Tanzania is one such country that you must visit. It is famous for the numerous national parks, the museums, the various cultures, the tribes, and the amazing nightlife. The peak tourism season for Tanzania is between June to October. But if you want to avoid the hundreds of tourists, then you can plan a vacation in the month of January. Tanzania in January 2024 is bright, cheerful and warm! There is a certain charm in visiting during the offseason.
Weather In Tanzania In January
Tanzania is a lovely country full of green, wildlife and picturesque river banks. If you do plan to visit Tanzania, then here are a few things you must know about Tanzania weather in January. January is fairly warm in Tanzania, with the temperatures ranging between 26 to 30 degrees Celsius. The sun is up early in the morning for about 10 hours on an average. You should pack light clothing, hats, lots of sunscreens and always have enough water bottles while you are on a day tour. The weather is slightly humid if it rains, which is rare during January.
Must Read: 10 Tanzania Travel Tips Every Traveler Must Keep In Mind Before Flying Out!
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Best 12 Places To Visit In Tanzania In January 2024
Here is a list of places to visit in Tanzania in January if you are looking for a fool proof itinerary. From Mnemba island to Mount Kilimanjaro, there are many stunning sights to see:
1. Mnemba Island
This lovely island is located just 90 minutes from Tanzania and is a hot spot for those who want to taste luxury in the lap of nature. The island is dotted with lush spice plantations and surrounded by turquoise blue water. You can plan a weekend getaway to the island and book a stay at one of the best luxury resorts. In January, the ocean water is warm making it great for swims, snorkeling, diving, or surfing. The long days can be spent going on treks, exploring the plantations and having a barbecue get-together.
How to reach: It is a privately-owned island that can be reached by a two-hour boat ride from Nungwi.
2. Tarangire National Park
January is the best time to visit any open space in Tanzania, Africa. The trees are in full glory, the animals are easy to spot and there is barely any crowd. Tarangire National Park is famous for the mighty Baobab trees and friendly animals. You would not be spotting any predatory animals at this park. It is quite suitable for walks or camping.
Entry Fees: USD 45 fro non-residents adults
USD 15 for students and children
Suggested Read: Visit Tanzania In March: Plan For A Vacay In The Season Of Wildlife Safaris
3. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
One of the best national parks in Tanzania is always warmly welcoming the tourists. Ngorongoro is one place where you can spot all the animals throughout the year. It is home to lions, leopards, elephants, cape buffalos, rhinos, and more such animals. The park is situated on the Ngorongoro crater and thus, is not very crowded. Keeping in mind the lovely weather in the first month of the year, it is a good idea to visit Tanzania in January. You can opt for jeep safaris or guided walking tours.
Fees: USD 295 for vehicle entry and safari
4. Selous Game Reserve
If you are looking for things to do in Tanzania in January, then a trip to Selous Game Reserve should be on your itinerary. The reserve is a treat to all the tourists with over 350 species of animals and reptiles. A guided walking tour across the fields of Selous is an activity that you must take up. A lot of people visit Selous for treks, hikes, camping, and game viewing. The best time to enjoy the over 2,000 flora varieties and wildlife at Selous are January. You can skip the crowd and just enjoy the warm sun.
Entry Fee: USD 50
Suggested Read: Tanzania In December: Witness Wildlife, Adventure And Nature At One Place Winters!
5. National Museum of Tanzania
There are always people who like to stay away from the bright sun and that is totally fine. You can spend the days at the museums in Tanzania. A national museum is a great place for those who want to know about the culture and history of Tanzania. The museum is a walk through the British colonial era, the era of slavery lives of the locals, the culture, and the fossils found in the country. It is educative but most importantly, very interesting.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: USD 3
6. Pemba Island
One of the best places to visit in Tanzania is Pemba Island. The island attracts thousands of people every year looking for beauty and peace. It is the perfect place for relaxing by the sea or exploring the marine life. The crystal clear water allows you to appreciate the bright coral reefs and other marine creatures. January happens to be a good time because that is when the water is warm and the island is not crowded.
How to get here: You can take a flight from Zanzibar to Chake Chake. A cheaper way would be to take a direct ferry from Dar e Salaam to Pemba Island.
Suggested Read: Tanzania Travel Guide: Gear Up For An Exciting Holiday Amidst The Wilderness!
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7. Serengeti National Park
It is one of the largest and the most popular national parks in Tanzania. The park is known for the huge variety of wildlife that it supports. However, the one reason why you must visit Serengeti is to see the wildebeests migrate. The migration happens during the entire year mostly. But, if you visit during January you can have a personalized tour of the park, walk in the fields and admire the nature without people interrupting the fun.
