Tanzania

BEST TIME TO VISIT TANZANIA

Tanzania safaris are a great choice year-round, but depending on what you want to see, there are better months than others. The best time to see wildlife is during the dry seasons, from late June to early October, and the southern parks are definitely at their best during this time. Good news is the Migration is always in or by the Serengeti so even though it moves around from month to month you should always have the opportunity to catch this animal wonder.

The dry season makes it easier to spot animals, both because they tend to cluster near water sources and because there’s less vegetation to obscure your view. The northern parks can become busier during this peak season, while the southern and western parks are still relatively quiet.

During the wet season, which peaks in April-May, some of the lodges in the south and west close down, so pick your timing carefully if you want to see Selous and Ruaha. However, the wet season does offer its own beauty, with migratory birds having returned to their homes.

BEST TIME TO VISIT ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar is a tropical island paradise and is open year round.  June to August are warm with low humidity and are especially pleasant.  Off the south east coast this is also a great time for kite surfing.

The heat and humidity starts building from September and by March short, sharp rainfall is common.

April and May are the wetter months and so super value.

August and September offer the best diving and snorkelling opportunities, as the water clarity is at its highest.

A visit to Stonetown, for the day or overnight is also highly recommended. The narrow streets, markets and rooftop restaurants are part of the Zanzibar experience.  While the weather does not affect your time here, its worth checking that your plans do not coincide with Ramadan, as almost all restaurants and cafes will close during the day.

Explore northern Tanzania in style

Our Quintessential Tanzania itinerary, spread over a course of 6 days, with a mix of fixed and tented camps, might look something like this: Travel from Arusha with guide in 4wd / 2 nights Tarangire / 2 nights Ngorongoro / 2 nights central Serengeti / return by air or 4wd to Arusha or onward to Zanzibar

For speed, air transport can facilitate a speedy return or extend the options within a limited time period. Your overnight stays would be tailored to your own preferences and budget. Realistically, a trip such as this would cost from $3,500 to $5,000+ per person. For a slightly shorter safari, say 4 nights, the budget would reduce to around $2,300+ per person.

Have a look at camp options or give us a ring/email for a bespoke itinerary.

Get off the beaten track in Tanzania

Nyerere National Park (part of the The Selous Game Reserve) can be as equally rewarding safari experience as the more famous northern parks in Tanzania but with fewer human visitors. The Rufiji River, which flows through the reserve, attracts a multitude of animals in the dry season who dissipate across the park when the rains return.

The ease of access of the Selous from Dar es Salaam make this an easy safari option for those with time restraints. A 3 night safari could cost from as little as $2000 per person, staying in the same lodge to let you really get into it. However, there are some premium lodges that really conjure up a sense of luxury escapism if your budget allows.

Ruaha combines beautifully with a trip to the Selous, and offers a different kind of safari experience. As well as being home to elephant, there is also the opportunity to see plenty of predators including cheetah, elusive leopard and rare wild dog. Here you really are off the beaten track.

See the wonders of south and west Tanzania

The Mahale Mountains, jutting out on the eastern side of Lake Tanganyika, are home to one of the largest populations of habituated and non-habituated chimpanzees. The fresh water lake lapping the sandy shores forms a stunning location and is well worth the flight from Dar or Arusha.

Katavi National Park, combines well with Mahale, extending the trip by air from Dar or Arusha. Katavi is mainly formed of large flood plains filled with golden grasses attracting a multitude of game. Well off the beaten track but a secret gem for those wanting to be in a remote Africa, rich in wilderness.

Find a beach on the islands of Zanzibar

Whether it be swimming or diving in turquoise seas, relaxing on a palm lined sandy beach, watching the fishermen in their dhows or immersing yourself in the cultural riches, Zanzibar – the Spice Island – delivers in spades. There are a range of accommodations to suit everybody from boutique hotels to luxury resorts. We recommend a mix to really get a feel for the island.

Pemba Island is lesser known than its renowned neighbour but just as beautiful – more so, many say, with its lush forests and deserted beaches. There are fewer hotels but Fundu Lagoon, a destination in its own right, is great for some barefoot luxury.

Choose Mafia Island or a Private Island beach to enhance your safari

On the Mafia archipelago, Mafia Island is famous for its whale sharks with turtles, rays and dolphins all populating the area. A much more rustic experience but the unspoilt barrier reefs, rich in soft corals and stunning fish are a diving spectacle.

For a true Robinson Crusoe experience, Fanjove Private Island is remote, wild and peaceful.  This island is all about quality and barefoot luxury, with beachside open air bandas and super dining.