High Season vs Low Season for Tanzania Safari: Which Is Best?

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Planning a Tanzania safari is an exciting adventure, but timing can make a big difference in your experience. Whether you visit during the high season or the low season, each offers unique benefits, from wildlife sightings to crowd levels. In this guide, we’ll compare the high season and low season for a Tanzania safari, helping you decide the best time to visit based on your preferences and budget.

Plan your Tanzania safari with expert advice here.

7-day Greatest Serengeti Migration Safari

1. What Is the High Season in Tanzania?

The high season in Tanzania typically runs from June to October. This period is part of the dry season, making it the most popular time for tourists to visit due to ideal wildlife viewing conditions.

Advantages of Visiting During High Season:

  • Best Wildlife Viewing: As water sources dry up, animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making them easier to spot.
  • Great Migration: The famous Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras takes place from June to August in the Serengeti.
  • Pleasant Weather: Cooler temperatures and less rainfall make for comfortable safari conditions.

Disadvantages of High Season:

  • Crowds: Parks and lodges are busier, especially in popular spots like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Higher Prices: Accommodations and tours tend to be more expensive due to increased demand.

Learn more about the best time for wildlife viewing in Tanzania.


2. What Is the Low Season in Tanzania?

The low season in Tanzania occurs during the rainy seasons, with the long rains from March to May and the short rains in November. Fewer tourists visit during this time, but it can still be an excellent option for those seeking a quieter safari experience.

Advantages of Visiting During Low Season:

  • Fewer Crowds: You’ll have the parks and lodges more to yourself, allowing for a more intimate safari experience.
  • Lush Landscapes: The rains transform the savannah into a vibrant, green landscape, perfect for photography.
  • Lower Prices: Lodges and tour operators often offer discounts during the low season, making it more affordable.

Disadvantages of Low Season:

  • Rain: The rainy season can make some roads impassable, and wildlife can be more dispersed, making it harder to spot animals.
  • Limited Access to Some Areas: Certain lodges and camps may close during the wet season, and some activities, such as walking safaris, may be limited.

Find out more about what to expect during the rainy season in Tanzania.


3. Wildlife Sightings: High Season vs Low Season

Wildlife viewing is one of the main reasons travelers head to Tanzania, and both the high and low seasons offer incredible opportunities to see animals. However, the time of year can affect what you’re most likely to encounter.

Wildlife in the High Season

  • The Great Migration: Witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the Serengeti, with predators like lions and cheetahs in close pursuit.
  • Big Five Sightings: With animals congregating around waterholes, spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo) is easier during the dry season.

Wildlife in the Low Season

  • Birdwatching: The rainy season brings an influx of migratory birds, making it the best time for birdwatching enthusiasts.
  • Calving Season: In January and February, just after the short rains, it’s calving season in the Serengeti, with young animals drawing predators and creating dramatic wildlife interactions.

Explore the top wildlife events during Tanzania’s safari seasons.


4. Weather Conditions: What to Expect in Each Season

The weather in Tanzania varies significantly between the high and low seasons. The dry season brings cooler, more predictable weather, while the rainy season brings lush landscapes and higher humidity.

High Season Weather (June to October)

  • Dry and Sunny: Expect warm days and cooler nights, especially in higher-altitude areas like the Ngorongoro Crater.
  • Comfortable Temperatures: Average daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), with cooler temperatures in the early mornings and evenings.

Low Season Weather (March to May, November)

  • Wet and Humid: The long rains (March to May) bring heavy downpours, while the short rains (November) are lighter and more sporadic.
  • Green and Lush: The rain revives the landscape, making it perfect for scenic photography, but some areas may be muddy and more challenging to access.

Learn more about Tanzania’s seasonal weather and how it impacts safaris.


5. Prices: High Season vs Low Season

Budget is a key factor when planning a Tanzania safari, and the time of year you visit can greatly affect the overall cost.

High Season Prices

  • Higher Accommodation Rates: Safari lodges and camps raise their prices during the high season due to increased demand.
  • More Expensive Flights: Airfare to Tanzania can also be more costly during the peak travel months.
  • Premium Tours: Expect to pay more for premium experiences such as hot air balloon safaris or private game drives.

Low Season Prices

  • Discounts on Lodging: Many lodges and camps offer significant discounts during the rainy season, making it a great time to save on accommodation.
  • Cheaper Flights: Airfare tends to be more affordable during the low season, as fewer tourists are traveling.
  • Special Offers: Some tour operators may provide special low-season deals, offering excellent value for money.

Find out how to save on your Tanzania safari during the low season.


6. Crowds and Availability: High vs Low Season

The number of tourists in Tanzania varies greatly depending on the season. High season is much busier, while low season offers a quieter, more relaxed experience.

Crowds in High Season

  • Busy Parks: Popular parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire National Park can feel crowded, especially during peak wildlife events like the Great Migration.
  • Advance Booking Required: Due to high demand, it’s essential to book lodges and tours well in advance to secure your preferred dates.

Crowds in Low Season

  • Fewer Tourists: Enjoy a more peaceful safari experience with fewer vehicles around major wildlife sightings.
  • More Availability: With fewer tourists, you’re more likely to find availability at top lodges, even on short notice.

Learn how to avoid the crowds during peak safari season.


7. Photography: High Season vs Low Season

Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife provide stunning opportunities for photography, but the season you choose can affect the quality and style of your shots.

Photography in High Season

  • Clear Skies: The dry season offers clear, bright skies with minimal cloud cover, making it ideal for capturing sharp, high-contrast images of wildlife.
  • Golden Hours: Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful, golden light, perfect for wildlife photography.

Photography in Low Season

  • Vibrant Colors: The rainy season transforms the landscape into a lush, green paradise, providing vivid backgrounds for your photos.
  • Dramatic Skies: The mix of sunlight and clouds creates dramatic skies, perfect for landscape photography.

Get tips on the best times and locations for photography in Tanzania.


Conclusion: Choosing the Best Season for Your Tanzania Safari

Both the high season and low season offer unique advantages for a Tanzania safari, and the best time to visit depends on your priorities. If you want prime wildlife viewing and don’t mind the crowds, the high season is ideal. However, if you prefer fewer tourists, lush landscapes, and a more budget-friendly trip, the low season is a fantastic option.

For expert safari planning and personalized packages, visit Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist or Eddy Tours & Safaris.