East Africa is a destination of immense diversity and beauty, offering everything from Big Five safaris and gorilla trekking to cultural experiences and pristine beaches. If you plan to visit East Africa, however, knowing when to go is just as important as knowing where to go. Tourism in this region revolves around weather patterns, wildlife migrations, trekking conditions, and even local festivals.
In this guide, we dive deep into tourism seasons in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zanzibar, and also cover the best times to trek Mount Kilimanjaro, complete with destination recommendations for each season.
East Africa’s Seasons at a Glance
East Africa experiences:
- Two Dry Seasons:
- June–October (long dry season)
- December–February (short dry season)
- Two Rainy Seasons:
- March–May (long rains)
- November (short rains)
These patterns affect wildlife visibility, road conditions, trekking trails, and tourist flow.
1. Tanzania Tourism Seasons
Dry Season (June–October)
Peak Season for Safaris and Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking
- Weather: Clear skies, low humidity.
- Where to go:
- Serengeti (northern): Wildebeest Migration River crossings.
- Tarangire: Elephants gather around Tarangire River.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Superb year-round, but drier months enhance visibility.
- Mount Kilimanjaro (Machame, Lemosho routes): Excellent climbing conditions.
- Why it’s popular: Wildlife is easy to spot near water sources; parks are accessible; Kilimanjaro trails are dry and scenic.
Short Dry Season (December–February)
- Weather: Warm and clear.
- Highlights: Calving season in southern Serengeti (Ndutu area) — best time for predator action.
- Mount Kilimanjaro: Also, a great time for trekking, especially over the holidays.
- Best Destinations:
- Ndutu Plains: Calving of wildebeests.
- Lake Manyara: Flamingos and birdlife.
- Zanzibar: Perfect for beach relaxation after a trek.
Rainy Season (March–May)
- Weather: Heavy rains, especially in April.
- Tourism impact: Fewer tourists, lush green landscapes, slippery roads.
- Mount Kilimanjaro: Climbing is possible but very muddy; not ideal unless on Marangu Route (which has hut accommodations).
- Best for:
- Budget safaris: Deep discounts.
- Birdwatching: Migratory birds’ flourish.
- Ruaha & Selous/Nyerere: Remote parks with fewer tourists.
2. Kenya Tourism Seasons
Dry Season (June–October)
- Prime Safari Season.
- Where to go:
- Masai Mara: Wildebeest migration from July to October.
- Amboseli: Clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Laikipia & Samburu: Unique wildlife (e.g., Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk).
- Weather: Cool and dry, best game drives.
- Activities: Balloon safaris, cultural tours with Maasai and Samburu communities.
Short Dry Season (January–February)
- Best for: Wildlife viewing, photography.
- Destinations to consider:
- Lake Nakuru: Flamingos and rhinos.
- Nairobi National Park: Great for short-stay safaris.
- Weather: Warm and dry.
Rainy Season (March–May)
- Weather: Heavy rain, especially in April.
- Travel notes: Some parks may be harder to access.
- Still worth visiting:
- Mount Kenya: Forest hikes and climbing (for experienced trekkers).
- Coastal areas like Diani or Lamu: Off-season beach charm.
3. Uganda Tourism Seasons
High Season (June–August & December–February)
- Best for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking.
- Where to go:
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Mountain gorillas.
- Kibale Forest: Chimpanzees.
- Queen Elizabeth & Murchison Falls: Classic safaris.
- Weather: Trails are dry, easier to hike.
Wet Season (March–May & September–November)
- Travel Perks: Lower prices, discounted gorilla permits.
- Caution: Trails can be muddy and challenging.
- Still Worthwhile:
- Lake Bunyonyi: Scenic, peaceful.
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Rhino tracking before heading north.
4. Zanzibar Tourism Seasons
High Season (June–October)
- Weather: Cool, dry, and breezy.
- Perfect for:
- Stone Town Tours
- Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling & Diving
- Jozani Forest Hikes
- Events: Zanzibar International Film Festival in July.
Shoulder Season (December–February)
- Hot and dry.
- Activities: Best time for scuba diving visibility.
Low Season (March–May – Long Rains)
- Travel Warning: Heavy rains may cause flooding.
- Upside: Great deals on luxury resorts.
Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Seasons
Best Time to Climb:
- January–March: Warmer, less crowded. Best for quieter treks with possible snow at the summit.
- June–October: Cool, dry, and the most popular season. Excellent visibility and group treks.
- December: Popular during holidays; weather can be mixed but manageable.
Least Ideal Times:
- April–May: Rainy season; trails are muddy and visibility is poor.
Recommended Routes:
- Machame: Scenic and popular.
- Lemosho: Less crowded, great for acclimatization.
- Marangu: Only route with hut accommodation (better for rainy seasons).
- Rongai: Drier side of the mountain, ideal during shoulder seasons.
Best Destinations by Season
Dry Season (June–October):
- Tanzania: Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Kenya: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu.
- Uganda: Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth NP.
- Zanzibar: Kendwa, Nungwi, Mnemba Island.
Short Dry Season (December–February):
- Tanzania: Ndutu (calving), Lake Manyara, Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Kenya: Lake Nakuru, Nairobi NP.
- Uganda: Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo.
- Zanzibar: Paje, Jambiani.
Rainy Season (March–May):
- Tanzania: Ruaha, Nyerere, budget safaris.
- Kenya: Coast (Lamu), cultural travel.
- Uganda: Scenic photography, birding.
- Zanzibar: Stone Town (for cultural and indoor activities).
Why Timing Your East Africa Trip Matters
Traveling in East Africa isn’t just about picking a place — it’s about picking the perfect moment to experience that place at its absolute best. From the thundering hooves of the Great Migration to the misty jungles echoing with chimpanzee calls, and the challenge of conquering Africa’s tallest peak, every season tells a different story.
Whether you dream of lounging on a spice island in Zanzibar, standing face-to-face with a gorilla in Uganda, or summiting Mount Kilimanjaro at sunrise, the magic begins when you align your adventure with the rhythm of the region.
Need help planning your trip? I can assist with:
- Custom safari itineraries
- Kilimanjaro trekking routes
- Beach-safari combinations
- Best-value travel periods
