Tanzania in August: Weather, Tips and More

If, like me, you’ve spent countless hours immersed in wildlife documentaries which showcase the natural wonder of the great wildebeest migration, there’s a high chance that witnessing this exhilarating spectacle is on your bucket list.

But viewing the Great Migration and Tanzania’s other wildlife gems isn’t something that you have a high likelihood of seeing throughout the year so choosing your month of visit is an extremely important decision.

Being the height of summer in the northern hemisphere, August is an extremely popular month to visit Tanzania as it coincides with the school holidays. But is it a good time of year to visit?

In this article I aim to tell you everything you need to know about visiting Tanzania in August and if I recommend it.

First thing’s first!

Is August a Good Time to Visit Tanzania?

The quick answer to that question would be a resounding yes – and for a number of good reasons too. The weather during August is brilliant across the entire country and is less humid with very little rain and the numbers of mozzies are at their lowest, greatly reducing the risk of malaria.

Inland, the game parks are teeming with wildlife, the Great Migration is in full swing in Northern Serengeti, with the great herds of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River, and the dry weather and mild temperatures make it an ideal time to hike Mount Meru and climb Kilimanjaro.

Along the coast and the Zanzibar Islands, the skies are blue and the sea is calm, perfect for spending long lazy days on the long, white sandy beaches or snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. 

So, yes, August is indeed a very good time to visit Tanzania.

Unfortunately all this comes at a price, and as August is the most popular month of the year for visitors to Tanzania, safari prices are much higher, and parks and beaches are at their busiest. On the positive side, the game parks are vast and as busy as they may get, there are numerous secluded spots where you won’t find a soul.

This is a brief overview of Tanzania in August. However I will go into much more detail throughout this article.

Weather in Tanzania in August

August is the middle of the long dry season, which actually makes it a little cooler and more comfortable than during the wet season. It’s in fact one of the coolest times of year to visit Tanzania.

Along the coast and on the islands, temperatures remain mild and ideal for beach activities. The temperature normally hovers around 25°C but can rise to 30°C at times. 

Similar conditions can be expected inland in the central regions, although the nights and early mornings can get a little chilly. The northern regions (including Ngorongoro) are considerably cooler during the days, but temperatures can plummet to around 10°C at night, making it necessary to pack some warm clothing too.

Kilimanjaro is a totally different kettle of fish, where you will experience multi-climates on your 7-9 day trek, no matter when you go. From warm tropical conditions at the base, to sub-zero arctic conditions at the summit. Climbing Kilimanjaro requires serious preparations and conditioning, and although many people in reasonably healthy condition summit it each month, it is no walk in the park either.

Overall, the favourable and stable weather during August in Tanzania makes it an ideal time to visit the country, regardless whether you’re heading to the mountains, the game parks or the coast. 

Tanzania location	Daytime temperatures	Nighttime temperatures
Coastal Areas (e.g., Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar):	25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F)	20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F)
Northern Safari Circuit (e.g., Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro):	20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)	10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F)
Southern and Western Tanzania (e.g., Selous, Ruaha, Katavi)	25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F)	15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).

Is August Good for a Safari in Tanzania?

Absolutely! Apart from being the busiest and costliest period, game viewing during August is still out of this world. The vastness of the Serengeti, Tarangire and other National Parks make it easy to find secluded areas, escaping from the convoys of safari trucks that abound during the high season, and allow viewing the wildlife in complete solitude.

One benefit of visiting in busy periods is, with more cars searching for wildlife, you’re more likely to get more calls on the radio alerting you to a fantastic wildlife sighting. You’re not solely reliant on your guide’s tracking skills at this time of year.

With August being in the second half of the long dry season, it means that the grasses are short and vegetation is less dense making wildlife easier to spot. The animals also tend to hang out around the river banks and waterholes, making them even easier to find. 

And then of course, we have the Great Migration, which is regarded as the ultimate natural spectacle to witness. The northern regions of the Serengeti provide the best  wildlife viewing during August, as the migratory herds are here in their millions, bringing  with them all the big cats and other predators like hyenas, thus increasing your chances of seeing them in action and perhaps witnessing a kill right in front of your eyes.

Where is the Great Wildebeest Migration in August?

By August, millions of wildebeest, zebras and various gazelle species are galloping through the northern section of the Serengeti and some may have already crossed the infamous Mara River and into Kenya.

