Visit Tanzania In October To Experience The Best Of African Paradise

Tanzania is known as the jewel of East Africa because of its sheer abundance of nature and wildlife. From the stunning views of the Indian Ocean to the highest point in the whole of Africa, Tanzania is a basket of nature’s beauty. Tanzania is famous for the density of fauna it is home to, making it an interesting destination for eco-tourists. Almost a third of Tanzania is protected as a natural habitat for more than 430 variety of species of wildlife. Visiting Tanzania in October gives the best opportunity to cross paths with thousands of species of wildlife in any of the 14 National Parks of the country.

Weather In Tanzania In October

October is a dry season in Tanzania, making it an excellent time to view the wildlife. The average temperature during the day is around 29℃ but may vary according to the altitude and region within Tanzania. The nights are much cooler, sometimes falling below 16℃. Some early showers can be expected towards the end of October as the rainy season begins in November in Tanzania. The comfortable temperature during this dry season makes it the best time to visit Tanzania to either climb up the Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru or to go on a safari.

Must Read: Tanzania Travel Guide: Gear Up For An Exciting Holiday Amidst The Wilderness!

Things To Do In Tanzania In October

Here are the exciting things that one can do on a trip to Tanzania in October:

1. Climb the Mount Kilimanjaro

As the proximity of the mountain is quite close to the equator, the weather around it is never too hot nor too cold. Instead, it has only two seasons, a dry and a wet season. The wet season starting from November-May brings along a lot of rain making the path to the summit very slippery filled with mud and snow. Hence, one should climb the Mount Kilimanjaro, making the best of Tanzania’s climate in October.

October being the best season for trekking, one should expect a lot of foot traffic. The best time to trek up the mountain is during the full moon for stunning views from the summit. The best routes to take to the Uhuru Peak are the Machame route (via Shira Plateau) and the Mangaru route(via Gilman’s Point). Visitors can climb Mount Meru as well in October for the same reasons.

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2. Visit the Selous Game Reserve

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Selous Game Reserve is the second largest Conservation Area in the whole of Africa and is practically undisturbed by civilization. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a lot of volcanic springs, lakes, and rivers such as Rufiji and Rhuha flowing through it. Apart from the North of the river Rufiji is open for tourism.

As the Tanzania weather in October is a bit dry, the foliage in the Reserve is very thin making the spotting of wildlife easier. Due to the scarce availability of water in the area, the animals congregate around the five lakes allowing a proper view of the big cats like lions and leopards as well as the wild dogs. Other than these, one can spot elephants, black rhinos, antelopes, crocodiles, hyenas and some endemic species of monkeys.

Visitors have an option of going on a boat safari that allows them to cruise over the lakes and channels to view certain animals and birds closely. Other than the usual Jeep safari, Selous Game Reserve conducts walking safaris as well making it the best Tanzania safari in October.

3. Visit the Zanzibar Islands

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October temperatures in Tanzania is generally cool but dry making it a perfect time to visit the Zanzibar Islands. This archipelago is located 40 km away from the Tanzanian Coast in the Indian Ocean. Visitors can enjoy this beach escape along the sun-drenched white powdery beaches and the palm trees. Scuba diving is highly recommended on the North coast of the Islands in October.

The former capital of the Island, Stone Town is a World Heritage Site filled with cobbled streets and a few interesting places such as the Sultan’s Palace and the Ivory Port. Plantations of spice is found all along the Island and visitors can buy some from the bazaars in the Stone Town.

4. Attend the Bagamoyo Arts festival

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Bagamoyo Arts Festival is a week-long event conducted annually in the coastal town of Bagamoyo. One should plan a trip to Tanzania in October to enjoy the festival of traditional East African music, dance, and theatre. It is held at the Bagamoyo College of Arts every year in October to encourage the Swahili speaking population to portray their creativity in the field of African music and art. One can expect acrobatic displays, sculpture making, poetry reading among other things. The music and dance enthusiasts display traditional and contemporary performances including afro jazz, taarab, reggae, and African fusion.

5. Go Bird Watching in Arusha National Park

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October is the best time to visit the Arusha National Park where Mount Meru is situated. If climbing the Mount Meru is one of the options to enjoy Tanzania in October, bird watching is another must-do activity in the National Park which houses a few endemic species. The park inhabits over 400 species of birds and Momella Lake is the best spot to view varied birds in this dry season. One can spot flamingos, hornbills, Hadeda Ibis, pelicans and Verreaux eagles. The late October month starts the season of European migration and allows one to observe more unique species of birds.

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Highlights Of Visiting Tanzania In October:

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The wildlife population is higher and can be spotted easily during the dry season as the vegetation is scarce.
Few mosquitoes around in the dry season.
Chimpanzee trekking is easier in this season as they are closer to the park shores.
Clear skies make a perfect photography aid.
Snorkelling and scuba diving is recommended during this season. One can even spot the great whale sharks.
October makes the perfect season to go Mountain trekking.
One can be a part of the Arts festivals of Africa and the bizarre goat races.

Visiting Tanzania in October Tips:

Warm clothing is recommended as the nights get quite cold.
Book early as a rush of tourists would make accomodation limited and rates high.
Visitors are expected to get the Yellow Fever Vaccination and carry a proof of it before entering Tanzania.

Further Read: Tanzania In December: Witness Wildlife, Adventure And Nature At One Place This Year In Winters!

Though Tanzania can be visited all throughout the year, Tanzania in October offers many activities to indulge in making it the perfect getaway in the fall season. Pack your bags for some adventurous holiday and book your tickets with TravelTriangle and do not forget to share it with your friends.

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