Tanzania in July – weather, prices, safari & more

July in Tanzania is an excellent month for a safari, mountain trek and tropical beach retreat. It is the dry season, which begins in June and ends in October. Consequently, the weather is fantastic, with pleasant temperatures, low rainfall and humidity. Wildlife viewing in Tanzania in July is at its best, as the drying landscapes and scarce vegetation force high concentrations of wildlife to reside near permanent water sources, increasing the likelihood of great sightings.

The weather in Tanzania in July is perfect for a beach retreat on the Zanzibar archipelago. It also creates excellent conditions for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru. However, July is also the high season, higher prices apply, and you should book up to a year in advance, especially for safaris on the northern circuit. Alternatively, you can experience a more secluded safari in July on Tanzania’s Southern Circuit.

Weather in Tanzania in July

Tanzania has a tropical climate due to its proximity to the equator. As a result, there are no summer and winter seasons. Instead, there are two dry seasons and two rainy seasons.

July is ideal for a mountain trek, safari, or beach getaway throughout Tanzania. It is the second month of the dry season and arguably one of the best months to visit Tanzania. The long rains occur from mid-March to May, turning the landscapes green. By July, the dry weather begins to turn the landscapes from green to gold, making it a beautiful month to be in Tanzania’s wilderness.

Temperatures are lowest at the beginning of June, the start of the dry season. As the months go by, temperatures slowly rise month after month. In July, the temperatures are mild and pleasant. However, early morning game drives will feel cold, requiring a warm layer of clothes to keep you warm.

Remember that temperatures can be ten degrees colder if you have a high-altitude destination on your itinerary. For example, if you are visiting the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken caldera, you will stay overnight on the crater rim, 2200m above sea level. At this altitude, frosts are not unheard of.

Average temperature in Tanzania in July

Tanzania has a pleasant tropical climate, but temperature variations are based on the region and altitude. In July, the average maximum temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). The southern parks and coastal areas experience higher temperatures, while the northern parks are cooler. Mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cold, so it is recommended to pack warm clothes for game drives and sitting around the fire at night. At higher altitudes, temperatures can drop dramatically, sometimes reaching zero degrees. The following section provides a packing guide for a Tanzania experience in July.

Is July a good month to go on safari in Tanzania?

July is one of the best months for a Tanzanian safari, with perfect conditions for wildlife viewing and witnessing the wildebeest migration. However, July is a popular month for Tanzania’s northern parks. Sightings of the Big Five and the Great Migration herds attract larger numbers of tourists and safari vehicles.

If you want to visit Tanzania in July, but prefer an experience with only few other visitors around, you can choose a niche park that attracts fewer tourists. Tanzania is home to some of the most abundant wildlife on the planet, offering unique experiences across the country. Moreover, safaris are categorised into northern, southern, and western circuits.

The northern circuit includes world-renowned parks such as the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and the Serengeti National Park. Exploring the southern and western parks in July will give you a more tranquil experience.

The Southern Circuit parks are some of Africa’s last remaining wildernesses. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites include Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, which are so large that they feel secluded even during high season. Notably, some of the highest populations of big cats and elephants can be seen, as well as rare species like wild hunting dogs and black rhinos that reside here. Additionally, visitors can experience the wildlife up close through boat, walking, and balloon safaris.

The Western Circuit offers parks that are so remote that they are fly-in destinations that few others have explored. These secluded parks have high densities of wildlife unhabituated to humans and landscapes where time seems to have stood still. Highlights include Katavi National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park.

Locational highlights to see and do during July:

• A mini wildebeest migration also occurs in the Tarangire National Park, a great place to see some of Tanzania’s largest herds of elephants along the Tarangire River.
• In the Serengeti National Park, the wildebeest of the Great Migration herds move north from the western corridor, where they face their second deadly obstacle, crossing the Mara River.
• In Katavi National Park, dried-up rivers force hundreds of hippos and crocodiles into close proximity.

What is Zanzibar like in July?

