Do Tanzania safaris operate all year?
Do Tanzania safaris operate all year? Tanzania is highly regarded as one of the best safari locations in the world, and rightly so. Many people wonder if it is possible to visit this beautiful East African country at any time during the year. The straightforward answer is yes; Tanzania safaris are open throughout the year.
Unlike some travel destinations that completely close their doors during certain months, Tanzania’s national parks are still available to visitors every day of the year. Nevertheless, even though the entrance doors are always unlocked, the kind of experience you get will differ greatly depending on the month you decide to come.
With each season, the wild is given a different “atmosphere”; from the dusty and excitement-filled dry months to the lush and tranquil rainy season.
The Dry Season: The Peak of the Action.
Usually, the ideal time to go on a safari is during the long dry season, which is from the end of June to October. The weather is cool and dry during these months and rain is almost nonexistent. This makes spotting animals very easy, as the grass is low and scarce, allowing no place for animals to hide. Due to the scarcity of water, animals resort to the remaining watering holes and rivers.
This forms a natural “stage” where you can stay in your car and watch elephants, zebras, and lions all arriving at the same place to drink. Apart from that, this is the period when the Great Migration River crossings take place in the northern Serengeti, where thousands of wildebeest leap into crocodile-infested waters.
Although this is the prime time for wildlife observation, it is also the most crowded and expensive time to travel.
The Green Season: A Hidden Gem.
The “Green Season” is when the rains come, usually from November to May. The majority of people fear incessant rainfall, but in fact, it seldom rains all day. Weather-wise, it’s more typical to have sudden and powerful afternoon storms with a blue sky following them.
The best time to take photos is during this season, as not only is the dust gone and the air extremely pure, but also the earth gets changed into a radiant and luminous green color.
If you want a less busy and more secluded experience, then this is the time to get there as the parks are really empty. You might get a chance to observe a lion or a leopard without even seeing another vehicle. Additionally, many hotels offer special low prices during these months, providing you with the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful experience while spending less money.
The Calving Season and Birdwatching.
From January to March, the southern part of the Serengeti National Park hosts a great event: the calving season. In just a couple of weeks, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves come into the world. The big cats such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, which are always ready to take advantage of the situation, attracted attention in a way that can be only compared to the violent encounter’s scenes of the animal world. Fans of birdwatching will also get the most out of the wet time of year.
Thousands of birds fly in from Europe and the North of Africa, joining the local species which are also very pretty. The parks are covered in birds in beautiful breeding plumage, and the melodies of their songs fill the trees, creating a kind of safari enchantment that is indescribable.
Practical Considerations for Travelers.
Although safaris run throughout the year, if you decide to visit in the wettest months of April and May, there are a few practical things to consider. Certain remote camps, particularly in the south and west of the country, might close temporarily as the dirt roads become extremely muddy and impassable for vehicles.
Most of the well-known northern parks, for example, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, remain accessible since they possess better road networks and professional 4×4 vehicles can tackle the terrain.
It is also good to keep in mind that during the rainy season, mosquitoes are more prevalent, so you have to be more careful with your use of insect repellents. So, if you don’t mind a little mud and the occasional downpour, the advantages of a “low season” safari are definitely worth it.
Therefore, Tanzania is a destination open all year round and with something special on offer every month. Whether you are after seeing the dramatic river crossings of the dry season or enjoying the quiet, lush beauty of the green season, the amount of wildlife in this country will never fail to amaze you.
Choosing the right time for your safari will depend mostly on whether you will most enjoy being able to easily spot the “Big Five, ” witnessing the birth and raising of new life, or simply enjoying the wilderness all to yourself in peace and quiet.
