22°F, 14 days of rain
Dry season from August to October: 8°F/24°F, 4 days of rain

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Temperature averages and Precipitation – Lake Victoria Zone (Mwanza)
Hot climate and a single rainy season per year characterize the characteristic area of Mwanza and most localities near the large body of water.

Season Period Temperature (min/max) Rainfall
Dry season from June to September: 16°F/28°F, 2 days of rain
Rainy season from October to May: 18°F/28°F, 13 days of rain

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What to Bring in Your Baggage

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable safari experience, it’s essential to pack the right clothing for your destination. Here are some guidelines:

• Winter (June – August):
  • Coastal area: light clothing, sweater for cooler evenings, scarf against wind.
  • Lake Victoria, mountains, and Highland areas: lightweight clothes for mornings, jacket or warm sweater for evenings.
• Summer (December – February):
  • Coastal area: umbrella or raincoat, light clothing, jacket or sweater for the evening.
  • Highland and Lake Victoria areas: light clothing, hat to protect yourself from the sun, umbrella or raincoat, and a sweater for the evenings.
  • Mountainous regions: comfortable clothes and a jacket or sweater for the evening.
• Autumn and Spring (September – November and March – May):
  • Coastal area: lightweight clothing, umbrella or raincoat, light jacket for the evening.
  • Highland area: lightweight and comfortable clothes, as well as an umbrella.
  • Mountain Meru area: comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as an umbrella or raincoat, and a sweater or jacket for the evening.
  • Lake Victoria area: light clothing, umbrella or raincoat, and a light jacket for the evenings.

Useful Information

Here are some additional facts to consider when planning your safari:

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• Capital: Dodoma
• Population: 44.928.923 inhabitants
• Area: 945,090 km²
• Languages: Swahili, English
• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) / Exchange rate: €1 = 2673.01 TZS
• Travel Documents: Valid passport with remaining validity of at least six months upon entry; visa may be required, which can be paid in advance or obtained on arrival; consult the Tanzania Embassy in Milan.
• Time Zone: +2 hours compared to Italy, +1 hour during Italian daylight saving time

In conclusion, planning a safari in Tanzania requires careful consideration of the best time for your destination. By understanding the country’s climate and seasons, you can make informed decisions about when to visit each region and what to pack for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions related to safaris in Tanzania:

1. What is the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania?
   • The “winter” period of Tanzania (May to September) is ideal for enjoying a safari, as well as taking advantage of beach trips and numerous natural wonders offered by the country.
2. Are there any avoided periods for safaris in Tanzania?
   • From late October to April, Tanzania is often targeted by rainy seasons, especially in April, accompanied by hot and sweltering temperatures.
3. What are the risks and hazards associated with safaris in Tanzania?
   • The central-southern region of the state lies south of the Equator, making it vulnerable, albeit marginally, to tropical cyclones.
4. Can I get a visa on arrival for Tanzania?
   • Yes, visas can be obtained on arrival or in advance, depending on your nationality and the type of visa required.
5. How do I exchange my money for Tanzanian Shillings?
   • You can exchange your money at local banks or currency exchange offices, or use an ATM to withdraw cash with your debit/credit card.

I hope this information helps you plan a memorable safari adventure in Tanzania!