"The town of Arusha, Tanzania self-styled safari capital, is more of a tourist funnel than a destination in its own right, but the eponymous national park, less than an hour’s drive away, offers the opportunity to undertake game drives, or canoe on bird-rich lakes, or explore densely forested volcanic craters - all within eyeshot of the peerless snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro. ”

- Philip Briggs

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Arusha and Arusha National Park

The logistical hub of northern Tanzania’s safari industry, Arusha town boasts an attractive highland location at the base of Africa’s fifth-highest massif, the 4,566m-high Mount Meru, and a handful of lively markets and diverting museums.

A far more compelling attraction is the lovely Arusha National Park, which runs downhill from the eastern slopes of Mount Meru, and makes a great goal for a half- or full-day safari.

Highlights include the spectacular views over the forest-fringed Ngurdoto Crater, canoe safaris on the gorgeous Momella Lakes, and a full-day excursion, incorporating a two- to three-hour hike through a breach in the wall, into the spectacular 1.5km deep Meru Crater.

In terms of wildlife, Arusha National Park is a great place to see forest-specialised monkeys and birds, notably black-and-white colobus and the breathtaking Hartlaub’s turaco, while plains dwellers include buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and various antelope.

Overnight inside or close to the park, and odds are you’ll be treated a dusk or dawn view of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak.

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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DRY SEASON

A brief dry interlude before the 'long rains' in March, April and May.

Tanzania’s proximity to the equator means that its temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year. The main variable is altitude, which varies greatly across Tanzania. With the exception of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year. Mornings can be cool, so we always recommend bringing a warm fleece, especially if you intend to visit an inland safari region.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. Exceptions to this are found in the southern and western safari regions, where there is a more continuous wet season from November through to May.

Choosing the best time for a safari in Tanzania ultimately depends on the experience you are seeking. Generally, the Northern Circuit parks (The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara) are good year-round. Tarangire is an exception in the Northern Circuit; along with the Selous and Ruaha (Southern Circuit) and Katavi and Mahale (Western Circuit), Tarangire is generally at its best during the dry season. Saadani is best visited after the wet seasons, when the plains are well watered. Coastal and island destinations are at their best during the dry season, when the weather is sunnier and more consistent.

DRY SEASON

A brief dry interlude before the 'long rains' in March, April and May.

Tanzania’s proximity to the equator means that its temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year. The main variable is altitude, which varies greatly across Tanzania. With the exception of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year. Mornings can be cool, so we always recommend bringing a warm fleece, especially if you intend to visit an inland safari region.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. Exceptions to this are found in the southern and western safari regions, where there is a more continuous wet season from November through to May.

Choosing the best time for a safari in Tanzania ultimately depends on the experience you are seeking. Generally, the Northern Circuit parks (The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara) are good year-round. Tarangire is an exception in the Northern Circuit; along with the Selous and Ruaha (Southern Circuit) and Katavi and Mahale (Western Circuit), Tarangire is generally at its best during the dry season. Saadani is best visited after the wet seasons, when the plains are well watered. Coastal and island destinations are at their best during the dry season, when the weather is sunnier and more consistent.

DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION

The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.

Tanzania’s proximity to the equator means that its temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year. The main variable is altitude, which varies greatly across Tanzania. With the exception of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year. Mornings can be cool, so we always recommend bringing a warm fleece, especially if you intend to visit an inland safari region.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. Exceptions to this are found in the southern and western safari regions, where there is a more continuous wet season from November through to May.

Choosing the best time for a safari in Tanzania ultimately depends on the experience you are seeking. Generally, the Northern Circuit parks (The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara) are good year-round. Tarangire is an exception in the Northern Circuit; along with the Selous and Ruaha (Southern Circuit) and Katavi and Mahale (Western Circuit), Tarangire is generally at its best during the dry season. Saadani is best visited after the wet seasons, when the plains are well watered. Coastal and island destinations are at their best during the dry season, when the weather is sunnier and more consistent.

WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'

This period is the wettest time of the year, and is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times.

