Tanzania in September – weather, prices, safari & more

September is the fourth month of the dry season, and it’s an excellent month to travel to Tanzania to enjoy a safari combined with a mountain trek or beach retreat to Zanzibar. The dry season offers perfect wildlife viewing conditions as the dry landscapes force the animals to stay near permanent water sources, and sparse vegetation makes spotting the wildlife easier. Dry weather also creates ideal conditions to trek Mount Kilimanjaro or the wilder Mount Meru.

While at the coast, perfect temperatures offer the ideal weather for a beach retreat – a perfect way to conclude a safari. During the dry season, peak prices apply. If you want to travel to Tanzania in September, you should book one year in advance. Below, we provide tips on how to enjoy a more secluded experience and save money.

What is the weather in Tanzania in September like?

Tanzania’s location near the equator results in a tropical climate where summer and winter seasons are replaced by two rainy and two dry seasons.

September is the fourth month of the dry season, which runs from June to the end of October. During these five months, the likelihood of rain is minimal throughout Tanzania, making it an ideal period for safaris, treks, and beach vacations.

Temperatures in Tanzania in September vary depending on the region and altitude. Generally speaking, southern Tanzania is hotter than the north, while the coastal areas experience the highest temperatures. In June, which marks the start of the dry season, temperatures are at their lowest, yet still warm, owing to the tropical climate. As the months go by, temperatures gradually rise. By September, temperatures are pleasant. However, morning game drives may feel chilly, so it’s a good idea to wear a warm layer to stay comfortable.

At altitude, temperatures and rainfall can vary, so be prepared for temperatures to be ten degrees lower. Moreover, during the night, temperatures can plummet to zero, so it is worth packing multiple thin layers that you can take off as the mornings quickly warm up.

Average temperature in Tanzania in September

Tanzania’s tropical climate results in consistently warm temperatures year-round. However, variations occur according to location and altitude. In Tanzania in September, the average maximum temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F). In southern parks and coastal regions, temperatures range from 28°C (82°F) to 30°C (86°F). Meanwhile, the temperatures in the north vary between 24°C (75°F) and 26°C (78°F). During September in Tanzania, warm clothes are necessary due to the cold evenings and mornings.

Two of our favourite safaris in September:

Is September a good month for a safari in Tanzania?

September is an excellent month for a safari in Tanzania. The superb weather creates ideal conditions for being in the wilderness. Moreover, the drying landscapes and sparse vegetation make wildlife viewing much easier, enabling you to see high concentrations of animals and birds. However, September is a busy period, especially in northern Tanzania. So, if you prefer a secluded experience, we offer some alternative suggestions below.

Tanzania’s safari destinations are split into three circuits: the north, south, and west. The north has UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park, and other gems like Tarangire National Park, home to one of Tanzania’s largest populations of elephants. It is Tanzania’s most famous circuit, and bookings for September should be made about one year in advance.

The southern circuit is highly underrated, with world-class parks home to large populations of big cats and herds of elephants. It is also the meeting place of fauna and flora of Eastern and Southern Africa, increasing the numbers of already abundant species. Due to the parks’ vast size, it is possible to enjoy a secluded safari, even during the high season. Consequently, Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park offer remote safaris you can enjoy on foot, by boat, or even by hot air balloon.

The western circuit is even more remote, with fly-in destinations such as Katavi National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park, where unique experiences far from the crowds are guaranteed even during the high season.

Locational highlights to see and do in Tanzania in September:

• Safaris along the Ruaha River in Ruaha National Park and the Rufiji River of Nyerere National Park will reward visitors with superb sightings of predators and prey.
• Mahale Mountains National Park on the shore of Lake Tanganyika is a tropical paradise. You can trek from your beachside accommodation into the forest to spot our closest living relative, the chimpanzee.
• Enjoy a cross-border safari to follow the wildebeest herds into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.

What is Zanzibar like in September?

Tanzania and Zanzibar offer a one-of-a-kind experience. The Zanzibar archipelago, which comprises fifty tropical islands 35km from Tanzania, allows visitors to enjoy an authentic mainland safari and a relaxing beach retreat. September is an ideal month to visit the Tanzanian coast, as the temperatures are perfect, and the humidity and rainfall are low.

