Tanzania

Stretching from Uganda in the north to Mozambique in the south, Tanzania has a hugely varied geography. From deep, large freshwater and salt lakes, many National Parks and Africa's highest point, Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m or 19,341 ft), Tanzania is home to some 20% of the species of Africa's large mammal population. An ancient country, the Olduvai Gorge (found in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area) is where many of the oldest fossils and artefacts on this earth have been found.

Climate

Tanzania's climate varies greatly from the tropical coastline to the temperate highlands. The range of temperatures is fairly limited, running warmest on the coast between 25 - 30°C, coolest in the highlands between 13 - 19 °C and 22 - 27°C throughout the rest of the country on average.

Temperatures
October - March are the hottest months which tie in with the rains. Within this, January & February are known as the "short dry season" with a gap in expected rainfall.

Dry Season
Mid May - end October is usually absent of rain. May starts cool with each month becoming warmer climaxing at the peak in October heat.

Wet Season
Mid Feb - April: Long rains. More predictable, heavier showers. Humidity is high and the rain brings relief. November & December: Short rains. Much needed after no rain since April.

Dates for the diary

Wildebeest Migration - Throughout the year

Annual | Serengeti Eco System & Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Most people know the Northern Migration. 1.2 million wildebeest & 300,000 zebra arrive in Northern Serengeti to make the often fatal journey across the Mara River. The migration itself is a constant cycle between the Serengeti & Mara Ecosystems as the wildlife follows the fresh grasses left by the preceding rains.

January - end March
Calving season. The herds enter Southern parts of the Serengeti Plains & Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
April & May
The herds move north / north west in April to the Central Serengeti & Western Corridor.
June & July
Herds continue north to the Mara River. The famous crossings usually at their highest in July but vary - natures habit.
August, September, October
The herds enter Masai Mara, with many remaining in the Lamai region of the Northern Serengeti.
November & December
The herds move down the Eastern / Central Eastern corridor towards the Southern Plains, following the rains, ready for calving.

Kilimanjaro Marathon
March | Annual | Kilimanjaro
The competitions comprises of a trek, cycle race of the circumference & marathon. Participants can opt for the half or a shorter fun run.

Serengeti Cultural Festival
July | Annual | Serengeti c.40km from Ikoma Gate
A unique cultural celebration bringing together traditional dancers from tribes between Lake Zone & Serengeti NP

Northern Carmine Bee-Eater Migration
January | Annual | Selous
The Selous offers the chance the see up to 7 types of bee-eater, but the Carmine can only be seen between Dec - Feb. Best in January.

Serengeti of Flowers
Dec - April | Annual | Kitulo NP
Referred to as "The Garden of god" with a documented 350 species of wild flowers including lilies & fields of daisies.

Tanzania COVID Protocols Tanzania COVID Protocols

Tanzania COVID-19 Travel Protocols

Updated: 23 January 2023

Pre-Departure Requirements

  • It is recommended that all travellers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19
  • COVID-19 vaccination certificates are NOT required

On Arrival

  • Thermal and Physical screening will be undertaken

On Departure

  •  Dependent on airline / transit point / final destination

Useful links and documents

  1. Travel Advisory Number 12