Entry Fees: USD 50 per person for day trip and USD 30 for camping
8. Quality Center Mall
One of the biggest shopping hubs in Tanzania, this mall in the city of Dar es Salaam is a major tourist attraction. It has all the major international brands, best restaurants, great pubs, and multiple entertainment areas. If you are looking for some great deals on clothing, shoes or accessories then you must visit the mall. The best part about the mall is that it is open throughout the day, all 24 hours!
Location: Julius K. Nyerere Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Suggested Read: 12 Lively Tanzania Festivals Which Reflects The Cultural Diversity Of The Country!
9. Level 8
A trip to Tanzania is not complete without enjoying the dance beats at one of the best clubs. Level 8 is the best place to enjoy good food, drinks, and dance the night away. It is located on the rooftop of Hyatt Regency in Dar es Salaam, Africa. The reason why it is so popular is that of the stunning view that it offers. You can see the city and beyond as the sun dips into the horizon. You must have had plenty of great nightlife experiences but this will be the best.
Location: 24, Kivukoni Front | Hyatt, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
10. Mount Kilimanjaro
If you are visiting Tanzania, a hike to Mount Kilimanjaro is an absolute must. In January, the mountain does not receive as many tourists as compared to the June to October period. Therefore, January is the best time to scale the heights in good weather without a lot of crowds. Apart from the hike, you can also explore the Kilimanjaro National Park. It is best known for the abundant varieties of fauna in the area.
Price: USD 8,295 per person
11. Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest freshwater lake. It gets its water from Kagera River and is a water source to White Nile. The Lake lies on the borders of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. The towns of Mwanza, Musoma and Bukoba in Tanzania lie on the periphery of Lake Victoria and have several are home to several tourist attractions too. You can enjoy boat trips, fishing trips, bird watching and hiking at the lake. Also, Rubondo National Park located on the Southwest has many small islands is also an amazing place for island hopping.
Price: NA
12. Katavi National Park
Located in a remote part of Tanzania, Katavi National Park offer an untouched wildlife experience. The flood plain here caused by Katuma river is a major life support-system in the region. The park is known for its hippo population with over 200 of them gathering around the wetter regions of the park during the dry season. You would also see fights between male Hippos over the territory. Apart from the population of these giants, Katavi National Park is home to several crockodiles, impala, lions, giraffs, reedbucks, wild buffaloes, elephants, zebras and more than 400 bird species. A Tanzania safari in January at the Katavi National Park may give you a chance to spot some of them.
Price: NA
Tips For Your Trip To Tanzania In January
Before you head out on the perfect bright, sunny day, here are a few things you must keep in mind on your trip to Tanzania in January. We’ve shortlisted 5 tips for you. Take a look:
1. Always carry your own water bottles, especially if you are going to one of the national parks or forest reserves.
2. Always keep some ready to eat snacks handy.
3. Carry light clothing, walking shoes, umbrellas, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
4. Book in advance to avoid any last minute cancellations or changes.
Avoid visiting the forest reserves or national parks during afternoons.
Further Read: Tanzania Nightlife: 10 Best Bars & Clubs To Stop By For An Unforgettable Evening
These are a few tips to plan your trip to Tanzania in January. Planning a trip to Tanzania seems a little more tedious as compared to other places. You need to know the best places, the best time to visit, get the right inoculation done and much more. However, all this effort is totally worth the serene beauty of Tanzania’s jungles. Visit Africa and stop by at Tanzania for a trip of a lifetime.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzania In January
What is the weather like in Tanzania in January?
Zanzibar experiences a warm climate in January. In fact, it is the warmest month in Zanzibar with an average temperature of around 27°C and sunny skies.
What should I wear in Tanzania in January?
January marks the summer season in Tanzania, so you will need to pack accordingly. You should keep the following items in your bag before you embark on your trip to Tanzania in January:
-Linen trousers or skirts
-Linen shirts or tank tops
-Shorts or cotton dresses
-Comfortable hiking shoes
-Raincoat and umbrella
-Sunscreen
-Hats
-Sunglasses
Does it get cold in Tanzania?
The northern parks of Tanzania experience slightly a cool climate during the monsoon and winter season. But it is never cold in Tanzania as is typical of a winter season in other parts of the world, even in places of high altitude.
Does Tanzania have winter?
The winter season in Tanzania brings rain and humidity in Tanzania. The wet season in Tanzania lasts from December to May and the temperature during this time averages at about 30℃ in the day and around 16℃ in the night.
Does it snow in Tanzania?
No, it does not snow in Tanzania in winter. The only snow that you will see in Tanzania will be on top of its Mount Kilimanjaro.
What is the best time to travel to Tanzania?
The best time to visit Tanzania is ideally from June to October when the weather is dry and comfortably warm, and visibility is good. July to October is the best time to witness the Great Migration. The average daily temperature in Tanzania in July is about 24°C. You’ll be met with cool breezes, clear blue skies, and sunny weather in Tanzania during the months of June, July, August, September, and October.
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