Tanzania is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Tourists travel from across the globe to go on the infamous wildlife safaris, listen to great music and eat delicious Tanzanian dishes. Apart from this, Tanzania is also home to some of the greatest national treasures like Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, which you can definitely pay a visit to during summer in Tanzania. And, if that’s not exciting enough for you, then you can enjoy lazing on the turquoise colored beaches in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Weather Conditions During Summer In Tanzania
Summertime in Tanzania starts from late June and lasts until October. These months are considered to be perfect to take advantage of what Tanzania has to offer. During summer in Tanzania you can expect nothing but clear skies, sunny weather and beautiful sights. The summer temperature in Tanzania during the afternoon hours ranges from 20°C/68°F and 30°C/86°F, which varies according to the altitude and location. It usually cools down during nighttime, so make sure you pack warm clothing because early morning game drives can get a little chilly in the northern parks.
Things To Do In Summer Time In Tanzania
Apart from visiting the beautiful gems mentioned above, there are still many things to do here during the summertime in Tanzania, that will make your trip even more delightful!
1. Visit the Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is inscribed in the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list. This crater was once a gigantic volcano that erupted 3 million years ago, which has one of the largest inactive caldera on Earth as its focal point. This crater is also a natural sanctuary for many wildlife species, such as the black rhinos, elephants, hyenas, leopards, and the majestic black-maned lions. All of which, you can see when you are exploring the crater. If this doesn’t catch your attention then, seeing Lake Magadi is a shallow soda lake, which is located on the crater’s floor with large flocks of graceful flamingos walking around definitely will. Whether it is wet season, or dry, the Ngorongoro Crater, never fails to impress its visitors anytime of the year. However, there is a restricted time limit of 6 hours which is plentiful to explore the crater and the wildlife.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: INR 3,632.75 per person
Vehicle Rent Fees: INR 2906/- (also depends on the weight of the car)
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2. Be one with nature at Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks that Africa has to offer. It is also home to some of the best wildlife on Earth like the migrating wildebeest, lions and the most beautiful birds that you can see here in Tanzania. The Serengeti offers some of the best views all around the year, but the best time to visit is during summer in Tanzania. There are many types of safari you can choose from to start exploring the Serengeti. And if you would like to spend more time in the Serengeti and be amidst nature, then you can enjoy an overnight stay by tenting in a campsite, or staying in one of the cosy lodges, where you can easily hear the wildlife.
Location: North-Central Tanzania
Timings: 10 am-5 pm, 10 am-6 pm, 9:30 am-6:30 pm
Entry Fee: Adults: INR 4,338.30, Children aged 5-16: INR 2169.15
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3. Spend your time on the turquoise beaches of Zanzibar
If you are a water sport enthusiast or enjoy spending time relaxing on a beach, then you should definitely visit Zanzibar and its islands. The beaches here are known to for their crystal clear water with blue and turquoise hues.
Secluded, serene, and simply out-of-this world is what you can expect to see, when you visit Zanzibar. Some of the most popular beaches here are: Zanzibar and the Islands which are perfect place to relax, lounge and explore the beach. Divers can also get a chance to explore the thriving marine life too. You can also spend the day going snorkeling and admire the colorful fish and enjoy some great seafood too at one of the beach shacks.
4. Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro
This magnificent mountain is perfect for any adrenaline junkie, or an experienced mountain climber. Mount Kilimanjaro proudly stands at 19,340 feet, and is visited by 75,000 people every single year. Even though it might get a little overcrowded, this place is highly recommended for anyone who is even slightly interested in mountaineering.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located close to some of the best safari parks in Africa, which you can pay a visit after conquering Kilimanjaro. The best time to climb the mountain is before the wet season, making summer in Tanzania the perfect time to explore this majestic mountain. It usually takes 6-8 nights to reach the summit, which is totally dependant on the route taken during your ascend.
Location: North Tanzania
Park Fees: INR 5,085.85 above 16 years, 5-15 years: INR: 1089.83 and free for children below 5 years old.
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5. Witness the Great Migration
It is called “The Great Migration” for a reason, where 2 million ungulates follow the rain and make their way to explore other pastures. You can easily see wildebeests, zebras, eland and gazelles across the savannah in Tanzania. If you are planning to visit the savannah during May – July, then you can witness massive herds of wildebeests crossing the river and heading north. The best time to see the Great Migration is during April- May and see the wildlife. This is definitely one of nature’s spectacular events that shouldn’t be missed during your Tanzania tour.
