Is January Good for a Safari in Tanzania?
Yes, January is a great time for a safari in Tanzania! There’s so much wildlife to see in Tanzania’s key national parks at this time of year as the proceeding short-rains have encouraged new plant growth, making it the ideal time for many animals to give birth. Discover the wonders of a Tanzania safari in January, marking the onset of the Green season. With moderate crowds, favourable temperatures, and diverse wildlife, this month offers a unique array of experiences across Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
Northern Tanzania: The various famous northern attractions such as the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Lake Victoria and the Ngorongoro Crater as well as Arusha have warm to hot temperatures and moderate rainfall. This makes it a good month to visit to see the animals and lush scenery.
Southern Tanzania: January is part of the wet season with heavy rainfall. In general, it is not a good time to tour the south because the popular southern natural parks such as Ruaha and Nyerere are hot, humid, and have heavy rainfall. It usually rains in the afternoons. Mosquitoes are a problem.
Tanzania Weather in January:
Temperatures are pleasant with an average high of 83 degrees and an average low of 60 degrees. However, the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater can get quite cold at night and in the early morning. Visitor numbers will be moderately high in mid January and very high in the beginning of January with the New Year’s crowd. The good news is that the vast majority of people are on package tours staying at the main lodges and zipping around the main roads in only a few popular areas. With careful planning we can customize your safari so you will encounter more lions than people in even the beginning of January.
The Best Places to Visit in Tanzania Safari in January
Since January is in a moderate tourist season, there is not much crowding. The vegetation is lush all over the country. The Serengeti is green, and the road conditions are good for seeing wildlife. Top things to do in January include enjoying savanna and wilderness areas, going to the beaches, and touring in Dar Es Salaam.
Dar Es Salaam — Tour the Highlights
Dar Es Salaam is the big capital with 6 million people, and it has the largest airport in Tanzania. Many tourists arrive through its airport to go to the natural parks in the south. It fairly sunny, hot, and with moderate rainfall, which lessens at the end of the month.
Places to go Dar Es Salaam: The National Museum explains Tanzanian history and culture. Bongoyo Island is a protected island offshore for a natural get away. Natural highlights around Dar Es Salaam: Pugu Hills Forest Reserve (1 hour’s drive).
Serengeti — Spot the Wildlife
January is a good time to see the animals give birth and graze in the green, lush Serengeti. The weather is good for safari. It is warm, sunny, and comfortable at night, and there is low rainfall. It rains about 13 days each month. You can watch migrating birds too.
Like the adjacent Maasai Mara, the Serengeti National Park is where the Maasai people live. Many people want to tour both parks, however crossing the border is somewhat difficult. The Serengeti is about 20 times bigger with a more diverse habitat.
Transport: It takes about 3½ hours to drive to the Serengeti from Maasai Mara’s tourist hubs plus additional time at the border. From Nairobi, it takes about 7 hours. From Arusha Airport, it takes about 9 hours.
Mount Kilimanjaro — Hike
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) and one of East Africa’s most iconic images. For beautiful scenery, you could hike on it. Even though there is some rainfall from the northeast monsoon, January is considered one of the good hiking months.
Guides lead groups up the mountain for multi-day hikes. It is not considered to be a difficult climb for people who are acclimated and in shape because the slope is gentle. It might snow on the peak, but the snow does not hamper hiking.
You can walk through the range of ecological zones from rain forest, to alpine meadow, to glaciers. You might see buffaloes, leopards, monkeys, and even elephants during a hike.
Arusha National Park — Hike, Sightsee, Safari
Arusha National Park is in the middle of a stretch of national parks across Kenya and Tanzania. You could use nearby Arusha as a base for excursions. The guesthouses and hotels are considered to be among the best in Tanzania. People wanting to ascend Meru or Kilimanjaro or see the natural areas typically stay in Arusha.
The second highest mountain in Tanzania, Mount Meru, is only 70 km (44 miles) from Kilimanjaro. It is another tall volcano (4,566 meters, 14,980 feet). It too has an easy sloping ascent, and it also has great scenery. People usually hike it in 3 or 4 days. January is one of the better months for hiking, and you could hike on the trails through extensive forests and see giraffes and other wildlife. The park is an hour and a half from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Driving from Nairobi to Arusha National Park takes 5 hours.
Arusha — Resting, Food, and Excursions
Arusha is a little town called the Safari Capital. People visiting the region stay and rest there and use it as a base for excursions. It has luxurious lodges and hotels and a domestic airport. The weather is mild. Temperatures range from 30°C (85°F) to 17°C (63°F), and average rainfall is 6 cm (2 inches). There is a large expat population. There are many things to do such as dining at gourmet restaurants and going to the nearby huge natural preserves for excursions. Transport: Driving from Nairobi takes 5 hours, and driving from Kilimanjaro International Airport takes an hour.
Recommended Tours for Tanzania Safari in January
A private tour is recommended. Our travel experts who know the local conditions are good at optimizing your comfort, enjoyment, safety and speed of travel, and so are our private drivers and local guides. January’s Tanzania Safari promises an immersive adventure, from witnessing the Wildebeest Migration in Southern Serengeti to exploring the lush landscapes of Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. Dive into the tranquil beauty of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia Islands for a perfect safari retreat. Check out our tanzania safari itinerary of different durations during the month of January
