Best Time to Visit Tanzania

The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what wildlife you’d like to spot. The country’s seasons and wildlife number are dictated by the rains, so you have a slightly different experience depending on when you choose to visit.

Tanzania’s headline attraction is the Great Migration which occurs year round in Serengeti. Many people flock to Tanzania between July and September for a chance to witness huge herds of wildebeests crossing the Mara River – panic ensues as they try to avoid the jaws of crocodiles waiting to pounce. You will see a lot of vehicles in the park and this time of the year, though.

Tanzania’s green season, between November and March, is much quieter, while there is a chance of rain showers, it is fantastic time for bird watching as migratory species arrive in their thousands. You will also see the great migration herds with their newly born calves.

The only time that we tend to avoid Tanzania is between April and May when heavy rains can disrupt wildlife viewing.

Climate and Seasons

Tanzania has a tropical climate but has regional variations due to topography. In the highlands, temperatures range between 10°C and 20°C (50 – 68°F) during cold and hot season respectively. The rest of the country has temperatures rarely falling lower than 20°C (68°F). The hottest period extends between November and February while the coldest period occurs between May and August.

Seasonal rainfall is driven mainly by the migration of the intertropical convergence Zone. It migrates southwards through Tanzania in October to December reaching the south of the country in January and February, and returning northwards in March, April and May. This causes the north and east of Tanzania to experience two distinct wet periods – the sort rains, October – December and long rains, March – May while the southern, western and central parts of the country experience one wet season that that continues through October to April or May.

Luggage

With tropical climate, we advise you to prefer clothes made of natural fibres (cotton and linen…..)in rather sober colours to blend in with the savannah. Don’t forget sunglasses, hut, sun-cream and mosquito repellent. We also recommend good and comfortable shoes.

Vaccines

Although not mandatory, vaccines against yellow fever, DTP, hepatitis  A & B, meningitis A & C and typhoid are strongly recommended. An antimalarial treatment, prescribed by your doctor, is also recommended.

VISA & Passport

For most countries in the world, you need a valid passport and VISA to enter Tanzania (valid for three or more months). This VISA can be obtained on arrival or through online application.

Money

The local currency is Tanzanian shilling (TZS). To give you an idea, 1 euro equals to around 2,600 TZS while 1 USD equals to around 2,300 TZS. The use of credit cards in payment is getting popularity but majority of payments are done in cash.

Electricity

Before living, remember to bring adaptors for your electrical devices. The sockets are 3-pin; 2 horizontal and 1 vertical.

Language

Swahili and English are the country’s official languages. However, English is spoken by minority of the population compared to Swahili language which is spoken by almost everyone.

For fun, here are a few survival Swahili terms

  • Hello = jambo
  • Please = tafadhali
  • Thank you = asante
  • Yes = ndio
  • No = hapana
  • How are you = habari gani
  • Fine = nzuri
  • I don’t know = sijui
  • No problem = hakuna matata
  • Goodbye = kwaheri