Tanzania’s proximity to the equator means that its temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year. The main variable is altitude, which varies greatly across Tanzania. With the exception of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year. Mornings can be cool, so we always recommend bringing a warm fleece, especially if you intend to visit an inland safari region.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. Exceptions to this are found in the southern and western safari regions, where there is a more continuous wet season from November through to May.

Choosing the best time for a safari in Tanzania ultimately depends on the experience you are seeking. Generally, the Northern Circuit parks (The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara) are good year-round. Tarangire is an exception in the Northern Circuit; along with the Selous and Ruaha (Southern Circuit) and Katavi and Mahale (Western Circuit), Tarangire is generally at its best during the dry season. Saadani is best visited after the wet seasons, when the plains are well watered. Coastal and island destinations are at their best during the dry season, when the weather is sunnier and more consistent.

WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'

This period is the wettest time of the year, and is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times.

Tanzania’s proximity to the equator means that its temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year. The main variable is altitude, which varies greatly across Tanzania. With the exception of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year. Mornings can be cool, so we always recommend bringing a warm fleece, especially if you intend to visit an inland safari region.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. Exceptions to this are found in the southern and western safari regions, where there is a more continuous wet season from November through to May.

Choosing the best time for a safari in Tanzania ultimately depends on the experience you are seeking. Generally, the Northern Circuit parks (The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara) are good year-round. Tarangire is an exception in the Northern Circuit; along with the Selous and Ruaha (Southern Circuit) and Katavi and Mahale (Western Circuit), Tarangire is generally at its best during the dry season. Saadani is best visited after the wet seasons, when the plains are well watered. Coastal and island destinations are at their best during the dry season, when the weather is sunnier and more consistent.

DRY SEASON

Weather conditions stabilise at this time of the year, and clear skies are much more frequent. This is the perfect time to visit most regions in Tanzania.

Tanzania’s proximity to the equator means that its temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year. The main variable is altitude, which varies greatly across Tanzania. With the exception of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year. Mornings can be cool, so we always recommend bringing a warm fleece, especially if you intend to visit an inland safari region.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. Exceptions to this are found in the southern and western safari regions, where there is a more continuous wet season from November through to May.

Choosing the best time for a safari in Tanzania ultimately depends on the experience you are seeking. Generally, the Northern Circuit parks (The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara) are good year-round. Tarangire is an exception in the Northern Circuit; along with the Selous and Ruaha (Southern Circuit) and Katavi and Mahale (Western Circuit), Tarangire is generally at its best during the dry season. Saadani is best visited after the wet seasons, when the plains are well watered. Coastal and island destinations are at their best during the dry season, when the weather is sunnier and more consistent.

DRY SEASON

Weather conditions stabilise at this time of the year, and clear skies are much more frequent. This is the perfect time to visit most regions in Tanzania.

Tanzania’s proximity to the equator means that its temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year. The main variable is altitude, which varies greatly across Tanzania. With the exception of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year. Mornings can be cool, so we always recommend bringing a warm fleece, especially if you intend to visit an inland safari region.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. Exceptions to this are found in the southern and western safari regions, where there is a more continuous wet season from November through to May.

Choosing the best time for a safari in Tanzania ultimately depends on the experience you are seeking. Generally, the Northern Circuit parks (The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara) are good year-round. Tarangire is an exception in the Northern Circuit; along with the Selous and Ruaha (Southern Circuit) and Katavi and Mahale (Western Circuit), Tarangire is generally at its best during the dry season. Saadani is best visited after the wet seasons, when the plains are well watered. Coastal and island destinations are at their best during the dry season, when the weather is sunnier and more consistent.

DRY SEASON

Weather conditions stabilise at this time of the year, and clear skies are much more frequent. This is the perfect time to visit most regions in Tanzania.

Tanzania’s proximity to the equator means that its temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year. The main variable is altitude, which varies greatly across Tanzania. With the exception of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year. Mornings can be cool, so we always recommend bringing a warm fleece, especially if you intend to visit an inland safari region.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. Exceptions to this are found in the southern and western safari regions, where there is a more continuous wet season from November through to May.

