Tanzania Safari in June
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Tanzania in June
June in Tanzania marks the welcome moment of the dry season and presents delightful weather conditions. Unsurprisingly, this period is a top choice for safaris and we at Kiwoito Africa Safaris warmly endorse this month for your adventures. As the dry season takes hold, the landscape reveals its full brilliance. It’s a time of cool and comfortable weather, perfect for extended wildlife viewing.
Abundant sunshine and bright skies welcome you if you tour Tanzania in June. Cool mornings and evenings, a plethora of wildlife highlights, and fewer interactions with mosquitoes are some of the perks of visiting this East African country during this time
June is one of the best months to visit Tanzania as it marks the start of the dry season. The dry weather and mild temperatures make it ideal for a safari, beach retreat or trek up Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru. Moreover, a migration safari in western Serengeti National Park will allow visitors to witness the river crossing at the Grumeti River. These ideal conditions, make Tanzania in June an excellent destination for a safari and beach holiday.
The dry season, which runs from June to October, is widely regarded as the best time for a safari in Tanzania. The landscapes become increasingly arid as the months progress, causing wildlife to never veer far from permanent water sources. Moreover, the sparse vegetation also makes spotting wildlife much easier. That said, in June, the parks are still lush and green thanks to the long rains that occur between March and May. Additionally, June has dust-free skies, making it an excellent month for a photography safari.
The dry season is the high season, and peak prices apply. However, the first three weeks of June fall within the shoulder season, which means you can enjoy the high-season experience at slightly lower prices, with fewer visitors. Nevertheless, booking early is essential as some accommodations book up quickly.
What to Do in June
June is prime safari time in Tanzania. To see migrating wildebeest moving in herds across the plains, head to the Grumeti, in the western Serengeti, in June and July (they will have left eastern parts of the park by June). Elsewhere you’re less likely to spot the animals migrating, but you will likely see them congregating around waterholes as the rains dwindle. As plants dry out and shrink in the hotter, drier weather, it’s also easier to spot animals, as they’re less hidden by vegetation.
On a practical level, June (and through to October) is a comfortable time to go on safari because temperatures are a bit cooler, humidity lower, and there are fewer biting mosquitoes around.
Crowds & Costs
June is the start of the peak season for travel to Tanzania, as the conditions are excellent for a wide range of activities. Lodges and hotels around the national parks, the mountains, and the coast around Zanzibar will likely be fully open in June as visitors arrive for safaris, mountain climbing, and beach vacations. If you want to get a deal on accommodation and avoid most other visitors, early June may be quieter and less in-demand than later in the month, although the trade-off is more rain. Lodges in the Serengeti, especially the western part, will have peak-season prices throughout June as visitors are attracted to the wildebeest migration.
Weather
As the rainy season has retreated in Tanzania by June, the country’s landscape changes from green to shades of brown. This is typically when visitors get the best views of games. The temperature in Tanzania in June is also moderately hot. In Issenye of the Mara region, home to Serengeti National Park, temperatures average between 15°C and 27°C. It can get much hotter in some parts of the country. But the mornings are cool across the country in June, which is perfect for sightseeing and wildlife tours.
Where to Go
If you’re interested in a physical challenge that doesn’t require any technical expertise, why not try climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in June? A somewhat easier (and shorter) alternative is nearby Mount Meru. The highest and second-highest mountains in Tanzania, respectively, are located in the country’s northeast. June is a great time to embark on these “walk-up” climbs because the weather is mainly dry and clear, meaning the paths won’t be too slippery, and the views across Tanzania and as far afield as Kenya will be great. You can also go on wildlife-spotting safaris in the surrounding national parks and nature reserves before or after a climb.
For bird watching, head to the parks in the south of Tanzania, where there are many endemic species, and the parks are full of migratory species at this time. Check out the Selous Game Reserve, a UNESCO-listed site; the rainforest-covered Udzungwa Mountains National Park; the wetlands of the Ruaha National Park; and the Kilombero Floodplains, among the most extensive floodplains in Africa.
Why Visit Tanzania in June
Those who visit Tanzania in June are in for a real treat. All businesses are open and the mood is cheery all around, as the country prepares to welcome tourists. Below are some of the highlights that can make your Tanzania holiday worthwhile:
- Explore national parks: Tanzania boasts the world’s best national parks and game reserves for spotting wildlife, and most of them are accessible in June. So be sure to include a couple of national parks in your itinerary. It goes without saying that Serengeti National Park should be on your priority list of places to visit while in Tanzania. But alternatively, you can also visit the Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, and the Kilombero Valley Floodplain, one of the largest wetlands in Africa.
- Fun at the beach: Tanzania in June is always perfect for a beach vacation. Soak up the sun and enjoy the cool, inviting waters and calming breeze at Nakupenda Beach, Jambiani Beach, Kendwa Beach, or Nungwi Beach.
- Festivals: Participate in the Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair, hosted close to Tanzania’s prime attractions—Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and the Serengeti. The event brings tourism-related exhibits and activities. Bujora’s Bulabo Dance Festival and Zanzibar International Film Festival are other events that you do not want to miss while visiting Tanzania in June
