Tanzania in February – all you need to know for your trip

February is often overlooked, but it’s an excellent month to go on a safari in Tanzania. While it is considered high season, February still brings slightly fewer visitors and a more secluded safari experience.

In particular, Tanzania in February is an excellent opportunity to explore the famous Northern Safari Circuit because there are usually slightly fewer tourists in the national parks. The calving season of wildebeest occurs in the Ndutu Region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Therefore, this region will see more tourists than other places in Tanzania in February.

It is also a great month to combine a safari with a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro or a tropical beach retreat on Zanzibar.

However, rainfall and high temperatures can occur. That said, when it does rain, it tends to be in passing afternoon thunderstorms, which is unlikely to impact morning game drives. Temperatures are high, especially along the coast. Even if it can be hot and humid, it’s still a great time to snorkel in the marine parks and relax on the beach.

Weather in Tanzania in February

Thanks to its proximity to the equator, Tanzania has a tropical climate devoid of summer and winter. Instead, there are two dry seasons and two rainy seasons.

Tanzania’s weather in February is a tale of two halves. In the north, January and February undergo a short dry period. However, in southern Tanzania, the rainy season starts in November and lasts until May. Consequently, the weather in Tanzania in February suits a safari on the Northern Circuit.

If it rains while you are on safari, it will typically occur in passing afternoon thunderstorms. The benefit of rain is that verdant parks and clear skies offer exceptional landscape photography.

February is one of the hottest months of the year, with increased humidity, especially along the coast. However, early morning game drives, the best time for spotting wildlife, are pleasant. Moreover, if you like the heat, a beach retreat with hot weather will suit you. Additionally, you’ll be rewarded with excellent underwater visibility and the chance to enjoy the tropical islands with fewer people.

High-altitude destinations like the Ngorongoro Crater will experience lower temperatures and higher rainfall. Moreover, fewer people climb Mount Kilimanjaro and the generally less visited Mount Meru in February, which offers the chance to enjoy a trek with fewer people on the mountains.

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Average temperature in Tanzania in February

Tanzania enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round. However, temperatures in Tanzania are at their highest in February. In the north, afternoon temperatures climb to 28°C (82°F), while in the southern region, temperatures are hotter, reaching up to 31°C (87°F). Meanwhile, at the coast, temperatures rise to as high as 33°C (91°F). In contrast, high-altitude areas such as Ngorongoro Crater have cooler temperatures, rising to 25°C (77°F) during the afternoon. Therefore, it is advisable to pack warm clothing for early morning game drives or to sit around the campfire at night, as it can get quite chilly.

Is February a good time to go on safari in Tanzania?

February is one of the most underrated times to go on a safari in Tanzania, but not many people know it. While it is the high season, there are usually still fewer visitors, with a bit of luck you can find slightly lower prices, and the landscapes turned green from the rain.

Safaris in Tanzania are divided into three circuits: north, south, and west. The southern and western circuits receive higher rainfall, so focusing on a northern safari is the best strategy in Tanzania in February. The Northern Circuit includes amazing parks like the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park, where you can see the wildebeest migration, the Big Five and much more.

The dry season in Tanzania lasts from June to October and is also considered the high season. During this period, the Northern Safari Circuit receives many international visitors and can feel busy. As a result, a safari in Tanzania in February offers the opportunity to explore these incredible ecosystems without the high visitor numbers that occur at other times of the year.

Two of our favourite safaris in February:

Wildlife viewing is at its best during the dry seasons, as wildlife congregates near remaining water sources, while sparse vegetation makes spotting them much easier. Despite denser vegetation on the Northern Circuit in February, wildlife viewing will still be incredibly rewarding, thanks to one of Africa’s highest wildlife densities.

Locational highlights to see and do in Tanzania in February:

• On the fertile plains of the southern Serengeti National Park, the wildebeest gather in mega-herds from early January to give birth to their young. Consequently, in February, there is time to see the end of the calving season and witness this incredible stage in the annual wildebeest cycle. Due to the calving season, there may be more visitors in this area than in other areas in Tanzania in February.
• It is an ideal month for a photography safari because there are fewer vehicles and people in the parks. This means, you can take photos while no other car obstructs your view and photo, which can be challenging in the high season.

What is Zanzibar like in February?