After being continually attacked by lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas along their perilous 1,000 kilometre journey, the herds now need to run the gauntlet and cross the Mara River in which thousands of hungry crocs gather here every year in anticipation of the feast to come. Some of these crocodiles have not had a meal for months or even up to a year, so they are pretty hungry.

Crocs taken out of the equation, the river is a danger in itself. Its strung currents drown around 6,000 individual wildebeest each year, which although sounds utterly tragic, the death of these animals contributes positively to biodiversity within the river itself – the true meaning of the circle of life.

Most tour operators take their guests to their favourite spots along the river banks, notoriously famous for viewing the carnage that ensues throughout August. And to think that within a few months, the herds will have to cross this river once again on their southward bound return journey.

August is perhaps the best month to try to catch a glimpse of the great herds crossing the Mara River. However, a sighting of the event is never guaranteed.

The timing of the rains is the key factor in prompting the wildebeest to migrate, and if the rains come early or late, this changes their schedule and means they’ll reach the Mara River at a different time.

Additionally, the herds are rightly nervous to cross the Mara River and groups can spend hours milling on the riverbank, deciding whether or not to cross. It’s all a game of patience as you never know when that one wildebeest will be bold enough to take the plunge, followed by hundreds more. The river crossings only last a few minutes at a time and can stop as quickly as they started.

Is August a Good Time to Visit Zanzibar?

When visiting any tropical island paradise, the four basic requirements are sunny skies, no wind, no rain and calm blue water, and that’s exactly what you can expect to find in Zanzibar in August.

Apart from being the heart of the high-season where prices of everything are sky high and certain beaches and resorts get crowded, there are no other negatives to visiting Zanzibar during August.

Fortunately, the Zanzibar Archipelago consists of three main islands and numerous other smaller islets, providing hundreds of kilometres of secluded coves, pristine sandbanks and beaches to escape the madding crowds.

The seas are at their calmest, with clear blue water, perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, swimming or just soaking in the sun, which are basically what most people come here for.

There is a vast selection of accommodation joints scattered across all the main islands, from the most extravagant resorts to basic rustic cabins on the water’s edge, hidden among the lush coastal vegetation.  

August is also a good time to explore Stone Town, the old historic sector of Zanzibar City, as temperatures usually hover around 20-30°C, a nice temperature as it’s not too hot.

If you’re visiting Tanzania in August then I’d strongly recommend a 7-10 day itinerary that incorporates both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Location	Daytime temperatures	Nighttime temperatures
Zanzibar	29°C to 31°C (84°F to 88°F)	21°C to 23°C (70°F to 73°F)

Is August a Good Time to Hike Kilimanjaro?

Being one of the driest months of the year makes August an excellent time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, although it will be a lot colder at the summit and at nights than during any other time of year. But then again, it’s still going to be cold on the summit and you’re likely to experience every type of climate no matter what time of year you choose.

You’ll be passing through tropical rainforests, alpine desert and sub-zero arctic conditions on your multi-day hike up to the Roof of Africa. The only downside may be that it is also the busiest time of the year. There are however several routes to the summit, somewhat lessening the volume of traffic.

Is August a Good Time for Birding in Tanzania?

Although August may not be the best time for birders in Tanzania, it’s still pretty awesome. The country’s varied landscape of vast grasslands, lush tropical forests, mountains and wetlands sustains an incredible range of over 1,000 species of birds. The waterholes, rivers and countless lakes that dot the countryside and game parks are packed with thousands of water birds, including enormous colonies of lesser and greater pink flamingos.

The summer migratory species from the northern hemisphere, mainly Europe and Asia are still plentiful in August, while numerous endemic and some very rare and critically endangered species can be found across this entire pristine landscape virtually all year round. One such endangered species is the long-billed forest warbler, which is found in the Usambara Mountains in the north-eastern corner of the country. It is found nowhere else on earth. Serious birders will seek this character out.

There are also many other permanent residents which are fairly common in almost all the regions of Tanzania. These include the majestic fish eagle, the kleptomaniac tawny eagle, Tanzania’s national bird, the elegant crested crane, the comical and raucous hornbill, and everything from the tiniest and most exquisitely decorated sunbird to the world’s largest bird, the flightless ostrich.

Some of the best birding sites are within Tanzania’s premier national parks, such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. The dry weather and sparse foliage during the dry month of August makes for ideal bird spotting conditions.

