Can I Go On A Safari In Tanzania In The Rainy Season?

Can I Go On A Safari In Tanzania In The Rainy Season? Tanzania is an equatorial country, which means it has wet and dry seasons rather than the four seasons that are common in the United States and Europe. When planning a Tanzania safari, this might be a source of concern for many visitors. After all, there aren’t many safari activities available in Tanzania during the wet season. Don’t be concerned. Even if your trip falls during the wet season, you can still enjoy the time of your life.

Is it a good idea to go on a Tanzania safari during the rainy season? Yes, without a doubt. We frequently find online evaluations that strongly advise against traveling on safari in Tanzania during the rainy season (March–June and November–January). We believe that months are some of the best seasons to go on safari, both for the dramatic effect that the weather has on the landscape and for the financial benefits of traveling outside of peak season.

UNDERSTANDING TANZANIA’S WET AND DRY SEASONS

Every year, the majority of Tanzania’s main tourist locations endure two wet seasons and two dry seasons. The wet season lasts from March until late May, with torrential downpours and high humidity even at noon. Temperatures typically top 30 degrees Celsius at this time of year. The short wet season usually begins around the end of October and lasts until December. This time of year sees lighter, less consistent rains, which gradually pave the way for the commencement of the hottest time of year, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius.

The short, dry season lasts from January to February. The lengthy dry season, which lasts from late June to October, is the most delightful time of year for safari expeditions. Clear skies and plenty of sunshine are to be expected during this period. Temperatures are typically cool and can even be rather chilly, particularly during early morning activities such as game drives and hot air balloon excursions.

Tanzania is not completely off-limits as a safari destination during the wet season. Tanzania is a year-round safari location, so you’ll have a great time regardless of the weather. You also get to experience several benefits that are not available during the dry seasons. Traveling during the wet season, for example, provides lower expenses for lodging, fees, and, in some cases, international travel. When considering a wet-season Tanzania safari, consider including the following national parks in your itinerary:

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is packed with huge plains and rich foliage created by rains, which the animals feed on. It is famed for the Great Migration, which occurs all year in the Serengeti, but you must be in the right spot at the right time to see this wonderful display. If you visit between the brief dry season and the wet season (February to early March), you may be able to witness the spectacular calving season of the migrating herds. If you enjoy bird watching, you’ll be delighted to hear that the park is home to a diverse range of bird species throughout the wet season, which runs from March to April.

 Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is famous for its big population of wild dogs. Although the dry season is the best time to visit the park for wildlife viewing, the wet season also has some spectacular sights. The rich vegetation also provides some great photographic backdrops. The rainy season in Ruaha is ideal for bird viewing since you can witness a variety of bird species, both local and migratory.

Lake Manyara National Park

The amount of water during the wet season means that Lake Manyara National Park comes alive with life and offers stunning vistas for nature lovers. During the wet season, the park is normally less popular with lower fees, and it offers excellent wildlife viewing all year. Swimming, canoeing, photography, horseback riding, cycling, cultural activities, safari walks, and cycling are some of the other safari adventure activities available inside the park. The good news is that Lake Manyara National Park is relatively easy to enter because it is only approximately one and a half hours away from Arusha, making it ideal for single-day safari tours.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The rains begin in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area between November and May. This is one of the greatest times to visit, especially if you enjoy bird viewing. Even though wildlife is typically dispersed over the area during this season, you should be able to see a few of them on your game drives and nature walks. Furthermore, the dense vegetation provides some spectacular photo opportunities. It’s little surprise that Ngorongoro Crater is known as Africa’s “Garden of Eden.”

Don’t let the rainy season prevent you from organizing a Tanzania safari. Contact us today to discuss your safari plans, and we’ll gladly work with you to ensure that only the best sites are included in your vacation schedule.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF A SAFARI DURING THE RAINY SEASON

Because the rainy season does not overlap with traditional vacation time from work, there are very few vacationers in Tanzania at this time of year. As a result, in order to attract customers, both flight and lodging providers offer large discounts. Traveling during the rainy season gives a big benefit in decreasing the overall cost of your vacation to Tanzania, as accommodation and flights are typically the most expensive components of a safari.

SEEING WILDLIFE IN THE RAINY SEASON

In low season, only tourists leave the parks; the animals remain untouched! This means that the game viewing experience is different, and possibly better. The lines at the park’s entrances are substantially shorter. Once inside the parks, you can dodge the hordes of safari vehicles and people with cameras. As a result, going on safari during the rainy season frequently means having a more private wildlife viewing experience.

Please keep in mind that all roads in national parks are dirt trails, which might become muddy and degraded during the wet season. If it rains excessively, your guide may advise you to avoid some spots because they would be unreachable. Fortunately, there is no shortage of gorgeous space in Tanzanian national parks, and any alternate route will still provide ample opportunity to see wildlife and landscape.

TEMPERATURE

During the dry season, safari goers must cope with heat and dust. The rainy season is a colder time of year, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. As a result, visitors from more temperate climates generally prefer to visit during the rainy season.

PHOTOGRAPHY DURING THE RAINY SEASONS

Tanzanian thunderstorms and rains provide stunning vistas with rich, captivating light. A blue, sunny sky can make for dull photographs. Because the conditions are frequently excessively bright during the dry season, photographers must endeavor to manage overexposure in their images. It is incredibly green in the cooler months, and the contrast this gives is often a critical ingredient for excellent images.