Located right below the equator, Tanzania suffers from varied temperature changes within its regions. A land of nature’s treasure, winter in Tanzania has much to offer, irrespective of its climate. The Country comprises many active volcanoes in its northern circuit that can be trekked up to the craters and around 14 conservation areas where safari is a major sport. If one is keen to spend this winter somewhere warm, here are some suggestions for spending this winter in Tanzania.
Things To Do This Winter In Tanzania In 2024
The winter season in Tanzania is unlike other parts of the world. The period from December to March can be considered as a rainy season in Tanzania. See what you can do during the winter months in Tanzania:
1. Witness the wildebeest calving
January and February are somewhat dry and hot in the Northern periphery of Tanzania. This region’s wildebeest calving season can be witnessed in the Serengeti National Park. The wildebeests would have migrated to the south from Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya as a part of the wildebeest migration cycle. A congregation of around 10,000 newborns can be observed in the park at a given point of time. The predator activity of the big cats like lions, leopards and hyenas is at an all-time high this season. One can go on a gaming safari in one of the numerous game reserves in Tanzania to witness the predator-prey activities.
Location: Serengeti National Park
Cost for two: INR 3,68,000 for 8 days
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2. Sauti za Busara Music festival
One of the biggest music festivals in Africa is the Sauti za Busara festival in Zanzibar. The Zanzibar Music Festival, or Sounds of Wisdom as it is known in the local Swahili, is a four-day event conducted annually where artists from across the Continent participate to promote pan-African artistry to the rest of the world. It is organized in the historic city of Stone Town in Zanzibar, where traditional and contemporary African music, such as Afro jazz and reggae, are performed. Parades and carnivals occur all over the town, and strangers are welcome to participate.
Location: Old Fort, Stone Town, Zanzibar
3. Run a Marathon
In March, a marathon will be organized near the Kilimanjaro foothills. It is an effort by the Tanzanian government to promote sports and athletics in the country. Marathon runners worldwide participate in this annual event, and the first ten winners take home a cash prize and a medal. The full marathon length is 42.2 km, while the half marathon is 21.1 km. The marathon route is from the famous Moshi stadium, passing through the banana plantations over the moderate uphill slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and looping back to the stadium. A wheelchair marathon for about 10 km is also organized for the incapacitated.
Location: Moshi Stadium, Kilimanjaro
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4. Binge on some spicy meat at the barbeque festival
Africans are very bound and determined when it comes to family recipes. Food is a serious business here, and family recipes are celebrated yearly at the Nyama Choma barbeque festival. Nyama Choma, or grilled meat as it is called, is a major part of African cuisine. Since Tanzania is a land of spices, the BBQ meat is very aromatic and fiery. From the T-bone steak to the roasted ribs, every kind of livestock is consumed here, and one has to experience this festival at least once in their lifetime. The festival occurs in various locations nationwide, where music complements the delicious food.
When: Early March
5. Wander the House of Wonders
The occasional winter showers in Tanzania might pose a problem for beach activities. It is always a good idea to tuck into one of the Palaces or Museums until the rain recedes. The classical Stone Town of Zanzibar houses museums, forts, palaces, gardens, and bathhouses from the time of Arab rule. One such iconic place to visit is the House of Wonders. It is an ancient building that received electricity and luxuries like elevators for the first time in Tanzania’s history. The architecture displays a mixture of British, Persian, Portuguese, and Zanzibari styles of engineering. The carvings on the door and the cast iron pillars in the house are beautiful, making the House of Wonders a popular tourist spot. The home also features artefacts that denote the culture and heritage of the Swahili community.
Location: Mizingani Road, Stone Town, Zanzibar
Entry Fee: INR 190 per person
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6. Spend the night in a tree house
What better way to enjoy a romantic holiday in the heart of nature than to stay in a treehouse? &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is situated in the Lake Manyara National Park in East Tanzania, Africa. This luxury resort has nine stilted treehouse suites and an open dining room sheltered by the mahogany forest. The suites are very romantic, overlooking the Rift Valley and complete with an outdoor sitting area. Maji Moto hot springs and the soda lake famous for the lesser flamingos are near the tree lodge. The lodge arranges game drives, night safaris and a cultural tour at the nearest Maasai tribe dwelling. They also have a spa and a gift store.
Location: Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
Cost: INR 98,000 per night
7. Shop at the cultural market
Tanzania is culturally diverse. The Maasai tribe is one of the ethnic groups known for their dwelling in the periphery of the wildlife parks. They are very creative and produce handmade goods sold at a place in Arusha called the Maasai Market Curio and Crafts. If one is looking for souvenirs to take home, this is the market for all the pan-African products. Maasai products such as woven baskets, beaded jewellery, paintings and African drums are famous buys. Apart from these, the tribe is known for the bright and colourful sarongs that they wrap around their bodies. The eye-catching red-checked blankets are a must, as well as the boldly patterned fabrics.
Location: Fire Road, Arusha
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The Winter Weather In Tanzania In 2024
The country lies adjacent to the equator in the Southern hemisphere. This results in only two types of weather patterns in this part of Africa. Tanzania has a rainy/wet season from December to May and a dry season from July to October. The temperature averages about 30℃ in the day and falls to 16℃ at night. Tanzania’s North and East regions see two seasons of rainfall: one from October to December( a short and occasional rainy season) and one from March to May (a heavy and prolonged rainy season). The average rainfall in Tanzania during the calendar winter months is about 95 millimetres. Visitors have to expect a rise in humidity during these months.
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Ironically, the winter calendar months impersonate the summer weather in Tanzania. If you want to escape winter’s biting cold, hop on a plane and spend the winter in Tanzania. For an enchanting holiday on the other side of the equator, book your trip to Africa with TravelTriangle.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Winter In Tanzania
Does it snow in Tanzania in winter?
One can expect snow only on the summits of the mountains in the winters in Tanzania. When is winter in Tanzania?
Owing to its proximity to the equator, Tanzania has only two seasons (rainy and dry seasons) unlike the four calendar seasons elsewhere in the world. What is the rainfall pattern in Tanzania like?
The rainfall pattern in Tanzania differs within its regions. The rainfall is associated with excessive humidity in the areas. The North and East Tanzania has two rainfall seasons (Nov-Dec and March-May), while the Southern region has one prolonged rainy season (December to May). Early morning showers are generally followed by a very sunny afternoon. What is the coldest month in Tanzania?
June and July is the coldest month in Tanzania where the average temperature ranges between 27°C and 29°C. Does it snow in Tanzania?
There is only the one county in Tanzania where it snows is Mt. Kilimanjaro.
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