Events in Tanzania in August

Several annual events take place in Tanzania during August, which offer a welcome relief from days of trudging around the African bush. 

One such event is the Mwaka Kogwa Festival. Dating back to their ancient Persian roots, this festival is a celebration of the Persian New Year that takes place in and around Zanzibar during late July and early August. The best place to witness this spectacle is in Zanzibar City but even better, in the small village of Makunduchi, situated on the southern tip of the main island. 

There is much song and dance with the women dressing up in their best clothes and singing songs of family, love and joy while the men play-fight, beating each other with banana sticks to rid all aggression and misfortune they may have suffered during the past year. It all ends well and nobody dies, with a straw hut being set alight followed by a huge feast of traditional Swahili food and much drum beating well into the night. Everyone is welcome to join the festivities and nobody gets to sleep.

For the sailing fraternity, the Tanzacat Regatta is a more relaxing event that takes place in Dar es Salaam over a multi-day race to Zanzibar and the mainland. The trip will take you to remote sandbars in the archipelago for lunch and partying and staying overnight in the historic Stone Town and the Saadani National Park. This event is organised by the Dar es Salaam Sailing Club.

Costs of Visiting Tanzania in August

Costs of visiting Tanzania can vary significantly between game lodges, camps and between hotels and resorts along the coast or on the Zanzibar Islands. Length of stay, safari vehicle type and choice of itinerary also play a huge role.

August is peak season so costs of lodging, safari tours and flights will inevitably be at their highest.

In my experience, I have found that booking through a local safari agent is far cheaper than by going through any UK or US based travel agent. Depending on the style and level of comfort you prefer, it may cost you anything upwards of $400 per day per person in high season excluding flights and tips for a budget end safari.

Mid-range is probably the most popular choice with costs being from $500 per person per day. Mid-range means comfortable accommodation with showers, toilets, proper beds and better all-round services.

High-end luxury safaris can cost anything from around $600 to a whopping $15,000 per person per day.

For a more detailed cost breakdown, I have an in-depth article on Tanzania safari costs.

Best Places to Go on Safari in Tanzania in August

Tanzania is a vast country with spectacular parks scattered across the landscape, with each park having its own ecology, personality and beauty. You could spend months in each park and still not get to see all there is to see and experience. 

For an overall and satisfying safari experience in Tanzania, there are three iconic national parks you dare not miss.

1. Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) 

Situated a stone’s throw from the Kenyan border in the Northern Serengeti, Kogatende is slap bang in the centre of the migration route and exactly where the herds are bound to be during the month of August. It’s no coincidence that there are numerous lodges and camps scattered in this area and the strategically placed airstrip provides easy and quick access to this otherwise remote part of the Serengeti.

Apart from the millions of wildebeest, zebras and antelope species that race past non-stop during the whole month of August, elephants, hippos, buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes as well as all the big cats, hyenas and other smaller predators are all common sightings.

At this time of year, witnessing millions of animals swimming across this crocodile-infested river is often the highlight for many visitors to the Serengeti. 

2. Central Serengeti (Seronera)

Situated in central Serengeti, Seronera is also on the Great Migration route, but by the time August arrives, most of the migratory herds of wildebeest, zebras and antelope have long since gone past. But nevertheless, this area has one of the greatest populations of resident wildlife species than anywhere else in the entire Serengeti and remains a popular safari destination all year round.

Among this vast and diverse ecosystem, you can find elephants, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, waterbuck, impalas, reedbuck, baboons and other primates by the thousand. With so much prey easily available throughout the year, it comes as no surprise that the central Serengeti has the one of the highest concentration of lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and other smaller predators like jackals, several cats and bat-eared foxes in Africa. 

Vast open plains dotted with numerous waterholes around which these animals like to hang out, provide excellent opportunities to view successful hunts and often at close range. It also comes as no surprise to find numerous lodges and camps scattered across this region, some of which are perfectly situated so that you can view the game without leaving your lodge. 

This area is not only ideal for traditional game drives, but the mild and mostly sunny weather during August makes it an excellent period for hot-air balloon safaris. Although rather costly, viewing wildlife from above provides the ultimate thrill and a truly Out of Africa experience.

3. Ngorongoro Crater

Regarded as the Eden of Africa, the Ngorongoro Crater is another natural gem of Tanzania that just has to be on top of your list of places to visit in Tanzania.