6. Lake Manyara National Park
This beautiful national park lies between Arusha Region and Manyara Region in Tanzania. You can see tree climbing lions, flamingos with breathtaking views that meet the eye. Lake Manyara National Park is also famous for night drives where you can explore the park on your own. Walking safaris are a great way to explore trails such as the Msara Trail, which is the closest to the gate and leads to a river by the Rift Valley Escarpment. This place is ideal to enjoy bird watching and enjoying the views of the national park.
The Lake Shore Trail in Africa goes 38 km into the park and is located next to the maji moto hot springs. The Iyambi River Trail, is about 50 km from the gate of the national park and has a woody and rocky path this trail is also great to watch birds and there are also chances of seeing a few mammals along the way. There is accomodation available inside the park which allows you to be close to wildlife and nature.
Location: Arusha Region & Manyara Region, Tanzania
Park Fees: INR 3269.47 above 16 years, between 5 – 15 years: INR 1089.83 and free for children below 5 years old.
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7. Arusha National Reserve
If you would like to enjoy a not-so-crowded national reserve, then Arusha National Reserve is the place to go to. This serene national reserve is home to 400 species of birds, canoeing safaris and lets not forget the views of the Mount Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru that can be seen from here. Wildlife viewing in Arusha National Reserve is a little key compared to the other parks located in northern Tanzania. You can see a few giraffes, buffaloes and a few antelope species here.
Arusha National Park has many habitats including a dense forest which is home to different species of birds and the black-and-white colobus monkey. It usually gets pretty cold at nighttime and just before sunrise in Arusha during the dry months, so make sure you pack warm clothing during your visit.
Location: Arusha Region & Manyara Region, Tanzania
Park Fees: INR 3269/- above 16 years, between 5 – 15 years: INR 1089/- and free for children below 5 years.
8. Taste the local cuisine
Tanzania has some of the tastiest dishes, which are surprisingly inspired from Indian cuisine. You can taste some of the best grilled meat here served with a dash of curry sauce. If you are planning on visiting a local village during your trip, then we are pretty sure the village residents might offer you some of their local hooch. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to try the honey beer, banana beer and the famous sugarcane fermented juice called the pombe too.
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9. Go on a chimpanzee safari in Gombe National Park
Gombe Stream National Park is located in the western Kigoma Region, in Tanzania, which is 20 km from north of Kigoma. This is one of the smallest national parks here in Tanzania, it has a terrain of steep valleys and a forest which had grasslands to alpine bamboo. The forest is home to chimpanzees and other species of wildlife too. Gombe National Park is one of the 2 places here in Tanzania which offers chimpanzee safaris. The best time to visit the park is between February-June, where you can get a glimpse of the chimpanzees.
Park Fees: INR 7265.50 for 16 years and above, INR 1453.10 for 5 -15 years of age and free for children below 5 years old.
10. Take a hot air balloon safari
Last, but not least, if you want to splurge a little, then you can take a hot air balloon safari and see the wildlife from above, while you are flying over Africa. You can even enjoy your breakfast and sip on some bubbly during the balloon ride. This is also one of the best ways to end your your summer holidays in Tanzania.
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So, don’t waste any more time deciding how you could spend your summer in Tanzania. For the best experiences and most comfortable trips, take a trip to africa right away and create a bespoke adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer In Tanzania
What are the most popular things to do in Tanzania?
Tanzania is filled with extra-ordinary activities, and most of them are perfect in summer. Some of them include visiting the Ngorongoro Crater, exploring Serengeti national park, relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, reaching the apex of Mount Kilimanjaro, witnessing the great migration and many more.
Can one try hot balloon safari in Tanzania in summer?
Yes, you can indulge in a hot air balloon ride in Tanzania if you have a considerable sum of money. If you want, you could even get breakfast during the journey.
How much does it cost to explore the Gombe stream national park in Tanzania in Summer?
It would cost around INR 7300 for an adult and around INR 1400 for a child below five years of age.
Which animals can one witness in the Arusha national reserve in Tanzania in summer?
If you visit Arusha national reserve, you will be surprised to witness giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes at proximity to your jeep quite easily.
What is the fee for visiting the Manyara national park in Tanzania in summer?
For the entire year, the fee for entering Manyara National park costs INR 3200 for a tourist above the age of 16 years and INR 1100 for children below the age of 15.
What does the “Great Migration” mean?
During the time of summer, around two million animals including zebras, gazelles, wildebeests and many more migrate across the entirety of Tanzania. If you visit Tanzania during the summer, you will be able to view the spectacular occurrence quite frequently.
How long does it take to get to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro during summer?
Depending on one’s fitness, it takes around eight nights to reach the apex of mount Kilimanjaro.
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