Located right below the equator, Tanzania suffers from varied temperature changes within the regions of the Country. A land of nature’s treasure, Tanzania has much to offer irrespective of its climate. The Country comprises of many active volcanoes in its Northern circuit that can be trekked up to the craters and around 14 different conservation areas where safari is a major sport. If one is keen to spend this winter someplace warm then here are some suggestions on how to spend this winter in Tanzania.
The Winter Weather In Tanzania
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 always averages at about 30℃ in the day and falls to 16℃ in the night. The North and East regions of Tanzania sees two seasons of rainfall-one from October to December( a short and occasional rainy season) and one from March to May( heavy and prolonged rainy season). The average rainfall in Tanzania during the calendar winter months is about 95 millimeters. Visitors have to expect a rise in humidity during these months.
Suggested Read: Tanzania Travel Guide: Gear Up For An Exciting Holiday Amidst The Wilderness!
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
Things To Do This Winter In Tanzania
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 all you can during the winter months in Tanzania:
1. Witness the wildebeest calving
January and February months are somewhat dry and hot in the Northern periphery of Tanzania. It is the season of wildebeest calving in this region and can be witnessed in the Serengeti National Park. The wildebeests would have migrated by now 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 are at all time high during 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
Suggested Read: 12 Lively Tanzania Festivals Which Reflects The Cultural Diversity Of The Country!
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 the pan -African artistry to the rest of the world. It is organized in the historic city of Stone Town in Zanzibar where both traditional and contemporary African music such as afro jazz and reggae are performed. Parades and carnivals take place all over the town where strangers are also welcome to participate.
Location: Old Fort, Stone Town, Zanzibar
Date: February 7-9th
3. Run a Marathon
A marathon is organized in the vicinity of Kilimanjaro foothills in the month of March. It is an effort from the Tanzania Government to promote sports and athletics in the Country. Marathon runners from across the world participate in this annual event and the first ten winners take home a cash prize and a medal. The length of the full marathon is for 42.2 km while the half marathon is for 21.1 km. The route of the marathon 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
Date: March 3rd
Suggested Read: 10 Tanzania Travel Tips Every Traveler Must Keep In Mind Before Flying Out!
Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.
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 the family recipes are celebrated in the barbeque festival called Nyama Choma festival every year. 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 takes place in various locations across the country where music complements the delicious food.
When: Early March
5. Wander the House of Wonders
The occasional showers of winter in Tanzania might pose a problem to the 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 many such museums, fort, palace, gardens and bathhouses from the time of the Arab rule. One such iconic place to visit is the House of Wonders.
It is an ancient building to have received electricity and luxuries like elevators first in the history of Tanzania. The architecture of the building displays a mixture of British, Persian, Portuguese and Zanzibari style 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 house also features artifacts that denote the culture and heritage of the Swahili community.
Location: Mizingani Road, Stone Town, Zanzibar
Entry Fee: INR 190 per person
Suggested Read: Tanzania Nightlife: 10 Best Bars & Clubs To Stop By For An Unforgettable Evening
6. Spend the night in a tree house
What better way to enjoy a romantic holiday in the heart of nature other than to stay on 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 that is famous for the lesser flamingos are not far from the tree lodge. The lodge arranges for 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 that are sold at a place in Arusha called the Maasai Market Curio and Crafts. If one is looking for souvenirs to take home, then this is the market for all the pan-African products. Maasai products such as woven baskets, beaded jewelry, paintings and African drums are famous buys. Apart from these, the tribe is known for the bright and colorful sarongs that they wrap around their bodies. The eye-catchy red-checked blankets are a must buy as well as the boldly patterned fabrics.
Location: Fire Road, Arusha
Further Read: Tanzania In December: Witness Wildlife, Adventure And Nature At One Place This Year In Winters!
Ironically, the winter calendar months impersonates the summer weather in Tanzania. If one wants to escape the biting cold of winters, 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.
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter In Tanzania
Have some doubts? See if these common questions are able to help you out:
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 regions. The North and East Tanzania has two rainfall seasons (Nov-Dec and March-May) while the Southern region has a single prolonged rainy season (December to May). Early morning showers are generally followed by a very sunny afternoon.
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