Along with the iconic Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site and once you see it, it’s not difficult to see why.

Spanning 19 kms across from the rim of this ancient volcano crater, you gaze across the 260 km² of pristine wilderness that lies spread out over 600 metres below your feet. Within this natural paradise live over 25,000 animals, including the Big Five (lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards and buffalos) and so much more, except for giraffes and crocodiles.

The highly alkaline Lake Magadi sitting in the middle of the crater floor, is bursting with thousands of water birds and is home to huge colonies of pink flamingos, all adding life and colour to this already magical setting.

No camps or lodges exist in the caldera, but many operate from just outside the rim, offering a wide range of safari options, including walking safaris, which provide an exciting sense of adventure. With such a high concentration of wildlife crammed into a small area, the chances of seeing most of the species on a single game drive are pretty high. 

The steep volcano rim makes it impossible for any migration to take place, making Ngorongoro an all year round safari destination. As with all game parks in Tanzania, August is one of the best months to visit Ngorongoro. 

4. Tarangire National Park

Situated not too far south east of Ngorongoro, Tarangire is another magical park that rates among the best safari destinations in Tanzania. This vast 2 800 km² wilderness is home to a vast array of animal species, including the Big Five, although spotting one of Tarangire’s black rhinos is a rare feat.

The stars of this magnificent park are, however, its massive herds of elephants, with some herds reaching over 300 strong. August is a great month to visit Tarangire as the dry weather sends the animals on migration to Tarangire, not as huge as the Serengeti, but spectacular nevertheless. Tarangire is also a birder’s paradise being home to over 500 species of birds.

During this period most animals can be found hanging around the Tarangire River, which runs across almost the entire park. There are a handful of camps and lodges within the park, many of which are situated in close proximity to the river making wildlife spotting that much easier.

Best Itineraries for Tanzania in January

With so much to see in the three above-mentioned parks, the bare minimum amount of time you could hope to spend in Tanzania is three days. However, considering the amount of money you have spent, the effort taken to get here and the time spent travelling between parks, an itinerary of five days or up to seven to ten days may be more suitable.

Below are my recommended itineraries for visiting Tanzania in August.

7 Day Best of Tanzania in August Itinerary

A 7 Day itinerary will provide ample time to truly enjoy the best of what the three above-mentioned parks have to offer, and still allow two days to relax on the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar.

It is highly recommended that you arrange your safari company to pick you up from the airport and drive you to your destination in their safari truck or use a high end taxi. Avoid driving after dark as the roads become rather sketchy at this time.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary starts in Arusha and ends in Zanzibar.

Day By Day Breakdown for my 7 Day January Itinerary

5 Day Tanzania in August Itinerary

A five day itinerary is almost identical to the seven day itinerary but is more suited for people who are only interested in viewing the wildlife and skipping out on the Zanzibar experience.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary starts and ends in Arusha.

Day By Day Breakdown for my 5 Day August Itinerary

Day 3: Central Serengeti

Driving time (excluding game drives): 4 hours

After breakfast you set off exploring the Central Serengeti, which is renowned for its high population of big cats, plus elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras etc, etc.

Your game drive will take you gradually northwards, ending up in the Northern Serengeti where the world’s biggest land migration is in full swing during August. The great herds of wildebeest are crossing the Mara River at this time of year, contending with strong currents and hungry crocodiles. Watching a crossing can be an exhilarating yet at the same time heart-wrenching experience.

You’ll spend the night in Northern Serengeti.

3 Day Tanzania in August Itinerary

Whilst 5-10 days is in my opinion the optimal amount of time for a safari in Tanzania, if time is short or if budget is tight, you could still experience the magic of the wild and get to explore two of Africa’s most iconic game parks – Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks. 

And you could not have picked a better month than August to do that.

Itinerary Map

Itinerary starts and ends in Arusha.

Day By Day Breakdown for my 3 Day August Itinerary

Final Thoughts

As you have probably fathomed out by now, Tanzania is a vast country, rich in wildlife, fascinating cultures, history and natural beauty. But apart from all that I have covered here, there are so many other places to see and experience. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, in a group or as a family, Tanzania has something for everyone. 

If wildlife is your passion, there is no better month to visit Tanzania than in August, even if it’s just to witness the marvel of the great wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River, a spectacle that is worth the trip entirely on its own.