"Stone Town, the old quarter of Zanzibar City, is arguably the most rewarding historic town walk in East Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, its coral-ragstone labyrinth of shaded alleys threads past Omani palaces, Indian merchant houses hung with stained-glass balconies, and hundreds of carved wooden doors, some brass-spiked, others inscribed with Quranic verse, whose styles betray a millennium of seaborne trade. The wealth that raised these walls came from cloves and from slaves.”
- Philip Briggs
Let's get started...
PLAN MY JOURNEYStone Town
The alleys compress: coral-ragstone walls close overhead, stained glass throws colour across the shade, and then a side passage opens suddenly onto the waterfront and the sea breeze hits. This is the rhythm of Stone Town, and it rewards proper time — two nights at least, with a guide who can unlock courtyards and merchant houses not open to the public.
What makes the old quarter worth that time is density. A single walk takes in Omani palaces, Indian balconies, and the Anglican Cathedral built on the site of the slave market. The streetscape is more architecturally layered than Lamu, the only comparable UNESCO-inscribed Swahili town, and considerably more accessible. The Old Fort hosts Sauti za Busara each February; the House of Wonders, partially collapsed in 2020, is mid-way through a $21 million Omani-backed restoration.
By evening the pace slows to the waterfront, where Forodhani Gardens runs a nightly food market along the sea wall — grilled octopus, sugarcane juice, the channel darkening beyond. June to October is most comfortable for walking, though this is also peak season. Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim; covering shoulders and knees is expected. A short flight connects from the Serengeti or the southern parks, making Stone Town a natural counterpoint to a mainland safari.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
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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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
