pepperlover123

My wife and I are planning a Tanzania Safari
The main thing I need to know is what is the best time of year to go?
November would work well for us but I have read that it's a 'short' rain season, what does this mean?
What months of the year would be best in terms of Game Viewing and Weather? (Not cold, but not unbearable heat either)
Any advise/recommendations would be much appreciated!
Thank you so much!

spassvogel

- Dec - Feb Southern Serengeti for Wildebeest calving season. Weather "expectations": the short rains (occasional rain showers) should have gone.
- March - May Rainy season in the Northern safari circuit (heavy rain showers but not non-stop. NORMALLY!
- June - Aug Western Serengeti for Wildebeest/Zebra Migration. Weather: cool mornings/evening and warm days.
- Aug - Oct/Nov Northern Serengeti for the migration. Weather should be cool mornings/evenings but hot days.

http://www.wildwatch.com/great_migration

Generally speaking: Your question is as broad as the answer could be LONG.

As you know your interests, likes and dislikes:
- road transfers?
- fly in safari with light aircrafts?
- time within the country?
- time for each location?
- private guide - car - cook?
- luxurious or more basic?
- intimite camps or big lodges?

Best you should buy some good travel guides and read first in order to find out what serves you most.

Then return and ask specific questions based on the decision made as to what and when and how.

Ah - BUDGET: This is one of the important basics to figure as safari in TAZ can cost a fortune!

Congrats - you made an excellent choice for TAZ as a safari destination as it offers great diversity of animals and landscapes!

SV

sandi

Even during November, when I've traveled, there may or may not be rain and if there is, rarely is it all day or daily. Maybe an afternoon thunderstorm or overnight showers. Neither of which has much impact on game viewing. Unless you're specifically interested in the migration, when the herds are found in different areas (as SV mentioned above), the game don't go on holiday, so there's plenty to see year-round.

Oh, November is a high-season month for prices vs most of the rest of the year (except Apr/May low-season) which is at peak-season.

A guidebook is always best to have. Good luck!

sdb2

I was in the Serengeti during the first and second weeks of November 2 years ago. The reading I'd done spoke of the 'short rains,' which were said to often be little more than a fresh downpour for a short period each day, followed by clear sunshine. I experienced very heavy and persistent rains, especially during the first couple of nights and some showers during the day. Nevertheless, I had some great wildlife viewing. Whether it was just luck or the drivers' skills in maneuvering around the rain showers, we seemed to be able to miss most of the showers such that the game drives and game viewing, as Sandi mentioned, were not adversely affected.

pepperlover123

Thanks so much for your replies so far. I appreciate all and any more suggestions/advice. Cheers!

rsnyder

pepperlover123,

We experienced a wonderful safari thru northern Tanzania this past Nov. Caught the wildebeest migration, saw many, many cats, saw the change from the drought to the green we have seen in previous trips, inconvenienced only slightly by the short rains. Ate quite well and added new birds to our list. Would definitely consider another trip in November. Dick