If your main objective is to see large quantities of animals, then the easiest time of year to do this is between June and October - Tanzania's dry season. This is particularly the case in Ruaha and Selous in Southern Tanzania, Katavi in Western Tanzania as well as Mahale Mountains on Lake Tanganyika, although in June and early July the chimps can still be high up in the mountains.

The Ngorongoro Crater Highlands can still be full of flowers in June and July but be prepared for changeable temperatures, it being often cold with low cloud through these months. Tarangire in Northern Tanzania, which acts as a dry season refuge for wildlife from the entire Maasai Steppe is at its best for game between late July to late October, but is always good for elephant and in the green season (December to May) has tremendous birdlife.

Location

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

NORTH:
Arusha NP
Lake Manyara
Ngorongoro
Serengeti
Tarangire

Weather: Price: Popularity:

Periodic Rains
Costs are elevated
Busy. Many lodges book full

Rainy Season*
Costs are reduced
Slow. Few travelers

Rains End Medium costs
More busy

Dry Season
Costs are elevated
Busy. Many lodges book full

Dry Season
Medium costs
Not as busy but still busy

Short Rains*
Medium costs
Slower

Rains end
Peak holiday
Full holiday

SOUTH:
Mikumi
Ruaha
Selous Udzungwa

Weather: Price: Popularity:

Rainy Season
Costs are reduced at selected locations
Some camps closed. Fewer travelers

Rains end Regular costs More busy

Dry Season
High Season. Costs are elevated/regular (the South has higher priced accommodations than the North)
Busy. Many lodges book full.

WEST:
Gombe
Katavi
Mahale

Weather: Price: Popularity:

Short Dry Season
Costs are reduced
Second best time to visit

Long Rainy Season*
Costs are reduced
Some camps closed

Dry Season
Costs are elevated (the West has higher priced accommodations than the North)
Peak Season. Most recommended time to visit

Short Rains*
Cost reduced
Fewer travelers

Rain ends Cost reduced Fewer travel