Choosing the best time for a safari in Tanzania ultimately depends on the experience you are seeking. Generally, the Northern Circuit parks (The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara) are good year-round. Tarangire is an exception in the Northern Circuit; along with the Selous and Ruaha (Southern Circuit) and Katavi and Mahale (Western Circuit), Tarangire is generally at its best during the dry season. Saadani is best visited after the wet seasons, when the plains are well watered. Coastal and island destinations are at their best during the dry season, when the weather is sunnier and more consistent.

DRY SEASON

Weather conditions stabilise at this time of the year, and clear skies are much more frequent. This is the perfect time to visit most regions in Tanzania.

Tanzania’s proximity to the equator means that its temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year. The main variable is altitude, which varies greatly across Tanzania. With the exception of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year. Mornings can be cool, so we always recommend bringing a warm fleece, especially if you intend to visit an inland safari region.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. Exceptions to this are found in the southern and western safari regions, where there is a more continuous wet season from November through to May.

Choosing the best time for a safari in Tanzania ultimately depends on the experience you are seeking. Generally, the Northern Circuit parks (The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara) are good year-round. Tarangire is an exception in the Northern Circuit; along with the Selous and Ruaha (Southern Circuit) and Katavi and Mahale (Western Circuit), Tarangire is generally at its best during the dry season. Saadani is best visited after the wet seasons, when the plains are well watered. Coastal and island destinations are at their best during the dry season, when the weather is sunnier and more consistent.

DRY SEASON

Weather conditions stabilise at this time of the year, and clear skies are much more frequent. This is the perfect time to visit most regions in Tanzania.

Tanzania’s proximity to the equator means that its temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year. The main variable is altitude, which varies greatly across Tanzania. With the exception of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year. Mornings can be cool, so we always recommend bringing a warm fleece, especially if you intend to visit an inland safari region.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. Exceptions to this are found in the southern and western safari regions, where there is a more continuous wet season from November through to May.

Choosing the best time for a safari in Tanzania ultimately depends on the experience you are seeking. Generally, the Northern Circuit parks (The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara) are good year-round. Tarangire is an exception in the Northern Circuit; along with the Selous and Ruaha (Southern Circuit) and Katavi and Mahale (Western Circuit), Tarangire is generally at its best during the dry season. Saadani is best visited after the wet seasons, when the plains are well watered. Coastal and island destinations are at their best during the dry season, when the weather is sunnier and more consistent.

WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are less intense than during the long rains. November is still a great time to visit Tanzania.

Tanzania’s proximity to the equator means that its temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year. The main variable is altitude, which varies greatly across Tanzania. With the exception of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year. Mornings can be cool, so we always recommend bringing a warm fleece, especially if you intend to visit an inland safari region.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. Exceptions to this are found in the southern and western safari regions, where there is a more continuous wet season from November through to May.

Choosing the best time for a safari in Tanzania ultimately depends on the experience you are seeking. Generally, the Northern Circuit parks (The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara) are good year-round. Tarangire is an exception in the Northern Circuit; along with the Selous and Ruaha (Southern Circuit) and Katavi and Mahale (Western Circuit), Tarangire is generally at its best during the dry season. Saadani is best visited after the wet seasons, when the plains are well watered. Coastal and island destinations are at their best during the dry season, when the weather is sunnier and more consistent.

DRY SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'

Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are less intense than during the long rains. November is still a great time to visit Tanzania.

Tanzania’s proximity to the equator means that its temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year. The main variable is altitude, which varies greatly across Tanzania. With the exception of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year. Mornings can be cool, so we always recommend bringing a warm fleece, especially if you intend to visit an inland safari region.

There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the ‘short rains’ take place between November and December and are much milder. Exceptions to this are found in the southern and western safari regions, where there is a more continuous wet season from November through to May.

Choosing the best time for a safari in Tanzania ultimately depends on the experience you are seeking. Generally, the Northern Circuit parks (The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara) are good year-round. Tarangire is an exception in the Northern Circuit; along with the Selous and Ruaha (Southern Circuit) and Katavi and Mahale (Western Circuit), Tarangire is generally at its best during the dry season. Saadani is best visited after the wet seasons, when the plains are well watered. Coastal and island destinations are at their best during the dry season, when the weather is sunnier and more consistent.

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