The two largest islands in the archipelago, Zanzibar and Pemba, have beautiful beachside accommodation where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the shore. During the day, you can enjoy the lovely weather and relax on the beach, take a spice tour, go snorkelling and scuba diving in the coral gardens of multiple marine parks, or explore the ancient streets of Stone Town, influenced by Arabic and Portuguese architecture.

Booking a beach retreat in September will allow you to savour exceptional hospitality, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences that will stay with you forever.

Is September a good time to climb Kilimanjaro?

Thanks to consistently dry weather, September is one of the best months to trek Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau – a one-day hike to Kilimanjaro’s oldest and shortest peak, Shira Peak.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a popular trek, and one of the main appeals is the ability to reach the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain without previous mountaineering experience. All you need is good physical fitness and willpower to reach the top. Additionally, being the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, it’s a stunning trek as climbers are rewarded with sweeping, unobstructed views of Kenya and Tanzania.

If you book with Tanzania-Experience, you can choose from four routes that take six to eight days on either a private or group trek. By trusting us, you will join one of our mountain teams, who will guide you safely to the top and back down again. With years of experience on the mountain, you’ll be in safe hands.

September can be a busy month on Kilimanjaro, so if you prefer a trek with fewer people, you could tackle the equally challenging and highly underrated Mount Meru. On day one of the trek, you walk through the forest surrounded by wildlife, making it a unique experience. Moreover, completing the trek only takes four days, giving you more time to enjoy a safari or beach retreat afterwards.

You would like to travel to Tanzania in September?

Get in touch to start planning your trip!

What is the cost of visiting Tanzania in September?

September is the high season, and higher prices apply. It is undoubtedly one of the best months to visit, and below, we share some tips on how to save even during the high season. Alternatively, consider the shoulder season from November to mid-December and January to mid-March for a slightly cheaper experience.

As Tanzania is a vast country, 2.6 times larger than Germany, it is easy to underestimate the time required to drive between parks. To avoid feeling rushed and allow you to savour this experience, we recommend budgeting for a minimum of seven to ten days.

Here are a few ways to save. Firstly, you can mix up your accommodation types throughout your stay. For example, you could spend a few nights in a beautiful lodge, followed by a few nights of Adventure Camping in public campsites. For a balanced experience, consider Mobile Explorer Camps in private campsites while enjoying creature comforts, such as comfortable beds and hot showers. Another way to save is to choose accommodation options outside national parks, allowing you to avoid paying park fees.

Secondly, you can choose a private or group safari. Private safaris can be cost-effective depending on the number of people in your group. They also allow you to select your dates, destinations, and travel companions, making them perfect for honeymooners, families, birdwatchers, or photographers. On the other hand, group safaris have scheduled dates and itineraries but offer the opportunity to share costs with like-minded people, which is ideal if you are travelling alone or as a couple. Tanzania-Experience group safaris are limited to a maximum of seven guests, guaranteeing a window seat in a 4X4 vehicle.

You can also arrange a no-obligation conversation with one of our country experts, who can help you plan the ideal safari within your budget.                   

What to wear in Tanzania in September

Here are some tips on what to pack for a visit to Tanzania in September:

• Pack clothing with long sleeves and trousers to protect from the sun and insect bites.
• Avoid brightly coloured clothing, as well as camouflage, dark blue and black.
• Pack warm clothes for early morning game drives.
• Pack sun protection like hats and shades.
• Bring a small bag for binoculars, a guidebook, water, and snacks.
• Pack closed shoes for game drives and sitting around the campfire at night.
• Bring a swimsuit to dip in one of the lodge pools.
• Pack something smart to enjoy a classic safari dinner.
• If Zanzibar is on your itinerary, include clothes that can cover your shoulders and knees when visiting public places.

Is September a good time to visit Tanzania?

Thanks to ideal wildlife spotting conditions and weather, September is an excellent month to visit Tanzania for a trek, safari, and beach getaway. However, September is the high season with peak prices, and the northern safari circuit can feel busy. Nonetheless, you can leave the world behind by choosing a safari on the southern or western circuits, where vast African wildernesses await.

Regardless of which circuit you choose, you are guaranteed excellent experiences thanks to Tanzania’s high concentrations of wildlife. However, booking a year in advance is advisable. Contact our country experts for a no-obligation conversation, and they can help make your dream experience come true.