If you don’t mind high temperatures and humidity, February is an ideal month to explore the tropical Zanzibar archipelago. One of the advantages of a beach getaway in February is that visitor numbers are lower, creating serene conditions for a romantic getaway. Consequently, it is the perfect way to conclude a once-in-a-lifetime safari.

The Zanzibar archipelago consists of two main islands, Zanzibar and Pemba, and about fifty smaller ones, located 35km from mainland Tanzania. It has been a trading hub for decades and is a melting pot of diverse cultures, heavily influenced by Portuguese and Arabic cultures. As a result, visitors can expect a unique experience that will transport them far from their ordinary lives. The islands boast stunning beaches, beautiful coral gardens, and various tropical produce, including spices.

Highlights include a tour of the ancient streets of Stone Town, a spice tour, and exceptional underwater visibility in February, which makes diving and snorkelling superb.

Is February a good time to climb Kilimanjaro?

February is an excellent month to climb Kilimanjaro despite the slight possibility of rainfall. The highlight is the lower number of climbers, which makes for a better experience. We offer treks on four routes that take between six to eight days, both in private and group treks. Moreover, joining our experienced mountain teams will mean that you are in safe hands.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry season, from June to October. The dry conditions create ideal conditions while reducing the risk of cancelling treks due to poor weather. However, the dry season is the busiest period, which can be a downside.

The wilder Mount Meru is an excellent option if you are looking for a shorter yet equally challenging trek. It takes four days to complete, giving you more time to enjoy a safari or beach break afterwards.

How much is the cost of visiting Tanzania in February?

Visiting Tanzania will not be cheap, as a long flight followed by travelling vast distances to stay in accommodation in the heart of nature simply does cost money. However, our guests often tell us that their experience far exceeds their expectations and the trip’s value for money is excellent.

There are ways to save money when booking a safari in Tanzania in February, which we’ll share below, along with several other tips on how to make the most of your experience.

No matter when you travel to Tanzania, we recommend budgeting for at least seven to ten days. Tanzania is 2.6 times larger than Germany; therefore, staying longer means you can spend more time living the experience than just driving from A to B.

February is not the most expensive month to travel to Tanzania, but it is still considered the high season. If you are flexible, you may find camps that offer lower rates than during the peak season.

There are two ways to save money when planning your trip to Tanzania in February:

In Tanzania, you can select a private safari or group safari. Private safaris allow you to choose your travel dates and destinations, making them ideal for families, romantic couples, photographers, and birdwatchers or other special interest travellers. If you travel alone or as a couple, group safaris allow you to share the cost of a safari with like-minded people. If you book with us, group safaris are limited to seven guests, guaranteeing a window seat in a 4×4 vehicle.

Another way to save money is by varying your accommodation type, from lodges to Mobile Explorer Camps or Adventure Camping. Contact a country expert for a no-obligation conversation, and they can plan safaris to meet almost any budget.

What to wear in Tanzania in February

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a safari in February:

• Include soft, light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and trousers to protect from the sun and biting insects.
• Bring a warm layer for the early morning game drive.
• Avoid wearing camouflage or bright colours, as well as dark blue and black.
• Bring a small rucksack to carry binoculars, guidebooks, water, and snacks.
• Pack sun protection, such as hats and sunglasses.
• Bring closed shoes for game drives and sitting around the campfire at night.
• Prepare for a romantic dinner by packing something smart to wear.
• Pack a swimsuit to enjoy the lodge pools during hot afternoons.
• If you visit Zanzibar, pack clothes that will cover your shoulders and knees in public places, as 98% of the population is Muslim.

Is February a good time to visit Tanzania?

February is a great month to visit Tanzania and enjoy the country’s wildlife and natural beauty. It also allows you to experience an intimate safari in Northern Tanzania without the high visitor numbers common during the peak season. However, it can get busy in the Ndutu Region due to the wildebeest calving season.

Additionally, February is an excellent time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, as fewer climbers are on the mountain. While it may be hot on the coast, this is the perfect time for scuba diving, thanks to exceptional visibility.

Are you ready to experience Tanzania in February? Whether you’re dreaming of a secluded safari, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or relaxing on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, February offers the perfect balance of adventure and tranquillity. Contact us to plan your tailor-made Tanzanian getaway!