July in Zanzibar offers pleasant temperatures and low humidity, making it an excellent month to plan special occasions, such as honeymoons, thanks to the consistently good weather. It is a great month to unwind, soak up exceptional hospitality, and enjoy delicious seafood. Moreover, snorkelling and scuba diving are great activities this season. For those seeking a secluded destination, consider the tropical paradise of Mafia Island.

The Zanzibar archipelago comprises two large islands, Pemba and Zanzibar, and around fifty smaller islands located 35km from the mainland and can be easily reached by taking a short flight.

The islands’ architecture is very striking, featuring Arabic and Portuguese influences. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another world as you wander through the narrow streets of Stone Town or while tasting the abundance of tropical fruit during a spice tour. Additionally, the pristine tropical beaches, with accommodations nestled in coconut groves, and the coral gardens of numerous marine parks make Zanzibar an epic post-safari destination.

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Is July a good time to climb Kilimanjaro?

Thanks to consistently dry weather conditions, July is a great month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. When you book with us, you can choose from four routes on a private or group trek that’ll take six to eight days to complete. Moreover, with our teams on the mountain, you are sure to be in safe hands.

This trek is famous not only because it’s Africa’s highest mountain, but also because you don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer; you just need to be physically fit and strong-willed. It is also a beautiful trek as you pass through Kilimanjaro National Park’s five vegetative mountain zones while enjoying spectacular views of Kenya and Tanzania.

If you are searching for an equally challenging adventure off the beaten path, consider the highly underrated Mount Meru trek. It only takes four days to complete, and on the first day, you will be surrounded by Tanzania’s wildlife.

Cost of visiting Tanzania in July

July offers perfect conditions for a safari, beach retreat or mountain climb. As a result, it is the high season when peak prices apply. Don’t be put off by the high season as there are still ways to save.

The ideal duration for a Tanzania holiday is at least seven to ten days to avoid feeling rushed when driving long distances between parks. Staying longer will give you a richer experience.

Park fees and flight costs are fixed expenses. However, there are two ways to influence the overall cost of your safari. Firstly, you can choose between a private or group safari.

Group safaris are cheaper if you are travelling alone or as a couple because the costs are shared with other people. Our group safaris are limited to seven guests and guarantee a window seat in a 4×4.

On the other hand, private safaris offer complete flexibility in terms of dates, destinations, and companions. Private safaris can also be cost effective depending on the number of people in your group.

The second way to save money is to choose your accommodation carefully. If you choose to stay outside the park, you’ll pay less in park fees. You can also mix up your accommodation options by choosing between Lodge Safaris, Adventure Camping in public campsites and Mobile Explore Camps in remote and private campsites.

Finally, you can plan your safari within your budget by working with our experts. Arrange a no-obligation chat today.

Two of our favourite safaris in July:

What to wear in Tanzania in July

Here are our packing tips, which revolve around keeping it light, soft and simple.

• Bring light-coloured 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.
• Bring warm clothes to wear during early morning game drives.
• Pack hats and shades to protect from the sun.
• Bring a small rucksack for binoculars, a guidebook, water and snacks.
• Pack closed shoes for game drives and for sitting around the campfire at night.
• Don’t forget a swimsuit to dip in one of the lodge pools.
• Pack something smart to enjoy a classic safari dinner.
• If you visit Zanzibar, pack clothes that can cover your shoulders and knees when visiting public places.

Is July a good time to visit Tanzania?

July is one of the best months to visit Tanzania as the weather is perfect, and the wildlife spotting conditions are ideal. However, Tanzania in July can be busier than usual, especially on the northern safari circuit. Consequently, you can choose the southern or western circuits for a more secluded trip.

July is also high season in Zanzibar. For a beach getaway with fewer visitors, choose Pemba or Mafia Islands. It is also a popular time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This means that if you are interested in trekking a mountain, you can consider trekking Mount Meru for a more tranquil experience.

No matter where you plan to go in Tanzania in July, booking your trip as early as possible is recommended. Ideally, up to a year in advance. Contact us for a no-obligation conversation to start playing your Tanzania safari in July.