Summer in Tanzania

Summer in Tanzania is a great time to visit. Whether it's the savanna or the beach you're looking for, you'll find it in this East African nation. Feel the sand between your toes when you combine a trip to the safari parks with a beach or island getaway. A rich mix of cultures and fantastic hospitality await you in Tanzania.

Why should I visit Tanzania in the summer?

Tanzania is a great place to visit to beat the Northern Hemisphere winter blues. Wildlife parks are usually quieter at this time of year, with smaller crowds. At the end of the dry season, animals are easier to spot at watering holes as water and vegetation will have become scarce. While summer days in Tanzania are warm, nights are cool and comfortable for rest and relaxation.

Best things to do in Tanzania in the summer

Most visitors come to Tanzania in the summer for its world-famous wildlife parks. However, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy, such as hiking, tasting local cuisine, relaxing on gorgeous beaches, or even a hot air balloon trip over the savanna. Here are the top experiences. 

Go into the wild of Serengeti National Park

Summer in Tanzania is considered one of the best times to visit the famed Serengeti. This is a great opportunity to spot animals out in the open. You'll see lions, wildebeest, buffalo, and leopards in their natural habitat.

Take on Mount Kilimanjaro

The summer months are some of the best for climbing Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. There's usually less snow at the higher elevations during summer, and the path will be drier during your multi day climb. Keep your fingers crossed for a clear morning as you reach the summit for fabulous views. 

Hit the beach on a castaway island

Visit the coastal archipelago of Zanzibar for picture-perfect white sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters. Divers and snorkelers will enjoy the diverse sea life found just off Zanzibar's coast, while the beach offers relaxation or water sports.

Explore the Ngorongoro Crater

A guided day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and conservation area is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This caldera provides a natural sanctuary for a wide variety of animals, including black-maned lions, black rhinos, and elephants. 

Soar in the sky on a balloon safari

Top off your Tanzania vacation with a different kind of safari. Conditions are perfect in early summer for a balloon safari, during which you can observe the massive herds of animals in the national parks. Up here, it's nothing but you, the clear air, and views of the savanna as far as the eye can see.

What's the weather like in Tanzania in the summer?

Tanzanian summers coincide with the wet season between November and March. January and February are the driest months. Days have average highs usually over 86°F, with highland regions being much cooler. Jackets are handy for the cooler temperatures in the early mornings and evenings. The wet season starts in early February, so sturdy rain gear and boots are recommended.