An alluring wilderness no matter what time of year you visit.

The dry season which runs from June until the end of October sees water sources drying up, and the wildlife congregating around the rivers and numerous waterholes. This makes for excellent big-game viewing, particularly when it comes to predator action as the herbivores constant quest for water makes them vulnerable to opportunistic hunters. The movements of the wildlife in the park are a little more predictable and so our intrepid team of guides traverse the winding water ways, in vehicle, on foot and by boat in search of exciting wild action.

From November the rains begin to arrive in Tanzania and this heralds the arrival of youngsters of all shapes and sizes. The impala and many other antelope choose this time of plenty to have their babies, which again yields exciting opportunities to witness predators in action. A huge highlight of this time of year is the birding. Migratory bird species arrive in the area and don their very impressive breeding plumage, often an explosion of unexpected colour in the bush as they flit from tree to tree. Boating is excellent as the river level rises.

June

July – August

September – October

November – December

January – March

Dry season approaching

The water recedes, grasses dry out, leaves begin to fall. Wildlife is in top condition. Many birds still have their breeding plumage, June is an exciting month for new lion cubs and pride dynamics.

June is a common month for many plants to flower. June is typically cool, with some rainfall early in the month. Days are often overcast, which makes for great afternoon and late morning safaris. Good time for fly-camping.

Prices from $750 per person per night
June

Cool, dry, and superb wildlife

Wildlife is concentrated along the river and lakes. Walking is superb as the vegetation opens. The sand river and jungle game drive route comes into season. River sightings are excellent as sand banks are exposed for hippos and crocodiles.

The marshes are well watered and become popular spots for herbivores, and therefore predators. Elephant sightings in camp occur regularly, even daily. Predator sightings are typically excellent.

July and August are typically the coolest months with overcast skies but 0mm of rainfall. Cool, overcast mornings allow for fantastic long walks. Excellent for fly-camps.

Prices from $1,175 per person per night
July – August

Wildlife gatherings at rivers and lakes

River and lakes team with wildlife. An excellent month for predators; game loses condition and becomes vulnerable around drinking spots. Elephants continue to gather at the river to feed and begin to dig drinking holes in the dry riverbeds.

By the end of October, even some of the smaller lakes and the garden become dry. Elephants resort to stripping bark off trees for sustenance. The first migratory birds begin to arrive. Excellent time for boating and fly-camping.

Nyerere becomes ever drier, water sources become more critical. Weather completely dry and temperate. October often brings isolated storms and rain showers. Temperature and humidity increase considerably. Best month for sunsets.

Prices from $1,175 per person per night
September – October

Return of the rains but wildlife still excellent

November is typically still quite dry, but we may see the first rains. The grasses sprout 5-7 days after the first sustained rainfall. Migratory birds begin to arrive.

December is typically a month of change. Migratory birds become ubiquitous, trees begin to grow new leaves, and by the end of the month, the green season has set in. December is a very hot and humid month. Fly-camp may be disrupted by rainfall.

Temperatures are consistently warm, and rainfall is erratic, with some years bringing isolated showers and other years bringing more sustained rainfall.

Prices from $790 per person per night
November – December

Green, lush and full of life

Depending on the rain, wildlife may be dispersed so you might have to work a bit harder, but the rewards are always great. The bush is also beautiful and green, trees in flower and full of life. Birds starting to get breeding plumage.

January is normally quite a hot month and there is the chance of the odd shower. Walking best done early or in the cool of the late afternoon.

February is often one of the most beautiful months here, but a lot depends on the rains which are erratic at this time of the year - it can either be quite green or reasonably dry.

March in Nyerere still likely to be green and beautiful and this is one of the best months for birding, boating, and walking. The river normally rises and there's still the odd chance of a shower and expect dramatic cloud formations.

Prices from $790 per person per night
January – March

Southern Tanzania safaris

This is all about experience. A safari spent in the game rich plains of Ruaha, and the endless wilderness of Nyerere, the south is hard to beat.

Reviews

P. Bottrell

Review for sand rivers

Warm, magical hospitality from the lodge staff

The staff makes this place magical! Such fun fishing, viewing the dogs and 2 honey badgers!

Camps visited:

R. Katz

Review for sand rivers

Accommodating and helpful service

A magical experience. Thank you for being so accommodating and helpful. We will remember this experience for the rest of our lives

Camps visited:

J. Lane

Review for sand rivers

Special mention and thanks to team members Simba, Andrew, Sarah, and Adams

I want to thank everyone for their part in making my first safari so magical but especially Simba, Andrew, Sarah and Adams! The food, the room, the drives, the camping - completely unforgettable!

Camps visited:

S. PREATER

Review for sand rivers

High praise for guide Saidi's knowledge and companionship

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL STAFF! ALL EXCELLENT - SAIDI IS A VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE GUIDE + I ENJOYED HIS COMPANY WHILST HE SHOWED ME YOUR BEAUTIFUL CORNER OF NYERERE NP.

Camps visited:

David

Review for sand rivers

Outstanding lodge team and staff

The best team in the business We love Nomad!

Camps visited:

David

Review for sand rivers

Exceptional team and service

The best team in the business We love Nomad!

Camps visited:

FAQs

Do tented camps have proper beds and bathrooms?

Our permanent bush camps and Serengeti Safari Camp have comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms. Bathroom facilities vary between camps, while our Charlie expeditionary camps have a simpler setup with cot beds provided. Each camp page explains what you can expect.

Can we book a whole house or camp for our family or friends?

Yes. Mkombe’s House, Lamai Private, Entamanu Private and Kiba Point are booked exclusively for your group, so you won’t share the house or camp with other guests. Our Charlie expeditionary camps are also exclusive use, offering a simpler way to explore remote wilderness together.

What are sundowners?

Sundowners are a wonderful part of safari life. At the end of your day in the bush, its time to kick back and celebrate the sightings, the adventures and time with your loved ones. All with something cold in hand!

Can I charge my devices whilst on safari?

Yes you can charge your devices whilst on safari. Most camps have connection points in the tent or room. Also, in most safari vehicle there is charging points available so you can keep all your cameras and phones topped up and never miss that wonderful sighting.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Tanzania?

We advise against drinking the tap water in Tanzania and as such, we provide safe drinking water in all camps and vehicles so guests can remain well hydrated throughout their trip.

Do lodges offer honeymoon packages or upgrades?

Many do, yes - private dinners, spa treatments or surprise sundowners that add thoughtful moments to the trip. Occasionally, there are discounts for one spouse and it can be worth researching.

What is the most popular safari in Tanzania?

Northern Tanzania is probably the most well known part of the country with the world famous spectacle, the Wildebeest Migration, drawing travellers year round. A full northern circuit brings incredible wildlife from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Crater and that's before you even get to the Serengeti. Prepare for a density of wildlife like nowhere else in Africa. That being said, the south offers a quieter safari experience in Ruaha and Nyerere. Here you can get off the beaten track in explore some superb game areas. And for us, the ultimate safari combo comes in the west - a big game, wilderness experience in Katavi combines with jaw dropping chimpanzee encounters in Mahale. Over 7-days this safari will blow you away.

What's included in a safari?

Typically: accommodation, meals, drinks, park fees, your expert guide and activities.

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